TalkAwhile - The Folk Corporation Forum

Hello everybody. The McMansions are back! Ralph has asked Colin to reinstate his TAW section, and here it is.

We have swept most of the cobwebs out of the old rooms and started a couple of new threads or three to get you going.

Two of the old threads contain really useful You Tube links and guitarists' advice, so have been left as we found them.

We have a lot of catching up to do and Ralph has a UK Tour coming soon, so let's get posting!

Wecome back!

John.

Welcome back to our kind hosts - the Ralph Mansions have been dearly missed.

And hello to good old friends and to new friends as well.

Great job, JJ & John.  ;)

Very glad the mansion has reopened  ;D

...............and glad to see the McTellytubbies back too!  ;)

 ;D ;D

Welcome back to those who have popped their head around the door of the Mansions, hopefully many others will call, tell them we serve tea and cakes at weekends.  ::) Now to lower the tone...  ;D

 A few weeks back I introduced a friend's grandchildren to Ralph's 'Alphabet Zoo'  ::) Apparently it's now on in their car on all journey's and much requested, they know all the songs and sing along. It's driving the parents mad but my friend said how wonderful the writings of those songs are, it's never too late to educate children or even adults in to the fun but very clever songwriting of Mr.Mc. I seriously think these songs are brilliant for young children and every household has a duty to educate children by owning this collection. I promise you those catchy tunes will be in your head all day!

She then wanted something for them to watch at her house so it just had to be 'Tickle on the Tum' DVD, ordered that for only £5 from Amazon.

Welcome back! I'm very happy that the board is on again!

All the best
Domenico :)

Thanks, Domenico. I have made a Fansite News (http://www.talkawhile.co.uk/yabbse/index.php?topic=39901.0) topic where you can keep us up to date with WtS.

Great to see this back up again! Looking forward to chatting about Ralph!

Its good to have this forum again.Thank you to everyone involved in getting it up and running again.

Good to see you good folk too.  ;D

Yeah!   ;D

Nice to see this section of the forum up and running again!

We're just back from holiday, and what a great surprise to find McMansions back on Talkawhile! Thanks to all who've made it possible. Looking forward to lots of talking-awhile,  especially when the Autumn tour starts,
 :) :) Naomi (& Carl)

Yep I totally agree, great to have the McTell site back again , which reminds me , must get those tickets for his November Cambridge Gig.

Hey Martin K good to see you!  ;D Your 'big brother' tells me you are an infrequent visitor to the Mansions and yet I know you have a lot to offer so don't leave it so long next time please.  ;)

Oh goody, Naomi has found her way up the path and into the door again too. Let's party!  ;D. Best go and make some more canapes! Come on John, don your pinny!  8)

I have bowed to popular pressure (well, Naomi asked politely) and restored the old Concert Chatter (http://www.talkawhile.co.uk/yabbse/index.php?topic=7021.0) thread.  There are some great reviews in there. Ralph's 'An English Heartbeat' tour starts next month...

Naomi dug this up off t'internet earlier,  Harbour Songs (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B008FRH1SE/ref=dm_sp_alb)  

It featuers Shed Song by Mr Mc T  -  A bargain at only 69p.

Any ideas where this comes from?  I'm guessing it was recorded as a possible for Somewhere Down the Road.  It seems to have that feel to it  

All the 'Harbour Songs' were commissioned for the Lone Twin Boat Project, who invited folk to contribute something wooden that they then incorporated into an actual boat. They approached several songwriters to write songs about the pieces of wood. Somebody gave a shed...

The CD insert includes the stories behind the pieces of wood and the song lyrics they inspired.

When Ralph talked about his Uncle's shed at the Hull gig, I hoped he would go on to sing 'Shed Song'; but he did 'Barges'. Maybe next time?

Buy the CD, Carl. It's all good.

John.

Did anyone see Ralph on 'Fairport Convention, who knows where the time goes?' on BBC4 on Friday evening? Radio Times claimed that it was 'new', but I have a feeling it's been on before.  :-\

It's on iPlayer here. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01mmw5v/Fairport_Convention_Who_Knows_Where_the_Time_Goes/)

I thoroughly enjoyed the whole programme, and learnt a lot I didn't know before about the development of both FC and Cropredy, though, to start with, I found one aspect of it a tiny bit irritating:

The programme opened with them performing 'Wild Cape Horn', but no mention was made of the author of the song. A short way in Ralph appeared with a one-line contribution about Fairport's influence on the development of folk-rock. After that, despite detailed discussion of the various sources of Fairport's music, there was no mention of Ralph for much of the programme. 'Red and Gold' was used over the introduction of the section of the programme aobut the Cropredy festival - still no mention of Mr McT.  ::)

I was beginning to feel a little frustrated at this, until, right at the end of the part about Cropredy, nearly at the end of the programe, the narrator (Frank Skinner) began to explain that the final performance each year is given by FC themselves, almost always joined by a 'very special guest', who has provided a number of their best loved songs!  :)

At this point, Ralph himself appeared again, explaining that although Fairport sang a number of his songs, they often change them a bit to suit their own style. This was obviously recorded at Cropredy, as he then went on to say that he was about to perform WCH with them, and was hoping he could remember to sing there version, not his - he described it as 'a bit of a learning curve'!

As I say, a very interesting programme - made even better by the short section acknowledging Ralph's contributions! (I should maybe add that I'm sure that any lack in this would be down to the BBC, not Fairport themselves!)

Naomi

It was a brand new programme, filmed over the last year or so. Obviously some of the earlier stuff has been used before, but the contributions by people were brand new.. ;D

...and very nice to see you on the small screen, Jude!

Naomi, there is a detailed discusion on the programme in another place (http://www.talkawhile.co.uk/yabbse/index.php?topic=39757.30) (scroll down to Reply #41 and keep reading).

Thanks John - I've just followed your link & it was interesting to see the viewpoints of those who know much more aobut FC than I do.

Naomi

See? I really do live in the wrong place :'(

Not sure if this is the place? I wondered if anyone had noticed that B2  Songs for Six strings ..This is the second of six CD's. Each will consist of six tracks. Together they will make up the combined box set of live music from 2009 and later.
The box is included with the first CD only.
This and future volumes will only be available at live venues or direct from this website.
The first CD consists of live versions of the tracks:

1. When Maddy Dances
2. Conundrum of Time
3. Aquamarine (Saucers)
4. Arthur Blake
5. First and Last Man
6. Pykie Boy
now available from Ralphs Website?.http://shop.ralphmctell.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=85

Yes, I'll be picking B2 up at next month's concert. Is 'Conundrum of Time' a new song?

And gosh, it's a lot of years since i heard 'Maddy Dances' live. ;)

I know that Koen watched it at the time on Dutch TV (or has some other way to watch BBC4 - is it an option on satellite?). It might be repeated again at some time on the same channel.

I think Henrik's complaint to the EU  ::) ;D is he can't go on to iplayer and watch again like we can, no doubt he will comment further  ;D

No, it's from 'The Boy with a Note'.

Maybe he has the proper BBC package on cable ( unlike me  ::) ) or a proper UK
proxy server that will allow him to watch the iPlayer stuff as if he were inside the UK.

Ralph's new CD of guitar instrumentals, 'Sofa Noodling', is on sale in the McTell webshop (http://shop.ralphmctell.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=21_23&products_id=86) and at the concert merchandise stalls.

There's an interesting article here (http://www.jarrowandhebburngazette.com/lifestyle/entertainment/folk-friends-paths-to-cross-again-1-4988166) about an early gig of Ralph's.

While it doesn't surprise me that they sold 6000 tickets for the gig (particularly in Croydon), but I'm very grateful that this lady gave him this chance  :)

Naomi

Thanks Naomi, that's a good find.  ;)

There's another recent interview wirh Ralph here (http://www.thevisitor.co.uk/news/entertainment/ralph-mctell-i-don-t-know-who-ed-sheeran-is-1-4988792)

Now I'm really confused!   :P ??? The recent article about him in Saga magazine claimed that this is to be his last major tour, but this article says:

"“The idea of never going out on tour any more fills me with fear. As long as there are people who want to hear the songs and as long as I can make a creative contribution, I’ll keep doing it.”

Let's hope that this is the correct version of his plans!

Naomi

There's a couple of recordings 'doing the rounds' that may be of interest to some on here.

Firstly, this one...

