McChatter

[Naomi]

Me again...

I've just noticed this 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

[JJ (Joanna)]

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 if I could!

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

[Henrik]

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 if I could!

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

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

[CarlWoodb]

Ralph has met Dawn French while on tour here.  

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

[Henrik]

Ralph has met Dawn French while on tour here.  

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

Le Grande Affaire?

[Henrik]

One more great picture here

[JJ (Joanna)]

One more great picture here

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

[Naomi]

Just found this interview in 'The Lady'   - 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  

[JJ (Joanna)]

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

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

[Naomi]

Hi all,

I've just discovered this 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

[JJ (Joanna)]

Hi all,

I've just discovered this 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!  

[RobertD]

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.

[Mark J Salt]

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.

[gmf (Giles)]

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

[JJ (Joanna)]

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....

[Cool Cat]

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.  

[JJ (Joanna)]

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!!  

[Naomi]

An interesting little interview here.

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

Naomi

[tryer]

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

[gower flower (Shirl)]

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.