Jeff Davis

Jeff Davis is one of those musicians who makes everything look easy. He plays superb old-time fiddle, is a master of clawhammer banjo and just as good on guitar, mandolin or mandocello, without ever striving too hard for showy licks or empty virtuosity. His singing, based on long immersion in the styles of the old singers is truly timeless, conjuring vividly the world of the cowboy or the Civil War soldier. “When Jeff Davis sings the repertoire of the Appalachian Mountains,” said the Chronicle Herald of Nova Scotia, “he cuts through decades and across borders, sitting us right down in the dirt in front of a weather-beaten shack, at the feet of a hillbilly singer - he combines authenticity and art in a rare way.” Jeff has an unusual and refreshing repertoire that includes songs and music from New England and the American West, as well as the more common Southern mountain material. His performances range from Appalachian ballads to Long Island fiddle tunes, songs of the civil war to African-American-style banjo-picking.

Jeff Davis worked for many years with Jeff Warner in a partnership described by the American magazine Dirty Linen in a review of their album Wilder Joy as “one of the best old-time duos to be found in this whole country”. Since striking out as a soloist, Davis has been busy with educational projects, while still finding time for regular tours of the UK. His solo CD, Some Fabulous Yonder, released in 2007, attracted very enthusiastic reviews.

Jeff has played major folk festivals on both sides of the Atlantic, including Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival in Nova Scotia (where he is virtually a fixture on the bill), and US events including Old Songs, NY, Summerfest, MA., Mystic Seaport, CT, and many others. In England he has appeared at The National Folk Festival, Towersey, Whitby, Fylde, Bromyard, Chippenham and Cleethorpes, and was special guest at the all-star “Songlinks” concert at Cecil Sharp House, London.

“One of the outstanding performers of the American folk revival.... Jeff has a lovely lived-in voice and he ranges widely through the many strands that make up the American tradition whilst providing exquisite accompaniments on banjo, mandocello, and guitar…. one of the finest old-time fiddle players”
fRoots (UK)

“A fine interpreter of traditional song”
Sing Out! (USA)

“Whether singing or playing, Jeff Davis' work oozes class and commitment …. He has deep understanding and love of his material and lets those qualities show through in performance”
The Living Tradition (UK)

MP3 files:
Jeff plays Lincoln Street and Shortnin' Bread
recorded live at Walthamstow Folk Club, April 2005, with Brian Peters, guitar.
Doney Gal, from Jeff's forthcoming CD "Some Fabulous Yonder"
with Brian Peters, melodeon.


Jeff Davis is one of those musicians who makes everything look easy. He plays superb old-time fiddle, is a master of clawhammer banjo and just as good on guitar, mandolin or mandocello, without ever striving too hard for showy licks or empty virtuosity. His singing, based on long immersion in the styles of the old singers is truly timeless, conjuring vividly the world of the cowboy or the Civil War soldier. “When Jeff Davis sings the repertoire of the Appalachian Mountains,” said the Chronicle Herald of Nova Scotia, “he cuts through decades and across borders, sitting us right down in the dirt in front of a weather-beaten shack, at the feet of a hillbilly singer - he combines authenticity and art in a rare way.” Jeff has an unusual and refreshing repertoire that includes songs and music from New England and the American West, as well as the more common Southern mountain material. His performances range from Appalachian ballads to Long Island fiddle tunes, songs of the civil war to African-American-style banjo-picking. Jeff Davis worked for many years with Jeff Warner in a partnership described by the American magazine Dirty Linen in a review of their album Wilder Joy as “one of the best old-time duos to be found in this whole country”. Since striking out as a soloist, Davis has been busy with educational projects, while still finding time for regular tours of the UK. His solo CD, Some Fabulous Yonder, released in 2007, attracted very enthusiastic reviews. Jeff has played major folk festivals on both sides of the Atlantic, including Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival in Nova Scotia (where he is virtually a fixture on the bill), and US events including Old Songs, NY, Summerfest, MA., Mystic Seaport, CT, and many others. In England he has appeared at The National Folk Festival, Towersey, Whitby, Fylde, Bromyard, Chippenham and Cleethorpes, and was special guest at the all-star “Songlinks” concert at Cecil Sharp House, London. “One of the outstanding performers of the American folk revival.... Jeff has a lovely lived-in voice and he ranges widely through the many strands that make up the American tradition whilst providing exquisite accompaniments on banjo, mandocello, and guitar…. one of the finest old-time fiddle players” fRoots (UK) “A fine interpreter of traditional song” Sing Out! (USA) “Whether singing or playing, Jeff Davis' work oozes class and commitment …. He has deep understanding and love of his material and lets those qualities show through in performance” The Living Tradition (UK) MP3 files: Jeff plays Lincoln Street and Shortnin' Bread recorded live at Walthamstow Folk Club, April 2005, with Brian Peters, guitar. Doney Gal, from Jeff's forthcoming CD "Some Fabulous Yonder" with Brian Peters, melodeon.
See Jeff's tour dates