Ralph McTell 1989 12 17
Wimbledon Theatre London England

Audience recording. Unknown equipment
1st gen cassette> pc (soundforge fades in / out &repair tape flip)> CD Wav (track splits & flac creation)

Spiral Staircase
Summer Girls
Arthur Blake
First and Last Man
Hands Of Joseph
Lay Me Down Easy
The Old Brown Dog
The Rain And Joy
You Well Meaning Brought Me Here
Travelling Man
White Dress
Zimmerman Blues
Michael In The Garden
The Setting
The Things You Wish Yourself
Streets Of London
Summer Lightning

Time: 79 min 32 sec

And secondly, this little beast featuring a certain Maart on bass

Stratford Civic Centre
6 November 1990
* with Maartin Allcock - Bass

soundboard? low gen cassette > pc (Soundforge - raise levels - disc fades)> cd wav (disc splits, flac creation)>upload

Sweet Mystery
One Heart
Naomi
Gypsy
Clown
Summer Girls *
Wishes & Dreams (Conundrum Of Time) *
The Irish Girl *
Wonderful Country *
The Loving I Crave

Drybone Shuffle
Arthur Blake
Weeping Willow
That'll Do Babe
When Did You Leave Heaven
Hands Of Joseph
Girl From The Hiring Fair
Streets Of London
Kenny The Kangaroo

If you don't know where to look, drop me a line and I'll point you in the right direction.

Hello David  ;)

Thanks a lot for your valuable info.

Well, I did spot the first one on DimeADozen just earlier, but where
did you find the second one, please?

I am having trouble with downloading from DimeADozen atm.,
so it would be great if you found them both at another site.

If you are into Ralph stuff there are also these two new
additions at DimeADozen:


McTell Ralph 1992 03 06 Cardiff

Description   St David’s Hall Cardiff Wales 6 March 1992

&

Ralph McTell 1994-11-14

Description   Ralph McTell and Band
Half Moon, Putney Nov 14 1994

Thanks...will follow up. I was at the Wimbledon theatre for that gig ;D

Ralph has posted a photo of himself on Twitter  here (http:// http://twitter.com/Ralph_McTell/status/257951854644826113/photo/1/large)

Looks like the photographer was a little unsteady - can't imagine why   ;)

 here (http://twitter.com/Ralph_McTell/status/257951854644826113/photo/1/large)  ::)

It's a good job Ralph's got a few days off.
I can just imagine the set list developing as he watches the news
Weather the Storm
Another Rain has fallen
After Rain
No chance of 'The girl on the Jersey Ferry'

 ::) :P ::)

Nice one Carl!  ;D ;D

Not sure if any of you McTellites out there live near St Andrews Uni, but I wish I did at the moment - I'd definitely go to this (http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/events/Title,94777,en.html) if I could!

Me again...

I've just noticed this (http://www.quarterhouse.co.uk/whatson/2012/10/27/ralph_mctell_-_an_english_heartbeat) article about Ralph - I didn't realise that he now has 10 grandchildren!

It's obviously written by someone who appreciates Ralph and has done their research - I like the final paragraph in particular

"Despite rejecting convention, he has carved a successful touring and writing career, still playing sell-out shows around the UK and internationally. From charged political commentary to quiet personal reflection, his songwriting continues to probe and question without diatribe and polemic."

The only minor disappointment is that they've chosen to put a link to the usual song, instead of taking the opportunity to showcase some lesser known examples of his talent - but you can't have everything I suppose!

Naomi

I'd go just to meet 'Bernie Precious!' hehe..what a great name!  ;D

Haha, wondering if his wife calls him "My precious"?  ::)  ( hint. Lord of the Rings ).

Ralph has met Dawn French while on tour here (http://t.co/LSf9v6dC).  

Either he's sitting down or she's wearing 18 inch heels  ;)  

Le Grande Affaire? ::)

One more great picture here (http://pic.twitter.com/PsJTpqU2)

"I'm running and I'm running and I can't reach the top....."  ;D

Just found this (http://www.lady.co.uk/people/profiles/1359-first-impressions-ralph-mctell) interview in 'The Lady'  :o - definitely gone up in the world!

It's an interesting one, but I don't like the picture much - what do you think? (I have to admit, though, that in a funny sort of way it's recognizably Ralph.)

Naomi  :)

The Pretty Brighton Belle...such a lovely song by Ralph, I am sure this news will make him smile.  ;D

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-20877544

Hi all,

I've just discovered this (http://christopherjamespoet.wordpress.com/2012/12/22/down-the-road-with-ralph-mctell/) blog entry.

Though it's a few weeks old, it is worth a read - very well written, and by someone who clearly loves and knows Ralph and his music:

"Despite so many years on the road, Ralph still seems in awe at the love and acclaim he inspires. But he deserves every bit of it – as a living link to a valuable tradition of folk and blues and as a great English musician and poet."

Enjoy!

Naomi

Well discovered, thanks Naomi!  ;D

Just mentioned in another thread I was listening to the Classic Songs 2 disc compilation from years ago that has early Ralph stuff like Summer Come Along, Terminus, Factory Girl (2 versions), Michael (2 versions)...and had a question about Spiral Staircase. The version on here is an 'electric' version with some very tasty electric guitar, almost country-ish. Anyone know who that is playing on this, as it does not sound like Ralph himself.

Sad News from Mctell Mansions

http://www.ralphmctell.co.uk/freddy.php

Our Thoughts are with Ralph and Bruce, all the family and indeed everyone who has been touched by influence of this remarkable lady.

Absolutely -but what a wonderful long and rich life...RIP

Condolences to Ralph and the family. We all know too well how much influence his Mum had on his songwriting, the thread goes through his career from the early days to present.

A wonderful lady and a long life.

There is always something we learn, had no idea she was called 'Freddy' a short form of Winifred I assume, so cute.

RIP Freddy and Mum of Ralph. xx

It appears she died just 3 days before his concert at Cadogan Hall, he certainly didn't give or show any clues, his performance was fantastic and full of the usual emotion but afterwards in the queue someone came up to Ralph and gave him a hug and spoke to him, interrupting the signings, this did appear to leave him overwhelmed and 'full up'

Knowing Ralph's emotional state at times he put on a splendid performance, who knows, maybe in remembrance of his Mum....

At Cadogan Hall, towards the end of the concert, he said "it had been a very eventful week and playing for you has been therapeutic for me".  Had no idea he was referring to such a tragedy.  Such a professional.  

Now there's a thing I didn't think I would see, Ralph as a backing singer for Dougie Mclean at last nights Folk awards, just saw him next to Steve Knightley wearing a kilt!!  :o :o :o

An interesting little interview here. (http://www.acousticmagazine.com/2013/02/06/stuck-in-cornwall-with-the-croydon-blues-again/)

Hope the lost guitar isn't Miss G, :o  and that whichever it is, it's turned up by now!

Naomi

Thanks for that Naomi, I had been coming here thinking what had happened to everyone! That said I missed your post somehow.

Just popped in here for the first time in a while. I see that Ralph's beloved Mum has passed away. I am currently reading "As Far As I Can Tell" and I was wondering if his hard working Mum was still around. Bless. RIP "Freddy". Condolences to Ralph and Bruce and families.

Hmmm...I'm suspicious...lost guitar in Denmark?! Have they searched Henrik's place?!  ;D ;D ;D ;D

Hello all I found a couple of photographs of Ralph I hadn't seen before http://[code]http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-03-07/fatboy-slim-and-the-acts-that-rocked-the-houses-of-parliament[/code] follow the story down and there is Ralph! :)

http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-03-07/fatboy-slim-and-the-acts-that-rocked-the-houses-of-parliament

Thanks, Tryer - I remember that one.

I act. have that BBC-R2 broadcast somewhere, if anyone is interested?

Thanks for correcting the link Henrik, I am still finding my way here  :-[

OK, you can just use the link button above the editing area (the globe)
to generate the html-code, and then add or paste your link between
the two sections of code.

I thought someone should post? its been a month! I feel an artist of Mr Mctells stature deserves better? I wonder has everyone migrated to FB or twiterville if so can I join? judging from earlier posts, I feel I may come in for a bit of stick? as I haven't posted myself or even suggested a topic......in my defence I would point out I am new here? I certainly have no intention of criticizing, just wondered why no posts?  :( :'( :-[ :o

Hello tryer

Thanks so much for waking us up. Usually, as Ralph is a solo artist and performer, conversation gets going once he tours, mostly in the Autumn these days. Most of us keep our eye on Ralph's website (Leola (http://www.ralphmctell.co.uk/)) for any latest news and of course 'Ralph, Albert and Sydney'  (http://www.ralph-mctell.co.uk/index.html) website is uptodate for info too. (There are others out there as well).

