PETE DAVENPORT - a classic in his time
Peter Davenport, British guitar legend and champion of the pre-Beatles semi acoustic sound has been hypnotising audiences and fellow musicians alike, for over 25 years. With a sound and style that has been compared to Charlie Christian, Frank Beecher, Django Reinhardt and Les Paul, Davenport stands out as a unique and highly talented entertainer and writer, of truly world class ability.
Lovers of 50's styled music will be familiar with Pete through his long-standing band The Stargazers, who, at the dawn of the 1980's were the founding fathers of the ever growing Swing/Jive revival. Many others will have heard Pete Davenport's fancy fret-work and powerful rhythms accompanying top-flight artistes on tours and in the studio, such as Scotty Moore (Elvis' original picker), the late great Carl Perkins, Bill Haley's Comets, DJ Fontana, The Jordanaires, Spaniels, Cleftones, Alvin lee, Jimmy Jones, Louis Lymon and The Teenagers, The Belmonts, Lee Allen, Bobby Lewis, Hal Singer, and a whole host of similarly big names. Davenport has recorded with several of these artists as well as several recording with him on his own releases. A true highlight in Pete's career occurred in 1999 when he was chosen by Gibson Guitar to participate in an MTV aired award ceremony for Scotty Moore. This monumental event took place in London, England at the Beatle's Air Recording Studio, where Pete played with Scotty Moore, Jeff Beck, members of Cream and Yes, etc. This event was recorded and produced by Beatle's producer George Martin.
With The Stargazers, considered the founding fathers of the swing/jive revival in the early 80', Pete re-invented the Big-Beat guitar feel and put vintage Rock 'n' Roll back on the map. His influence is seen today in the that have been inspired by Pete Davenport and the Stargazers. Many attribute him to be major influence, with the swing/jive genre remaining in "full bloom" to this day.
With several UK, European, and Asian chart successes under his belt and countless live appearances, Peter Davenport has proven himself to be a classic in his own
PETE DAVENPORT is sponsored by
Scotty Moore:-
…."I can never go back and hit it note for note. It just doesn't feel right." But you must be aware that lots of guitarists today are still trying to do exactly that…."Yes, there's a boy on this tour we just finished, plays every note I ever played- even the bad ones! His name is Peter Davenport and it just amazed me to watch him."
But is it flattering, or do you think it's silly?
"No, I think it's flattering that somebody would take the time. Especially with songs like Too Much, which was in an unusual key for us at the time. It was in A flat, and we'd done two or three cuts on it. But on this particular cut I just got absolutely bonkers, just got lost, but somehow or other I came out of it and that's the one Elvis picked. He said, 'That thing felt good,' because feel was what it was all about. But anyway, this boy Peter would stand there and play that sucker note for note."
Well Now Dig This Magazine, reporting on the historic Comets and Jodimars reunion in 1989
…."If there was difficulty remembering a riff or an arrangement, Pete Davenport was on hand to guide them through."
"Pete Davenport looks just like a young Billy Williamson. He plays like him, moves like him. Seeing him out of the corner of my eye, I kept thinking it was Billy" remarked Dick.
"….with the addition of Pete on steel, they certainly did not lack the clarity and punch of the old Haley sound."
"….Pete in particular was on cloud nine, living out his dream of playing with Franny Beecher. During every break the pair were to be found trading licks. Pete would fade off into the background and Franny would reel off blinding solo after solo, demonstrating clearly why he had worked with The King Of Swing (he was with Benny Goodman) and The King Of Rock And Roll. Pete re-introduced him to The Comet's arrangement of 'Spanish twist' and 'Joey's Song'."
"….we waited in anticipation for The Jodimars' debut U.K. appearance and first gig since 1959….the atmosphere was electrifying. The BBC moved in to do their research….With Pete Davenport on lead guitar, Rick Brawn on drums and Chris Gardner on piano (all Stargazers), they provided an authentic sound and credit must be given to these guys. The arrangements were as near as you'll ever get to the original recordings."