Ralph McTell the case for canonisation

Subject: Ralph McTell the case for cannonisation
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 17 May 04 - 08:12 PM

Saw Ralph's set at the De Montfort hall Leicester tonight.

Brilliant guitarist, song writer, performer, raconteur.....really pleasant to everyone after the gig in a meet the fans session.

Surely some recognition is long overdue for services to civilisation

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell the case for cannonisation
From: Midchuck
Date: 17 May 04 - 08:55 PM

The doubled "n" in your topic line implies that you want to shoot him with a cannon - or maybe shoot him out of a cannon, if you can find one to suit a man of that caliber (or is it "calibre" if I'm talking across the Atlantic?) Did you mean "canonization" with one "n," meaning sainthood?

Just curious.

Peter.

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell the case for cannonisation
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 18 May 04 - 10:08 AM

As becoming a saint involves one being dead, I wouldn;t wish that on Ralph, great singer and guitarist that he is.
eric

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell the case for cannonisation
From: el ted
Date: 18 May 04 - 10:13 AM

If they can give a knighthood to that daft queen Elton john, why not bold Sir Ralph?

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell the case for cannonisation
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 18 May 04 - 10:53 AM

Great st dance named after Elton ' King Of The Fairies ', no that is wrong, should be queen.
A knighthood is long overdue for some of our great folksingers.


eric

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell the case for cannonisation
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 18 May 04 - 01:44 PM

Agree with el ted & eric the red; but...
In a world where Bob Copper was not deemed worthy of a knighthood, what chance for Ralph?

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell the case for cannonisation
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 18 May 04 - 02:08 PM

Ignoring el ted's homophobic claptrap and eric's predictable comment about the necessity of being dead, just whatever makes anybody subscribe to the belief that Ralph McTell should suffer the fate of being either shot or sanctified?

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell the case for cannonisation
From: akenaton
Date: 18 May 04 - 04:15 PM

From what I know of Ralph Mctell, I dont think he would appreciate either knighthood or sainthood.
He seems to have his feet too well planted on the ground to be bothered with "such like".
Ralph is like Alex Campbell used to be, totally committed to his music.
His "Song for Martin" means very much to me, and I hope someday to get the chance to thank him for writing it.....Ake

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell the case for cannonisation
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 18 May 04 - 06:16 PM

well I think it would be nice. Caught the gig at Sheffield tonight and he opened the second half with The Setting - tore my heart out. Why the hell is there none of this music on the telly. How have we ended up with two hundred tv channels with no music that I like on it.
Whether it requires the holy father or an ack ack gun - something ought to be done. Why not a south bank show or something similar - come to that theres every kind of world music on BBC3 and 4, except the stuff that I had heard these last two nights.
Rise St Ralph! order of Yamaha six string, first class with oakleaves!

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell the case for cannonisation
From: alanabit
Date: 19 May 04 - 02:23 AM

I think he's a fine songwriter without actually being one of the greats. I do know a nice story about the man though.
A few years ago, a couple of struggling buskers in London recorded a demo. Unknown to them, one of their friends sent a copy to Ralph McTell. He took the trouble to find out their address and send them a note saying how impressed he was. He ended his note by saying that if there was any justice in the world, success would be just around the corner - but that if he knew the formula for writing hits, he would have written more than one. It was a kind hearted thing to do and the lads are now here in Cologne, years later, still sticking doggedly to their craft. It meant a lot to them.

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell the case for cannonisation
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 19 May 04 - 11:17 AM

well i think he's one of the greats. he's one of the ones who has given me a standard to aim for, even if I never achieve it.

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell the case for cannonisation
From: el ted
Date: 19 May 04 - 11:24 AM

Countess Richard, you can go swivel!! Elton John is not a fit person to have been knighted!

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell the case for cannonisation
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 19 May 04 - 12:27 PM

How gratifying to find that well-known spirit of enlightened tolerance and infomed musical appreciation is alive and well on Mudcat. Not.

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell the case for cannonisation
From: Dave Wynn
Date: 19 May 04 - 07:11 PM

Apart from not liking Elton John because of his music and perhaps the way that he changed the words of his only real song to fit a funeral. (he really did ruin a brill song. Turned it into a sickening , meaningless dirge).

I have been singing Ralph McTell songs and in my ignorance not known they were his. Clare to Here , The Setting , Hiring Fair , Grand Affair the list is long.....I learned them all the aural way by listening to friends and picking up the ones I liked. The man is a genius but whether he wants to be a saint is another matter.

Spot

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell the case for cannonisation
From: el ted
Date: 20 May 04 - 04:09 AM

CR, you are using the expression "enlightened tolerance" when you really mean "lowering of standards"

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell the case for cannonisation
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 20 May 04 - 05:49 AM

the only one thats happened to with me is Bentley and Craig - which I learned off Wizz Jones and Wizz told me its origin.
Stunning song the narrative power just grabs the audience. the story we all now well, but the inevitability and the pathos....yeh send up the white smoke!

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell the case for cannonisation
From: Amos
Date: 20 May 04 - 02:23 PM

Play nice, el ted!!

A

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell the case for cannonisation
From: akenaton
Date: 20 May 04 - 06:20 PM

Amos It wouldn't be advisable to cross swords with "El Ted",after the carnage of the "Same species marriage" thread...(%^)....Ake.

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell the case for cannonisation
From: John Robinson (aka Cittern)
Date: 22 May 04 - 04:01 PM

Pulling this nonsense back on topic ...