We would love to be able to address you by your first name as you can see most of us get to know each other that way which makes us feel part of the McTell family.

In my defence ...I have been away for 5 half weeks touring NZ so maybe that's why its quiet!!! hehe  :-X ::) ;D

My own personal Ralph 'fix' has been the many hours of listening via mp3 player whilst on 24 hour flights and most recently I've updated my playlists on Media player to include the wonderful songs 'Jersey Ferry' and 'Cannabis Creek'

Naomi is good at scouring the Ralph news and reviews but as I say think that will happen later on in the year. I also wish others, who listen to McTell would join in at times, it does seem to be a 'seperate' part of the music chat on here but maybe as a solo performer, not doing festivals he gets overlooked.

Meanwhile the Mansions are still open for visitors and we're so glad you called by.... ;)

Joanna (JJ)

I look out for news of Ralph's releases and gigs, and post as soon as I get any, and I respond to any comments or questions I feel I can contribute to.

Tryer, there is a Ralph McTell Appreciation Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/groups/5585478183/10151533672148184/?notif_t=group_activity) group, and Ralph has a Twitter (https://twitter.com/Ralph_McTell) account. Of course you can join in there too!

In this quiet spell we've been appreciating other artistes.  Fairport and a very close encounter with the Carnival Band.  On the listening front I am immensely grateful to Mr McT for Sofa Noodling, not only does it show his exceptional talent but with the cd player on timer its brilliant for falling to sleep to.

Well I thank you all for responding I know of the other sites, and certainly other Artists! As for Sofa noodling I couldn't agree more on both counts. :)

I've just noticed that sofa noodling was this week's featured album on Colin Bertram's Internet radio show (as featured on Talkawhile)

http://www.mixcloud.com/cmbertram/the-folk-and-acoustic-music-show-27/

I wonder if people shy of posting thinking comment unworthy? just to whet appetites, I see Ralph will be at the Barnfield in exeter October? too soon for a date of course but like spring arriving it raised my spirits!  

From the rolling road to the winding lane, from field to factory, from the Pennines to the sea... Play 'England' on St George's Day (http://www.ralph-mctell.co.uk/index.html)!

Thanks for the reminder John.  I've played all 3 versions on RAS and we had it on in the car earlier on mp3.  We took daughter back to uni from N Wales to York.  I was surprised (and a little disappointed) to see so few St George's crosses about.  - Ok so you can't get a close view of many houses from the M62 but you pass quite a lot.  There were loads of red dragons and St David's crosses around here on March 1st. Come on England have some pride.

With the weather we've had I think St George's day had far more daffodils than St David's day

Just playing the version to be found on...

'At the end of a perfect day'!  ::) ::) ::)

Earlier played a live version I had on mp3.  ;D

I have a dream.... that others (outside of the usual suspects!  ::)) on TAW will listen to the latest Ralph Youtube interview and step foot inside McMansions, comment and join in, give their views and generally blow away the cobwebs!  ::) ;)

Looking forward to it!  ;D  I'm halfway through the 2 hours at the moment. Every time I see Ralph play 'Hands of Joseph' I am blown away, it's different every time.

Click to view...

Artist Biography Project - An Evening with Ralph McTell (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhLLmiqrixA)

Will try to check it out

Over the years there has been some criticism bemoaning Ralph's management's communications shortcomings. There is nothing new in this. And the truth is, it's all true. I have learned to accept it and just get on with ploughing my own little furrow and sowing such seed as comes my way. I do occasionally hear from Leola, and pass on what I may; but in the main it's the eagle-eyed web watchers who frequent this mansion and another place who alert the world to all things McTell. To whom 'thanks, and please carry on'. Through sharing what you glean you become my friends, and I look forward to meeting some of you when the tour comes around.

Ooh, sorry I missed this posting earlier. Note to sef-find two hour block of time to watch this! Thanks for the heads up everyone.

I'm guessing most of you will know of this.  If you don't, do make sure you get it...it's essential reading.

http://www.talkawhile.co.uk/yabbse/index.php?topic=40920.0#new

Thanks David, looks an interesting book.

Some 'recent' (2012) photos here, taken for the Guitar Mag photo shoot, plus some that go right back to the IOW festival!

Enjoy!  ;D

http://www.gettyimages.dk/Search/Search.aspx?query=z.i.H4sIAAAAAAAEAOy9B2AcSZYlJi9tynt_SvVK1-B0oQiAYBMk2JBAEOzBiM3mkuwdaUcjKasqgcplVmVdZhZAzO2dvPfee--999577733ujudTif33_8_XGZkAWz2zkrayZ4hgKrIHz9-fB8_In7dfLn91et79-79Hr_W7O2ve7bILvJf89f4NX6Nx_T_X28xbfOy_DVH-ODX-HXo_7_mr_3l-fmvseH5Nc3PpK6q9mVWZ4vm19HPfi38f3cHv94x7X9388tvhn9-U_r_r_fu9XVz-o6B4P_e3wwks_3_mvo74P7a2fnU9u3_8Wvjgx3uetG6N93vvw41Lu0X9i-89-vSH_XCgg3__PXx0S7--vX484mF0fmbXzsPodg_GcqOhXLegeL-5tfqEIr9k6HsWSh1B4r7myiTm5f4DybPr6Fk2sWnv6H5-jfGPyAc0SRfmU9_zeCvXzufNPYb8wcTO3c4eL__Wrlr7v3-azerlf0cfxgcfyv74uXUveh-_3Wq2mMV-xd_Ncn9r8xfeH7t2dXS_P5rmj_Apb9Os_bGE_z1a-eZw8D_g35f-V_YP37dJoAW_vlrv3v23PEr_WG_yGoPN--P36iZVqv8yXo5Kz0iBp8agD8OOA927uP3X4d4aG2bB38Rob0h0R_mffDBr_ssK5ucIcxreUcIib9Mw4_p_7_Wp8w2v84kaDXxWn3iWhHLOSH0__h1nuRN-_8EAAD__1UjBq-LBAAA&sx=AllEditorial#

And the prize for the longest link address ever posted on TAW goes to JJ  :D
(I think it might be long enough to individuality label ever partial in the universe. (And anywhere else for that matter.))

Well now that's been said can i say a BIG thank you Joanna I wanted to post earlier but didnt want to divert atention

Thanks all!  ;D In this case, size matters!  :D

Ship Ahoy Ralph....all aboard for a cracking concert!  8)

http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/captain-greybeard/2013/07/let-me-take-you-by-the-hand-an.html

Got me all pining for the fjords, JJ - not that I've ever been!

Anyone recognise a possible Ralph signature in Crop photo thread?

http://www.talkawhile.co.uk/yabbse/index.php?topic=41025.msg636720#msg636720

No, it's Bob Harris! See http://www.bobharris.org/pages/default.asp

Ralph will be one of the guests at 'A Celebration of Bert Jansch' (http://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whatson/a-celebration-of-bert-jansch-79063) at the Royal Festival Hall on Tuesday 3 December.

(Thanks to Chris Bates for the heads up.)

Quote from article in 'Western Morning News' (http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/Ralph-prepares-change-tack-clock-ticks-big/story-19821028-detail/story.html):

"One of Ralph's current projects is an album of Dylan Thomas poems set to music; another is a collaboration with multi-instrumentalist Maartin Allcock about the First World War. And, in time for the tour, he has Volume Three of his Six Songs For Six Strings box set ready to roll in the key of G.

"Oh, and watch this space for news of a new Alphabet Zoo album featuring many of the songs Ralph wrote for the beloved children's TV series of the same name back in the 1980s."

So I guess the 3rd Songs for Six strings will be available on the tour.

I found it a tad confusing, at first, that RAlph already has/had an album out entitled Songs for Six Strings. (Live0.

Woohoo, does this mean we might hear 'Daphne the Dolphin'   ;)

And Lorna the Ladybird too.."poor little Lorna, everyone scorned her" , yep even the compilers of the previous alphabet zoo records and CDs.

