Ralph McTell own website

Subject: Ralph McTell own website
From: Fliss
Date: 17 Sep 04 - 07:16 PM

Ralph now has his own website

http://www.ralphmctell.co.uk/
And hes 60 on December 3rd.

I havnt seen Ralph in concert for a couple of years so am getting withdrawal symptoms.

Have been a fan since the late 60's and used to see him at the Fairfield halls when I taught in Croydon in the early 70's.

I lived in a flat with several girls and one day a super looking young man seemed to be moving into the next door house. I later discovered that he had been moving his mother into the flat.

Later still he was in the garden next door with his wife & 2 kids & dog.

Being short sighted and not wearning my glasses all the time I hadnt recognised him.... youve guessed, it was Ralph.

Im still pals with him mum after 32 years.

Happy 60th Ralph.

fliss xx

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell own website
From: Eric the Streetsinger
Date: 18 Sep 04 - 11:45 AM

I'll be visiting his site this afternoon! Thanks for the info.
I've been a fan of Mr. Mactell for a long time- been singing
"Streets of London", "Mr. Connaughton" and "Summer Girls" for many
years. I've never had the opportunity to see him live, more's the
pity!

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell own website
From: Fliss
Date: 24 Sep 04 - 08:02 AM

Barges and Girl from the hiring fair are my favourites.
cheers
f

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell own website
From: GUEST,John Robinson
Date: 25 Sep 04 - 05:14 AM

Julie was fortunate enough to be invited to support Ralph earlier this year at the Customs House International Guitar Festival in South Shields.

On a personal level, the man is just a really nice guy, and lives up to the positive comments everyone makes about him. He's even provided us with a cracking quote about Julie - which will decorate her tour posters for some time to come! He didn't need to do that and there are many in his position who would not have done so.

In terms of music - his "Jesus Wept" moved me - very apt in these times. His version of "Hesitation Blues" is another stand out piece.

It seemed to me that Ralph dropped off the media radar for a while, but with the amount of broadcasting he is doing with Smooth Operations right now (they have a live concert scheduled for the Mike Harding show pretty soon) it looks like he's getting the attention he deserves.

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

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell own website
From: GUEST,g8ina
Date: 25 Sep 04 - 01:40 PM

I missed seeing Ralph just a week ago at the Jake Thackray bash at Torrington in Devon (TorrFest). Apparently a great time was had by all, and some of whom were allowed to play Jake's old guitar.

Next big JT bash will be Edinburgh Sept 05, Ralph is invited to that one too :-)

Oh, and didya know that Jake's 3 sons have the same names as Ralphs 3 sons ? (And Carrot named his son after Jake.)

Sorry to JakeJack the thread Fliss sweetie, but I know you'll forgive me.

Luv

DH

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell own website
From: Fliss
Date: 25 Sep 04 - 06:08 PM

Will I DH? Didnt realise you lurked on here still!

Glad to hear Ralph was at the bash. His comments about Jake on the website were very good. Sorry you werent well enough to go.

I like THe Irish Blessing. I sent it to a friend when her son died and it was read at his funeral. It says so much about letting go and letting kids find their own way.

f

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell own website
From: songs2play
Date: 30 Oct 04 - 10:02 AM

Was lucky enough to get to See Ralph at Mike Harding's BBC2 show Live in Liverpool. He did 20min at was awesome.
I was also lucky enough to have a quick word with him after the show. What a true gentleman he is.
Next one is Nov 12th in Birkenhead, UK.

Excellent website as well.

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell own website
From: GUEST,The Devonian
Date: 30 Oct 04 - 10:18 AM

Nice to see Ralph is doing live gigs again. His 60th Birthday 'Bash' in London promises to be something special and I hear through the grapevine that he's also appearing at a Festival in Fareham (Hampshire) next Easter. He's a thoroughly decent bloke.

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell own website
From: GUEST,Henrik
Date: 20 Nov 04 - 01:55 AM

To Eric the Streetsinger :o)

"I'll be visiting his site this afternoon! Thanks for the info.
I've been a fan of Mr. Mactell for a long time- been singing
"Streets of London", "Mr. Connaughton" and "Summer Girls" for many
years. I've never had the opportunity to see him live, more's the
pity!" !?!?!??!???!?!?!??!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!??!?!?!?!??!?!?!?!?!?!


Speaking as one guitar player to another : You just HAVE to see
and hear him, Eric ! No buts !!! Even if it's the last thing you do .... *LOL* Take my word for it !

I have just seen and HEARD him 3 times in one week
here in Denmark, and I am still gobsmacked and have his
wonderful songs running around my "poor" head constantly.
An amazing guitar virtuoso with a fantastic voice and an incredible
fireworks of beautiful songs performed in a warm, cosy and very amusing atmosphere.

If you don't know "Hands of Joseph" (My personal top favourite),
"A Feather Fell", "Nettle Wine", "Girl from the Hiring Fair",
"Lost Boys" ( A new great one !!!), "Arthur Blake", "slip Shot Tap
Room Dance / Soho"(about Dylan Thomas), "From CLare to Here", "After Rain", "Peppers & Tomatoes", "Jesus Wept", "Red & Gold", "I'll Keep This With MINE", "Saucers" and many, many, many more .... you have "missed out", and you have a lot to look forward to. So at least there is something good in this ;o)

Check http://www.talkawhile.co.uk/yabbse/index.php?topic=6096.0
at The Folk Corporation Forum, if you want to read my not quite unbiased reports from and reviews of those 3 concerts in Denmark in late October 2004.


If you want an impression of his newer songs/ work ( + some old songs) and his development as an artist, try the great live albums "Travelling Man" (2*CD) and "Songs for Six Strings II". The fantastic live album "Ralph,(Royal) Albert (Hall) & Sydney (Opera House)" from 1976 is SfSS I. They are (now) all on the label Leola Music. In my opinion he is always at his best live. However "Sand in the Shoes", "Red Sky" and "National Treasure" are good studio albums of later years.


Enjoy

Henrik

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell own website
From: GUEST,Alf Tranter
Date: 20 Nov 04 - 08:28 AM

I believe the Festival referred to by The Devonian above is the Gosport & Fareham Easter Festival held in Hampshire over the Easter weekend. Their main venue, The Ferneham Hall, tell me Ralph McTell will be headlining the opening night concert on Thursday 24 March, 2005. Show of Hands are also appearing the following day. No more details as yet I'm afraid, only that it's a really nice Festival which takes place in good quality indoor venues including a very comfortable main hall with wonderful acoustics. Just right for Ralph. I feel.

Subject: RE: Ralph McTell own website
From: GUEST,Anon.
Date: 20 Nov 04 - 09:53 PM

Ralph 60? He looks 20 years younger. Wish I did!