"alanabit"'s story struck a chord, if you'll pardon the pun. I've now worked with two artists who can recount similar tales.

I had the pleasure of meeting the man himself after the Sheffield gig and everything that I've heard about him being a really nice bloke is spot on.

Julie will be supporting him on 22nd July, as part of the Customs House International Guitar Festival in South Shields.

It has been interesting to see how the people who work with Ralph share a common characteristic. They are all really nice people! And that isn't always a characteristic you find in the music world - amateur or professional.

All the best
John Robinson
http://www.JulieEllison.co.uk

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell the case for cannonisation
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 23 May 04 - 09:39 AM

couldn't agree more ! wolfgang amadeus mozart   ....now there was a real bastard

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell the case for cannonisation
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Nov 04 - 01:03 AM

*ROFLMAO* - Good one, weelittledrummer ;o)   

I just saw Ralph 3 times in one week here in Denmark,
and I agree fully. Amazing guitar, great voice and
fantastic songs with beautiful lyrics and cool timing.

I even had my picture taken with (King) Ralph afterwards,
and he IS a very nice and down to earth guy.
England should feel very proud about her "unknown"
National Treasure (title of his latest album).
( playing on "National" metal guitar ).

Now I just need to practice and practice and practice ....


Henrik

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell the case for cannonisation
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 20 Nov 04 - 03:07 PM

so thats where he is.

he's still very much my favourite singer/guiatrist/songwriter and really I think it is a little crazy, all these unmemeorable chart hits being cranked out. The tastes of Simon Cowell and his grisly gang of dumbshits are trotted out as having some significance.

And yet all the songs that we get asked for at gigs - the Peter St John stuff, the Eric Bogle stuff, Bill caddick, and much of the Bob dylan stuff come to that has never been in the charts. there has never been a national radio station - much less a tv station expressing the will of the people and its a bloody scandal.

Thats why I can't can't find it in my heart to go all gooey over BBC4's oh so tasteful offerings..

Ralph Mctell sounds almost like the soul of modern England. No rustic accent, no pretence at being an unlettered serf, sensitive, decent and very sophisticated.

who need honours from a royal family who knows our place....lets go for the big one........secular canonisation.

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell the case for cannonisation
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 20 Nov 04 - 03:53 PM

WLD, as usual I'm 100% with you. Ralph's the dog's gonads. And a truly approachable guy. I'm proud to say I have his song 'Jesus Wept' in my repertoire - wonderful writing, just wish I had the voice to do it full justice.
S:0)

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell the case for cannonisation
From: Fliss
Date: 20 Nov 04 - 05:55 PM

Ive been a fan since the late 60s. Ralph gets better each time I see him... unlike other singers.

I can remember being told how nervous he got before coming on stage. I also know he likes to keep himself to himself. But Id love to see him get an OBE at least, because I think he does stuff for the homeless, quietly.

I do love 'An Irish Blessing' Being at the stage where my children are leaving home I can relate to the lyrics. "The hardest part is letting go."

It was read at my friend's 17 year old son's funeral in 96, it means so much to me as she died last year.

Possibly the reason Ralph hasnt had a hit is that he writes from the heart and not for the pop charts.

Happy Birthday Ralph for 3rd December.
fx

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell the case for cannonisation
From: Felipa
Date: 11 Nov 23 - 03:03 PM

Ralph McTell is on tour in Ireland at present, turning 79 next month, still singing and playing well.

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell the case for cannonisation
From: GUEST,Beachcomber
Date: 12 Nov 23 - 08:24 AM

I attended Ralph's concert in THE EVERYMAN THEATRE in Cork city last Sunday, having been a follower since the 1960s. It, or should I say he, was magic. He sang as well as ever and was picking with his usual facility (with a few little explanatory utterings as to his style) signed CDs and books for all who purchased.
Long life (SIR ?) Ralph.

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell the case for cannonisation
From: GUEST,RJM
Date: 13 Nov 23 - 04:23 AM

CANONISATION OR CANONIZATION, could a mudelf alter it please. cannonisation could give the impression he should be fired in a cannon. I agree he is a fine songwriter and performer

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell the case for canonisation
From: Cool Beans
Date: 15 Nov 23 - 04:00 PM

He's not well known here in the States but I do sing his delightful children's song "Holly the Hedgehog" and it always goes a fine response.

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell the case for cannonisation
From: GUEST,Beachcomber
Date: 12 Nov 23 - 08:24 AM

I attended Ralph's concert in THE EVERYMAN THEATRE in Cork city last Sunday, having been a follower since the 1960s. It, or should I say he, was magic. He sang as well as ever and was picking with his usual facility (with a few little explanatory utterings as to his style) signed CDs and books for all who purchased.
Long life (SIR ?) Ralph.

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell the case for cannonisation
From: GUEST,RJM
Date: 13 Nov 23 - 04:23 AM

CANONISATION OR CANONIZATION, could a mudelf alter it please. cannonisation could give the impression he should be fired in a cannon. I agree he is a fine songwriter and performer

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell the case for canonisation
From: Cool Beans
Date: 15 Nov 23 - 04:00 PM

He's not well known here in the States but I do sing his delightful children's song "Holly the Hedgehog" and it always goes a fine response.

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell the case for cannonisation
From: Felipa
Date: 11 Nov 23 - 03:03 PM

Ralph McTell is on tour in Ireland at present, turning 79 next month, still singing and playing well.