Looking at the Ralph shop it looks as though Alphabet Zoo is repackaged version of what we already have, ie no Daphne or Lorna...everyone scorned her again,  :'(

Yes, it's the 1993 'The Complete Alphabet Zoo' set that was first issued on the 10th anniversary of the TV show. It was repackaged as 'Alphabet Zoo' in 2001, and has now been re-released for the 30th anniversary with new cover artwork by Peter Thaine. Despite Ralph's self-deprecation of some of the not-yet-recorded songs, these 27 wonderful tracks are now available again to introduce yet another generation to the McTell catalogue.

It's a bit old, but  here's (http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/culture/neilmccormick/100006846/the-rock-star-and-the-prime-minister/) an article about Ralph's visit to the House of Common's to receive his life time achievement award. Seems he wasn't going to let the (then) prime minister get his own way ;D  Well done Ralph!

Naomi
 

A good find Naomi! We do need someone to speak up to politicians, think Ralph has a future don't you think?!  ;D ;)

Hi all, I have a favor to ask. I am working on a little project and need some info regarding Around The Wild Cape Horn. Too many cds to buy these days which means I have yet to pick up a copy of Somewhere Along The Road. I really have a lot of Ralph's stuff to catch up on! All I ask is if there are any notes to the song in question that Ralph writes, could someone let me know what they are? I do not need the lyrics. Absolute full attribution will go to Ralph if any quotes are used directly. I just would like to know what Ralph himself said about the song. Thanks in advance!

Robert, the CD insert has the lyrics but no notes. The storyline is taken from an old black-and-white film of the Peking's voyage, to which a commentary had been added years later by a crew member. This (http://ralph-mctell.co.uk/thepeking.html) might be of interest.

Many thanks for the link and info John. I just was curious if Ralph mentioned anything about it himself and now I know. I get to see the Peking every morning on my subway ride to work, so I know all about her, but that link was a nice read, so thanks for sharing.

Have you done the Peking tour? Be interesting to know if they're showing the film and playing Ralph's song.

Well the Seaport itself and the museum which includes the ships has been having a rough go the last few years. Then came Hurricane Sandy which really hit the area hard. Our favorite pub down there, The Paris has still not reopened one year on. I have been on the Peking many times over the years but not recently so I dont know the answer, but I do know they have opened her up again Saturday's only this fall so maybe I will head down again. The Seaport is actually trying to sell off some of its ships, and they would like to give the Peking back to Hamburg but I hope that never happens! She has no historical ties to NY as a working vessel but as something that has been in our city for almost 40 years I would like her to remain

There's an article from the Oxford Times about Ralph & his recent gig there  here. (http://www.oxfordtimes.co.uk/leisure/music/10797475.Ralph_McTell__Master_guitarist_is_streets_ahead_of_the_rest/)

Enjoy!

I certainly agree with the title  :)

Naomi

Seems like most of you are on the Ralph McTell Appreciation Group on FB, but in case anyone is not, you may enjoy a post in the 'Announce' portion of this forum  ;)

There's a message on Ralph's twitter from the staff at Leola congratulating Ralph and Nanna's on their wedding anniversary today - it's their 47th!
I'm sure us TW-ers would like to congratulate them too!  :D

Naomi

Indeed we do Naomi and I hope to personally say Congratulations to them both as after all this time of reading your reviews Friday 6th December is Cadogan Hall! Can't wait...  ;D

Why is it every year when I pull out my CD of Dylan Thomas reciting A Child's Christmas In Wales I always think of Ralph McTell? Conversely, why do I often think of Dylan Thomas when I listen to Ralph McTell? Must be some connection somewhere  ;)

Found this good as it is you had to be there?
http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/REVIEW-Music-Maggie-St-George-8217-s-Bristol-9-10/story-20462701-detail/story.html
      Hope the linc works  :)

   thanks tryer for that link to Bristol Post     here is a link for folks who were,nt there            http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTINcveTiUY&list=UUeHOvVY6w9JvthwV6-Oo-Iw&feature=c4-overview  

Thank you DB [drew]
not wishing to steal anyone's thunder? Live best? Video second, review? just glad to see a little response on here [as anywhere ]

For those that had the pleasure of knowing Gordon Graham Doon

Go to end of Mailing

buried in the wordage of this report on too fast cars crashing in Central London is a mention of the man....
https://autos.yahoo.com/blogs/motoramic/watch-a--500-000-lamborghini-aventador-catch-air-as-it-crashes-in-london-143012930.html

 ;D

haha! thanks Jude, well spotted!  ;) My heart skipped a beat as I thought maybe it was Ralph's car purchased on the sales of 'that song'   ;D

 : :D :D :D Whoo Hoo, Ralph's newly designed website is now up and running, CELTIC COUSINS and SONG FOR SIX STRINGS D4 have both now been released.

Would someone tell me if Celtic Cousins is new/live  recordings or a compilation of previously released versions? I must be searching the wrong places, because i can't find this info anywhere. Cheers, all.  8)

It's a compilation, Alan. Details here (http://ralph-mctell.co.uk/index.html#celtic)

Thanks ever so much, John.

SFSS 4/D and Celtic Cousins have landed and are now in the process of being worn out.....Happy Days. Roll on December 7th.

Ralph attended the annual Dylan Thomas Society lunch

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B1dQm93IMAA-_P7.jpg

Many people probably know, but Ralph's on Mark Radcliffe R2 show next week, Weds.

Checked 19th Dec Nov Mark Radcliffe Ft Luke Daniels?  :-[



Edit: Date corrected

Ralph's Twitter feed says on 6 Nov "Thanks #MarkRadcliffe for the kind words on Maginot Waltz last night #folkshow Looking forward to chatting on 3rd December".

Oh okay. I was sure he said next week. Good to know the correct date.

Saw Luke Daniels at Bury Met's 'Homegrown' festival recently and he's worth tuning in for.  Ralph would be a bonus  :)

3rd December confirmed n latest e-newsletter. However, it'll be a recording, because....from the same newsletter



Tickets £20+£2 b/fee. Doors @ 8pm - see you there?!!

Unfortunately not, Chris. Far too short notice to change long-established travel and hotel plans for the following weekend. Enjoy and take photos!

Me neither! Its Oysterband at Norwich, already booked plus hotel etc...  :-\

And I'll be in Spain  >:(

Spent the most incredible 24hrs in London [I know difficult to believe?] In the company of some of the most incredible of humans. friends, Strangers, All lovers in their way. Memories a plenty, for some, myself included, buckets of emotion,tears a plenty, the most affirmed example of the power of love, Of humanity,of music,of understanding,or maybe not, but accepting. the Man, the music, The Magic, that is Mr Ralph Mctell.  One hell of a human, and in being, sharing, make us all that touch more human. Thank You all.
 

Never mind the arms and legs touch the Soul

A great evening on Sunday - about 3 hours of music, many songs, great guests (incl. Danny Thompson, Toni Visconti and John Williams on 'Streets' - amongst others equally impressive) and altogether an unforgettable event.

Good to see you, Tryer....wasn't that just the most amazing couple of gigs?

And excellent to touch base with the whole May clan, minus one.

Where was everybody?
I didn't meet anybody.

Missed you Colin....and I saw almost everyone else :-o

Waited outside as the foyer was rather crowded, and hence saw everyone entering through the front doors...were you lateish arriving?

Colin Sir....avoiding any puns  ;D .....But surely you felt the love  ;)

I was there!!  ;D Saw Chris outside on the way in but I really cant be doing with crushing crowds so didn't or couldn't get anywhere near the foyer and left straight after.

Needless to say the birthday boy sang so well, together with his various backing bands.  ::) ;D I did look for you Colin, I'm so short I only see kneecaps tho!  ::)

Peter Hain sat 2 rows in front, saw the top of John Beresford's head and the unmistakable shock of white hair of Wizz Jones (somehow I thought he may have appeared on stage at some point?)

A lovely evening, it was being filmed so hopefully a dvd in the future..

I saw only one camera....were there more?

I saw at least three possibly four cameras, 1 each side in the stalls by the side doors on the cross aisle and also directly above them on the shelf. there may of course have been more, Saw Wizz just in front of us and Tony Visconti Sat on the other side of the aisle from us, after one of the ushers came to fetch him I also thought that Wizz may be going to do something later in the show, but it wasn't to be, Hope to catch up with Wizz in March when he's touring with John renbourn. There has been a mention that the camera operator said the DVD will be out in the new year, sadly he failed to say which year, lets hope for a speedy turnround.

