Band Biography
Shelby’s Elbows are an acoustic duo, made up of Dorset musicians Martin P. Davies and Phil Jeffs.
Formed after meeting in various Open Mic nights in 2008, Shelby’s Elbows have developed into a locally
well known entertainment duo, playing a variety of instruments and producing an instantly recognisable
sound that surprises people when they discover that there’s only two people making it.
Starting out as a covers band, they are now writing and recording their own original music
from a wide variety of influences gained from their covers set – from Nirvana to Neil Young, Seal to Skynyrd,
Dire Straits to Turin Brakes and anything in between.
Shelby’s Elbows are an exciting, dynamic duo, delivering a deep filled sound that punches well above the
level which their numeric deficiency should allow. Inspirational lyrics and catchy conundrums for those who
like to rock their fun but socially-aware world with guitars, exuberance and honesty, along with the misuse
of inappropriate and inaccurate presidential quotes.
‘Shelby’s What?’ – Barack Obama.
History
It all started in early 2008 when Phil was offered a gig, having played a few Open Mic nights at the bar
in which he worked (Number 10 Cafe Bar in Bridport, Dorset). Not having enough material for a whole set, he
approached his friend Martin Davies and asked for his help. He instantly refused. Point blank. He hadn't played
in public for the best part of a decade and was definitely not going to start again now. Definitely not.
So several pints of Guinness and an unknown quantity of rum later, Martin agreed, and before he could do
anything about it, the posters were up, so there was no going back. So on Tuesday April 29th 2008, Phil and Martin,
along with their good friend Simon Wichett played their first ever gig as 'Phil and Friends'. Playing to
a crowd of very understanding friends and family, the gig went well, and a few more followed during the summer
of 2008. In October, Simon decided to leave to focus on his solo projects, and the trio slimmed down to a duo.
Shelby's Elbows were born.
Since then, the band has gone from strength to strength, regularly drawing crowds in their native Bridport, as well as
venturing a little further from home. After a free covers album was produced in 2009, they released their first
original music - The Yesterday's Voice EP - in 2012, and continue to play and entertain throughout the Westcountry.
'I misunderestimated them.' - George W. Bush.
What's in a Name?
One of the most frequent questions asked at gigs, usually after 'Shelley's What?!', is where on earth did the name
Shelby's Elbows come from?
It comes from our very good friend
Shelby Foster,
a fine but lanky chap of American persuasion who has the most
extraordinarily pointy elbows, which he puts to good use when making a
particularly profound point. Shelby usually 'gets his elbows out' to
emphasis what is usually a very well made and humourous point of judgement...
So there you have it!
'I never had sexual relations with those elbows.' - Bill Clinton.