There were fixed cameras all over the place, probably filming in HD. (Mostly Canon EOS whatevers)

We arrived just gone 7pm, but went straight into the bar, because the foyer was crowded. We right in the middle of the stalls.

This is my only slight gripe of the evening. I do wish Ralph hadn't invited all to join in and sing along whenever they felt like it! Ok, choruses are fine but I had this woman with a trilly high pitched noise in my ear, lingering on the notes far longer than she ought!  ;) ::)

Hope it wasn't any of YOU!!!!  :P

What a truly wonderful and memorable evening.  Lots of friends from far and near to catch up with and a fantastic atmosphere.

As already mentioned, Ralph was joined at various times during the evening by some very talented musician friends - Danny Thompson, Graham Preskett, Frank Gallagher, John Sheahan, Tony Visconti, Jane Clark, and John Williams.  Rory McGrath got things under way with a very warm introduction.

Ralph performed an incredible 28 numbers.  For any of you who are struggling to recall them all - here is the set list:

First Half: Nana's Song, Zig Zag Line, When I was a Cowboy, In the Dreamtime, Run Johnny Run, Tequila Sunset, When they were young, River Rising, Sweet Mystery, Summer Lightning, You well meaning, Bridge of Sighs.

2nd Half: Rev Thunder, The Ghost of Robert Johnson, Barges, First and Last Man, Ferryman, Take it Easy, Jersey Ferry, From Clare to here, The Setting, Wonderful Country, I don't think about you, Unknown Soldier, Streets of London, West 4th St and Jones, Round the Wild Cape Horn.
Encore: Somewhere down the road.

Was a great evening. Shame the bar area was SO crowded. Also being on the short side, I found it difficult to see anyone in that area so moved to my seat where I saw several people I knew. Roll on the DVD!

It does seem that it was so crowded that we mostly all missed each other.
 :-\

There were other Bars?

"As the theatre is so vast and spread across many levels, there are a large number of bars. There is the Stalls bar, a Stalls coffee bar, the Grand Saloon on the Royal Circle Level,one Upper Circle Bars and two Balcony bars."

Sorry that was my point?  ::)

Personal message on Ralphs site
 :)

Thanks Tryer, here's the link...

http://www.ralphmctell.co.uk/a-message-from-ralph/#more-3979

Some excellent news on Ralphs website Check NEWS I would link but unable [thick?]

First signs of media interest?
http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/leisure/music/11868168.Poppleton_Live_May_4_to_10___Ralph_McTell_performs_May_9/]









Edit: corrected url

Another article in connection with the current tour here (http://www.westerndailypress.co.uk/70-bad-leap-play-guitar/story-26504089-detail/story.html).

I had no idea that Ralph now has 12 grandchildren! Maybe we'll hear some songs written for them one day, just as he wrote songs for his own children and shared them with us all - hope so.

Naomi

A message (http://www.ralphmctell.co.uk/an-update-from-ralph-2/#more-4261) from Ralph: "Please keep watching the web site as there is about to be a very special announcement from Leola Music".

...which is probably this (http://www.ralphmctell.co.uk/unknown-soldier/#more-4258).

Or more likely this one (http://www.ralphmctell.co.uk/ralph-mctells-loyal-command-performance/#more-4331)!

So was Sir Rafe at Cropredy? Was he spotted on the field, did he appear with Fairport....any sightings, any gossip?!  ;D ::)

I didn't see him on the field, but a couple of people mentioned from the stage that they had been talking with him backstage, so he must have been there.

See  (http://www.talkawhile.co.uk/yabbse/index.php?topic=42404.msg682376#msg682376)

I talked to him a couple of times. Mostly to say what a joy his concert at the Globe was.

I was slightly bemused at how often songs in the Fairport set were introduced as written by Ralph, when he was yards away and could have performed them.

I see, or at least, to add a bit of a change, he could have joined in, sung a verse or two with Fairport?

I think he was on holiday....

If anyone pops their head around the door of McMansions then we wish you a very happy and healthy 2016. Looking forward to seeing Ralph in May at the Royal Albert Hall at his 'Loyal Command' performance where his followers are choosing 20 tracks and if you take a look at his newsletter you can view the chosen list so far, so many songs and so many on that list that I wish were other songs.....!!  ;) ::)

http://www.ralphmctell.co.uk/ralph-mctells-loyal-command-performance/

All the best for a happy new year

JJ XX

See you there JJ

Nice shortish interview here on MusicRadar
http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/ralph-mctell-on-his-favourite-acoustics-bert-jansch-and-his-hated-first-guitar-635007

inc a very good pic that I've not seen before.

Why on earth would you change your strings for every gig?

Why wouldn't you?

'Cos it's a waste of money and a new string is as likely to break as a used one that's been playing ok?

I've read a couple of interesting articles with guitar techs/roadies who have mentioned that in order to get a consistent sound the best thing to do is keep all things as constant as possible, and if that involves making sure that the guitar is in as identical a state as possible from one day to the next, then that's all to the good. Hence having strings that are in as close a condition as possible to being the best they can be.
I wouldn't be surprised if Sir Ralph of McTell got given strings, or at least had a decent accountant who could write the cost off as an expense and would be able to set a guitar up so that breakage wasn't a recurring issue (him, not his accountant).
Having said that, I understand Rory Gallagher used to play his strings 'til they gummed up, take them off, boil them clean and then put them back on and play them again. Horses for courses and all that.

Individual musicians have individual tastes I expect.
Ralph has said that it is ironic now that people want to give him guitars and strings when he can now afford them.......he needed them at start of his career.

The man has been performing professionally for over 50 years. I think he is entitled to do whatever he wants to. Pete Townshend and Jimi Hendrix destroyed guitars...which is more wasteful I ask you?

Something you guys may not have seen?  From '68.  Great lineup...  :)

(shared with permission from the Kernow Beat facebook page)

[Photo over 400 days old. Removed by Admin.]

Hi all,

Just wondering if anyone has read this (http://www.pomera.co.uk/books/parallel-lives/) yet?

There is also an introduction to it here. (http://www.michaelgrenfell.co.uk/ralph-mctell-intro-to-parallel-lives-see-pomera-press/)

Sounds very academic and I can't decide whether to order it or not - would be good to see some sort of review before deciding!

Naomi

Thanks Naomi....not certain its for me though!  ???

Indeed - I assume Ralph has read it & will ask his opinion next time I see him. It could be a very one-person view.

Its written by one-person so I'm rather confused as to how it could be anything else?

but if heavy with psycho-babble, possibly unreadable to those not have studied said babble. He sort of agrees, by putting an introduction to this at the start.

I may be in a minority, but i think it looks quite interesting, and that's coming from someone who doesn't read a lot of books about musicians. I've occasionally wondered, idly of course, who Michael , Dancing Doreen are, and my knowledge of Ralph and his songs comes from what he's disclosed at concerts.  

(I have a book purporting to tell the story behind every Grateful Dead song, but after picking it up in a  'remainder' bookshop years ago, I've yet to open it. (The RMcT book looks a bit more thoughtful than that, of course.)

It's rather fascinating that his other writing on that site is about King Crimson, who hardly seem terribly likely bedfellows.  I'll make a note to read those pieces.

Incidentally, why doesn't someone drop him a line and ask him to tell us a bit about the book?  His contact details are up there....

Nice poster btw, David.  8)

??

The White Hart advert, a few posts back.

D'oh, oh yeah.  Nice, isn't it?  :)

I bought 'Parallel Lives' via Amazon and have No 11 of 100 signed copies. The Foreword says "It will interest those who have appreciated and continue to appreciate the work of Ralph McTell". It's not a beginner's guide.

The author is an academic in a field that eludes me, and fortunately his 'Creativity' "psycho-babble" is clearly delineated in the chapter headings and may be skipped if not your bag. The 'Biography at Work' sections, on the other hand, expertly set Ralph's song lyrics in the contexts of Ralph's artistic and social 'biographies'. For we who "...appreciate the work of Ralph McTell", they make essential reading.

I am half-way through the book and still hopeful that the 'creative' and 'biographical' elements will merge ere I finish. I'll be back...

"...'I don't get it', 'It is beyond me' are exactly the phrases (Ralph) uses with reference to the theoretical interludes of this book, explicitly stating that he will confine himself to what he does understand - his personal life experience as he sees it." Parallel Lives, p104.

I meant the author.  His contact details are on the website.

Ah! See

From the Introduction to 'Parallel Lives': "I wish to approach the biography and work of Ralph McTell by employing a perspective and the consequent tools from my own academic biography; that of the socio-cultural perspective of the French social theorist Pierre Bourdieu (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierre_Bourdieu)." [Wikilink added.]

Author Mike Grenfell himself asks, "What is all this to do with Ralph McTell?" [Parallel Lives, p79]. I'll report back if I find out...

I was interested........initially.....until I read more about it......

As I said above (reply #181), you can skip the social theory and just enjoy the story. That's what Ralph did! (#182)

I have posted my review (http://www.ralph-mctell.co.uk/index.html#pl) of 'Parallel Lives' on Ralph, Albert & Sydney...

...along with a little Social Media fun (http://www.ralph-mctell.co.uk/index.html#mc).

Seems to have booked several gigs on the Autumn tour :-X

I know that feeling.....

A friend came across this photo and thought if anyone recognises the lady with the glass she might like to see it . Taken maybe around 1983/1984, perhaps in Slough? Reading? High Wycombe? Chesham? Does Ralph's jacket date it?


[attachment deleted by admin]

From RTE, Ralph and John Sheehan prforming "GPO" on the late late show last friday.
https://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=j-MDWK724Wk

Ralph has posted a great picture on Twitter from Peterborough last night, Ralph with Nanna, Tom, Billy and Itsuki,

[attachment deleted by admin]

That's great, thanks.

I went to three consecutive gigs this weekend. There were some commonalities, but he did a wide range of songs. Brilliant

I nearly posted in 'listening to', but it might reach a target audience here :

Played My Side of Your Window ( Castle rem. CD,, 2005) last night and appreciated this album in a way I haven't before. And I've had a vinyl copy more years than I care to mention.

There's only one real clunker in what is a very fine album of songs indeed (guess which one). I used to reach for 8 Frames a Second, from this era, but I feel I've misjudged this one, somehow. What do other people think?

MSOYW was my first McTell LP, and 'Michael' and 'Factory Girl' remain favourites. I'm not aware of any 'clunkers'! My CD version was issued on Transatlantic in 2007 - what's the catalogue number on yours?

I think I got the year wrong, John. There's only one Cd edition, and as you say, it was released in 2007.

The track I wince at slightly is 'Blues in More than 12 bars'.  ::)

Thanks, Alan. I LOVE that track!

Congratulations and a very happy Golden Wedding to Mr and Mrs Ralph May, 50 years married, Today.

And so say all of us.

Indeed

Wow... how wonderful!

Happy birthday Ralph, 72 years young today.

Sad news of Donard's brother on Ralph's website:

http://www.ralphmctell.co.uk/sad-news/#more-7312

Ralph has asked that any messages for Donard be sent by email to queries@ralphmctell.co.uk

mentioned in Record Collector April 2017 issue, In the pipeline (forthcoming Albums) ,
Ralph Mctell, All Things Change - The Transatlantic Anthology 1967 - 70 2CD (Cherry Tree), out 21/04

I noticed this. Another repackaging of the Transatlantic material. Okay for those who haven't got it, i suppose (assuming it's been well done).

This promises to have every track Ralph recorded for Transatlantic, so makes a welcome change from '(Not) the Best of', '(Not) the Definitive Transatlantic Collection' and '(Not) the Essential' Ralph McTell compilations we've become used to.

More details from the Cherry Red website (under R in Artists A-Z)
• A double-CD anthology featuring every track that McTell cut for Transatlantic, All Things Change chronicles an extremely productive period of his career that saw him record much of his finest, most vital work with the aid of rookie producer Gus Dudgeon, arrangers Tony Visconti and Mike Vickers and musicians ranging from legendary session drummer Clem Cattini to C.O.B. mainman Clive Palmer.
• Featuring a 16-page booklet and a new essay on McTell’s early career, All Things Change includes the original, superior version of the timeless classic ‘Streets Of London’, a previously-unissued, orchestra-free recording of ‘Eight Frames A Second’, the rare non-LP single ‘Summer Come Along’ and the first-ever CD release of the Revisited album.

Ah, that makes it a bit special then. I have the Castle remaster CDs of the Transatlantic albums, with bonus stuff on each. Do I have it covered? ???

He's only gone and won Folking.com's Solo Folk Artist of the Year 2017....

Oh yesssss!!  ;D ;D

 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Spotted at Glasto.....

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DDGJm4oWAAA1w4a.jpg)

Like!

Whose the one without the denim shirt?

Billy Bragg on the left if that's the denim shirt you mean...

No sorry, who's the lady?

I can't locate the tweet that I grabbed the photo from. She's one of the more unknown female acts from Left Stage, had a moniker.

The tweet was on Billy Bragg's feed.

She's singer-songwriter Louisa Roach, who fronts up "She Drew The Gun".

That's her.....Thought that name was her moniker, not a band, so thanks for the clarification.

Any good?

Looks like she was featured in last years Emerging Talent Competition at Glasto - see this (https://youtu.be/2effPr3920A). There's more here: Youtube (https://youtu.be/KzKuT5wxJSc)

Does she always wear that 'No Smoking' sign on her head?   :o

Email from Leola:

"Ralph has been busy in the studio working on About Time 2, which will be released a little later this year.  Ralph and Wizz will be performing together at Sidmouth Folk Festival in August, as well as 2 dates in September, including The Redgrave Theatre in Bristol.
  
"Ralph is very happy to be returning to Ireland this Autumn, with tickets now on sale at all but one of the venues this week.
  
"His UK concerts are all on sale. Ralph will be performing a warm up show prior to his UK tour, this will be on sale soon, with the venue also yet to be announced."

New dates added to Full List (http://www.talkawhile.co.uk/yabbse/index.php?topic=44185.0).

Now being a big fairport fan obviously makes me a big Ralph fan ,

Hiring fair and red and gold being on my best of list for both. Tonight we were out in the Pub with friends who are not involved in Folk music in any way.

Talking about music Marian surprised me by naming "Jesus Wept" as amongst her favourite songs. She didnt know it was Ralphs though. When I told her the inevitable reference to Streets of London came up.

Its her birthday after Cropredy and I was hoping to get a CD with both on and if I could see Ralph at the festival get it signed. Then I logged on to Amazon and a CD with both on doesnt seem to exist .

Please help me out you Ralph fans as I am sure it must.

Both on Travellng Man, the (very good) live set

Was Sir Ralph at Cropredy?  {:-)  did he perform with Fairport or do a set this year?  

He guested with Fairport to do a "male" version of "White Dress". Very nice too.

For cross-dressers??

From the latest email....

 

Ralph has been busier than usual this summer, with festivals here in England and 2 trips to Ireland in the space of a week.

 
We do have one more concert to announce. Ralph will be playing a warm up show at the very intimate Lane Theatre in Newquay on the 7th of October before his Official Tour starts in Exeter at the Corn Exchange on the 8th.
 
Whilst waiting to perform at Weyfest last month, Ralph recorded a guitar string changing video that was posted to his Facebook page and has proved pretty popular.

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialRalphMcTell/
 
All of Ralph’s Autumn Tour dates can be found on his website, click here.

http://www.ralphmctell.co.uk/tour/

 
The finishing touches are being made to the follow up of Ralph and Wizz Jones album, About Time. This is scheduled to be released in mid November. Details of a concert to launch the album and official release date will be announced soon.
 
A new live album is also near completion. The Loyal Command Performance will be a double album featuring the top 20 songs, as voted for by you the fans, last year.
 
Finally, we had been keeping back a limited number of the first volume of Songs For Six Strings and the complete set 1 through to 6 (E to E!)  will be available to buy at the venues on this Autumn tour. For those of you outside of the UK, we will also make a few available via the webshop in November.

On BBC iPlayer at the moment is Guitar Heroes at the BBC Part 6 which includes Ralph Mctell at around 25.55 playing Dry Bone Rag

I happened upon  a programme on the bbc about eurovison the other day whilst I was flicking between channels. Bucks fizz were performing their winning entry in Dublin suddenly a cut to the audience and there was Ralph sitting with his wife in the audience! It was him for sure!

It certainly was, Tasha. Here's why...

http://www.ralph-mctell.co.uk/finnkalvik.html

aha thanks!

Went to excellent New Forest Folk Festival and enjoyed it so much we took early bird tickets for next year and on the flyer and heading the bill is Ralph McTell.  It's going to be another good one.
http://www.newforestfolkfestival.co.uk

A friend is trying to find out which day Ralph will be performing at the Great British Folk Festival.  She's had no luck from his website, FB or Twitter. Does anybody know another way to find out? Thanks.

If you go to Mary Hopkin's Twitter account (therealmaryhopkin) retweeted on 19th Aug , last week,is a photo of Ralph in a recording studio with Tony Visconti (Mary's  ex husband) and their daughter Jessica Lee Morgan recording Ralph' new c.d.taken in last few days.Its been a long wait!Presumably Tony is involved with the production .I liked all of his previous work with Ralph.

Glad to hear a new CD is being recorded.  Did I read a while back that the Loyal Command Performance concert from the Royal Albert Hall was coming out as a CD?

Yes I read that as well.That loyal command c.d is the likely release for the upcoming autumn tour,if indeed there is a new release.What Ralph is recording at the moment I'm guessing could never be ready for tour.Have got Winchester concert lined up.....cant wait!

I went to Smith and Brewer's website just now (they're Ralph's autumn tour support act), they've a photo of themselves ,Ralph and Tony in recording studio...its all happening!.

Ralph's website is now showing it as Friday 30 November.

“The Great War Remembered” Concert at St. Martin's Cathedral, Ieper
St Martins Cathedral
Friday 9 November 2018 at 20.30 hours: SOLD OUT

Extra performance 11 November 2018 at 14.30 hours SOLD OUT

Sunday 11 November 2018 at 17.00 hours: SOLD OUT

Venue: Sint-Maartenskathedraal (St. Martin's Cathedral), Ieper/Ypres

The annual Great War Remembered concert is held in the magnificent cathedral. Choirs and bands bring their talents together to submerge the audience in the atmosphere of the Great War through instrumental and vocal music, combined with images of the First World War. The concert is organized by The Last Post Association, the volunteer organisation responsible for sounding the daily Last Post at the Menin Gate Memorial in Ieper.

For 2018 the concert participants will be:

Koninklijke Harmonie Ypriana (Concert Band)
Ypres Surrey Pipes & Drums
Chorus Choir
Wannes Cappelle
Piet Goddaer
Ralph McTell

Ralph talks about his invitation to perform at this years Great War Remembered Concert in Ypres, Belgium.

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialRalphMcTell/videos/2200999266856010/

New year, new album, new tour...

A friend (Colin Hill) posted this on FB yesterday...from 50 years ago.

I came across this flyer from 1968, which amused me because I don't remember doing it  ::)

Anyway thought it might be of interest to see  - 6 shillings and sixpence eh?

Nice find!

Maybe you didn't?  :)

Took me a while Jude but I thought you meant you made the flyer!!!  ::) ;D

Forgive me, I'm from Essex.  :D

Hi,is anyone aware of the tracks on the "Ralph McTell Unfinished Album" currently being advertised on Ebay?

The only track is 'Streets of London'. Side 2 is uncut. It's a promotional issue for the US release of 'You Well Meaning Brought Me Here'.

Thanks,will save my money then !

 Had to laugh last night whilst watching Mastermind.One contestant in the general knowledge round was asked who had a No2 hit with Streets of London........answer...........ROGER WHITTAKER!!!!.

Whereas, as we all know, Roger Whittaker’s version wasn’t a hit until 1974...  ;)

The November 2019 (issue 498) of Record Collector magazine includes a short quarter page (page 54) interview with Ralph, and on page 112 a short review of the Hill of Beans CD

Jude Rogers interviewed Ralph & Tony Visconti ahead of the RFH show next month - where Tony is again playing the recorder - and talked bout Tony producing Ralph's new CD & their history over a double page spread in yesterday's Culture section of the Sunday Times.

Unfortunately, online, it's behind a paywall....
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-folk-singer-ralph-mctell-and-david-bowies-producer-tony-visconti-are-old-friends-who-have-just-released-sparkling-new-album-hill-of-beans-lpjd3fc2x


But it's a good read for those that bought the paper....

The Sunday Times article.  Would I be allowed to post the article on here?

[ Saw Show of Hands last week and they made reference to touring as Ralph's support act.  When they talked about the time before those days, they called them Pre Ralphelite   ;) ]

And his advice and suggestions were known as McTips’ 😁😁😁

I think there’s a copyright issue as it’s behind a paywall

You can sign up for a Times account for free - only allows you access to view two articles a week but they are of your choice so will enable you to read the interview.

Ralph's extra verse added to Streets!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-52046893

He is a good man.

Yes, he was on R4 news a couple of nights ago talking about it and playing it.
I flagged it up on 'Great Stuff : Listen Now.'  8)

I like the set up. He's sitting just inside the back door, while the crew are in the garden. Very effective social distancing.

and you can hear the birds tweeting!!!!  ;D

Hello,
 I am astonished at the lack of postings here. I would have thought in the present time of lockdown etc here would be an ideal place to "keep in touch"  and entertained? Nothing?
 Despite an appearance on BBC, a spring Tour [ Cancelled ok Postponed] ]
 Have those that booked Trains, accommodation, had difficulty getting re. embursed? [ Well its a thought ]
Possibly discuss [ partially covered] the price of tickets?
On that subject, surely I am not alone in thinking with the all too easy downloading Utube access for musicians. Live music is often their main, sometimes the only, source of income.
Dare I venture, What do we think of the new verse?
Well having posted, I for one look forward to any response. Keep well Take care, and let's enjoy a bit of communication? Or must all be on Fb?
 

I do put up the latest information as soon as I discover something, the BBC interview link is there as an example. I've posted in other Ralph threads too. John B updates us with the postponed/rescheduled gigs. We know there are a lot of 'Ralphites' out there but can't drag them in to the Mansions to engage with general chat.  :-\

As for me the 'forthcoming' tour would have taken me to Bury St. Edmunds, The Apex but it coincided with my now cancelled holiday to Madeira. Other venues weren't really doable for me and I was waiting to see whether a London date or even Essex (he used to come here fairly regularly) turned up on the list.

I am now looking at the Apex for 2021, although the holiday may again coincide, will have to wait and see.

Were you planning on one or two of Ralph's concerts on that now cancelled list that is being rescheduled?

JJ

Duly admonished,
                          I was indeed going too far too many? concerts on this tour [it became a challenge?] when I posted I was hoping for more response?
 as I am aware you can't force responses, only invite, encourage.
It's unfortunate, but I tend to look at the last date anyone posted and when I added my post it had been months?
To date, I have never found it possible to get onto the Fb site, could be me?
I do appreciate and thank you, Joanna, for your response and thoughts.

I suppose I tend to get my information more from FB, although I do check here. TAW has become more of an FC site since some members left.
JJ puts up relevant info, and I comment - as and when - but I’m not much of a chatter, I’m afraid.

Ralph's latest newsletter came in today....


Dear Friends,
 
 Normally I would have been in touch with you all before now but as we all know, we are not in normal times.
 
 I will be sending out my winter newsletter in a few week’s time, but wanted to let you know about a couple of things that are a little more time sensitive.
 
 First off, we have sadly decided to postpone the Cadogan Hall Christmas Show and my usual Half Moon charity concert will not take place this year.  Even if the lockdown ends in time, restrictions on audience sizes and social distancing measures will not make for the sort of show I want to be able to perform for you.  The Cadogan Hall show has been rescheduled to Friday the 7th May 2020. Ticket holders will be contacted by box office.
 
 As I write this, my new recording of The Unknown Soldier is just back from mastering.  The astonishingly gifted Graham Preskett, a hugely talented musician, has arranged the work. We were unimpeded by the Covid rules; despite being restricted to only 5 musicians at a time into the studio and the horn section submitting their parts via the internet, Graham managed to weave the different elements together seamlessly.
 
 I wanted this version to represent all the Home Nations who fought in the Great War and asked an old friend and a couple of new ones if they would read the spoken sections of the piece.  They all agreed and waived any fees so that all revenue raised can go straight to the Royal British Legion Poppy Day appeal.
 
 Sir Billy Connolly represents Scotland.
 Sir Anthony Hopkins represents Wales.
 Liam Neeson OBE represents Ireland.
 Yours truly represents Croydon and England.
 
 We are also producing a brief film about the story of the Unknown Soldier and my motivation to write the song.  Both the song and the film will be available free to view on all my social media on Remembrance Sunday, 8th of November, with a click-to-donate button for those who feel able to give on my Facebook page.
 
 I’ve been interviewed about the song by JJ Chalmers, (Veteran, Invictus medal winner and contestant in this year’s Strictly) for The One Show, which will air on the 10th November.
 
 I hope you get to see the new version of the song online and I’ll be in touch with a full newsletter very soon.
 
 Stay Safe!
 
 Love from
 Ralph

Thanks for posting JJ....you just beat me to it!

Ralph’s latest newsletter.





Dear Friends,

Well… what a year it’s been.  Normally I would have been in touch with you all before now, but as we all know, we are not in normal times.

I was talking recently with one of Britain's most brilliant and gifted guitar players, Albert Lee.  After we had both bemoaned being unable to head out and about performing he confided in a slightly shocked tone, “My fingers have gone soft!”

Guitarists finger tips usually are adorned with callouses seemingly made of grey wood with a groove down the middle, but if not thoroughly maintained through live performance, they soften and the callous gives way to soft skin with a baby like appearance and a sensitivity which painfully reminds you of your early days as a learner!

I have filled the void of non-touring with a ragged regime of piano practice in the morning (sometimes) and guitar noodling in the afternoon.

For family reasons, Nanna and I have decided to spend more of our time in London now and so began a transition from our beloved Cornwall. This involved registering with a new medical practice.  Towards the end of last year we were both checked and all was well except my blood results caused some concern and I was referred to hospital for further testing, MRI scans and biopsy.

In the middle of all this attention I had agreed to do a charity concert appearance for prostate cancer with the wonderful Kate Rusby and her brilliant musician husband Damian O’Kane.  Unfortunately for me it was the day after my biopsy.  Nevertheless Tom and I had a long but good journey up to Penistone and a terrific afternoon in the company of Eliza Carthy, Ron Block, Michael McGoldrick and countless others.  I also caught a few minutes with Mark Radcliffe which is always a pleasure.

I had begun working toward a major London show in which my son and manager Tom was deeply involved.   He had planned it as a 75th birthday present to me.  Musicians and choir were booked for the Royal Festival Hall and photos, posters and programs prepared.  Rehearsals went well although I have to say it was the most stressful time of my life.  Not only remembering what I was supposed to be doing, but also waiting for news.

Somehow with the support of Nanna, my children and the incredibly talented Graham Preskett and Frank Gallagher, we got it together in time for the thirteenth of December (a Friday!) and the night was unforgettable.  In both senses as I forgot several entry points in the songs, which I will now never forget.  No one noticed thankfully and it gave the evening a special edge.

The following day my results revealed that I had aggressive prostate cancer. I was given the choice of two alternative treatments.

I elected for radical surgery which was performed in January.  My operation was successful. I cannot stress how fortunate I feel.

Our NHS and those who looked after me have been absolutely wonderful. I almost feel I should have a season ticket as this is the third time our incredible health service has saved my life.

My convalescence, under cover of Covid was trying but I remain, for the most part in a positive mood.  Although gloom occasionally descends, the tragedy of this pandemic and it’s far reaching impact has maintained my perspective, and every day I work towards full health.  I am back running and though very slow, I’m building up to my next distance target of 15km (hovering at the 12km mark at the moment) I may manage the London Marathon before my 80th.  Watch this space.

The incredible experience of working on The Unknown Soldier and the gifts of so many talented artists in bringing the project to fruition, in addition to your so many lovely comments and donations has also given me a welcome distraction.
Some of you may have missed the additional ‘explainer’ (I hesitate to call it a documentary) of my inspirations for this project; it is available on YouTube and if you want to purchase the song, its available for download on my website with all proceeds going to the Poppy Appeal too.

Yes it’s been quite a year and no doubt many of you will have had to contend with much more than me.  On a positive note It has made me feel even more grateful for the job I do and it is humbling to receive letters and emails from you, which tend to confirm how important the sharing of music is in these times.
To paraphrase the late Dame Vera and Queen Elizabeth,
Keep safe, Take care and We’ll meet again,
somewhere down the road…

Love from

Ralph

Cripes.  Poor Ralph.  There's a lot of it about!

Oh dear yes but encouraging news David.  ;)

Sending best wishes to Ralph. Really challenging situation for him but what an ultimately uplifting post.

He is a great man, in many ways. Not a hint of self-pity, just the facts. Good health from now on, Ralph and family.

Get well soon Ralph.  

Raising a glass and wishing Ralph and family plus all Ralph fans good health and 'the things you wish yourself'.... in 2021

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPcEOK4X36o


Cheers, JJ

Thanks, Diane, for sharing the newsletter. (I don't get them any more).

A very inspirational post from Ralph, after the year he and the family has had.  His optimism shines through and I wish them all the best for 2021.

You can sign up for them again via Leola's website  ;)

You beat me to it JJ. Hope to see you downt the road too

I hope he will be ok...
Diane Delphini, if you can sign me up to the newsletter I would be very pleased, thanks.

Just go to the Leola website and you can do it there.

https://www.ralphmctell.co.uk/mailing-list/

Thanks, just done so. Xx

What's taken you so long Jen?  :D ;)

Life, grandchildren, open heart surgery... life...

Just life on it's own is enough for most people, sounds like you have a lot more to have dealt with. Sending you good wishes Jenny

I saw this on Fairporters.  What's occurring? Hope it's not as bad as this sounds...

I saw that too. I know Ralph was having cancer treatment but I got the impression it was going well. I don't know if this is someone who is late to the the news and overthinking it, or someone with "insider knowledge".  Either way, I wish Ralph well.

I wondered the same, Bridget.

Hopefully its a well wisher. Ralph himself in his recent newsletter says he is well and running again hoping one day to do the London marathon before his 80th.   ;)

Other voices, Other rooms. An album by Nanci Griffiths RIP. She covered Ralph's from Clare to Here beautifully.

Sad news has been announced that Ralph's brother Bruce has died.

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialRalphMcTell/

Announced from the stage by Simon tonight.

I remember the album. I had it from a CD library a long time ago but never got around to buying it.  

Unless I am completely missing it elsewhere, did Ralph ever release the Irish album-From There To Here? There was so much on  his social last year about the guests and the recording, but I don’t see any updates. Anyone know?

Email from Leola

As you may know Ralph was diagnosed with Prostate cancer in 2019. Following a successful procedure in early 2020 he has since been in remission, however earlier this year it was found that his PSA readings had begun to creep up and it was decided that further treatment would be required. This was originally proposed for Autumn 2024, but it has now been pushed back until early 2025, to commence just after his Royal Festival Hall 80th Birthday concert. Regrettably this means that Ralph’s plans for a UK tour have had to be postponed until late 2025, the good news is that we have managed to book a run of dates this November at very short notice.
Ralph is really excited to be out on the road as he wasn’t expecting to be able to, he is even more excited that his dear friend Dave Pegg is going to accompany him on these shows.

Ralph McTell and Dave Pegg have been friends for more than 50 years.
They have played on each others albums, performed at each others concerts and have shared family life's ups and downs.
This is the first time that they will play as a duo.
Join them for an evening of songs and stories from a lifetime on the road.

Ralph and Dave will be playing 8 intimate shows around England in November.

20th November – Dembe Theatre, Tring
21st November – Ropetackle, Shoreham
22nd November – Selby Town Hall, Selby
23rd November – The Met, Bury
24th November – Otley Court House, Otley
26th November – The Kenton Theatre, Henley on Thames
27th November – The Wharf, Tavistock
28th November - The Acorn, Penzance
 
Tickets for Ralph’s 80th Birthday concert in London are available by clicking below

Saturday 4th January 2025 – The Royal Festival Hall, London
 

 :(

Sounds like Ralph and I have recurrent prostate cancer in common, poor sod.

I'd like to get to one of these...

I guess these developments explain the delay in the Irish album. Sounds like an interesting series of gigs however!

I read somewhere that they were having trouble getting all the artistes together to record, It was muted it would be released in 2024, would be a nice Christmas prezzie to get us in the mood for London.

Could be. I remember there were photos of a few guests-Declan O’Rourke, John Doyle and Paul Brady among others. Guess it will still happen when the time is right