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Product Description
Mojo ****
His voice has more gruffness giving extra weight to his blues flirtations and he's written an outstanding collection of songs, from Jesse Fuller, Reverend Gary Davis and Robert Johnson tributes, to a Cajun jamboree and a teriffic love ode to London.
CD Description
Ralph McTell's first album of original material for 10 years contains 14 new songs and showcases the incredible talent that has captivated sell-out audiences for 45 years. Inspired by anecdotes and ideas from sources as diverse as 17th century writer Dr Johnson, the film Citizen Kane and a spring day, 'Somewhere Down The Road' marks a stunning return to the studio by Ralph McTell. Songs ranging from the deeply personal in the form of Lantern Slides, a re-telling a family outing almost 100 years in the past, to a heartfelt response to the proposed separation of England and Scotland told through the metaphor of the breakdown of a marriage. Other key tracks include 'Around The Wild Cape Horn' which is already a favourite among McTell audiences, and makes it into the studio just ahead of two other proposed cover versions. 'Reverend Thunder' pays tribute to the literally blind faith of guitar hero, the blind Reverend Gary Davis. ' A Sunny Day (Aujourd'Hui le Ciel est Bleu)' contains some of McTell's most exquisite poetry sung in both English and French. This album will thrill existing fans, who will find all the hallmarks of McTell's finest work – melody and intricate guitar playing, intertwined with poetic, complex lyrics. Newcomers will delight in this album, which makes a perfect introduction to the vast canon of McTell's nearly five decades of songwriting.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This is billed as Ralph's first collection of original material for ten years, a typically modest undersell which should not overlook his reworking and rediscovery of some classic country blues and rags, Dylan and Guthrie material during that time (check out 'National Treasure' and 'Gates of Eden') and the autobiographical 'As Far As I can Tell'). He's been busy...
And this is indeed a cracker of an album. My favourite piece is Revd. Thunder, a wonderful tribute to the great Revd Gary Davis, blues and gospel picker extraordinaire. I'd defy anyone, from the first note, not to start tapping their toes and singin' along. And, as is characteristic of Ralph's songs and indeed the rest of this album, it has a narrative - sad, poignant, human, hopeful and ultimately uplifting. Ralph McTell stands head and shoulders above other ragtime and blues acoustic players because he's not just technically proficient but hugely entertaining with it and always adds an element of feel-good.
Great artwork on the packaging and notes too. 10/10.
And this is indeed a cracker of an album. My favourite piece is Revd. Thunder, a wonderful tribute to the great Revd Gary Davis, blues and gospel picker extraordinaire. I'd defy anyone, from the first note, not to start tapping their toes and singin' along. And, as is characteristic of Ralph's songs and indeed the rest of this album, it has a narrative - sad, poignant, human, hopeful and ultimately uplifting. Ralph McTell stands head and shoulders above other ragtime and blues acoustic players because he's not just technically proficient but hugely entertaining with it and always adds an element of feel-good.
Great artwork on the packaging and notes too. 10/10.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
It never ceases to amaze me how Ralph McTell continues to create great CDs that are both fresh and unmistakeably his. Ralph is always good to listen to and, if you get the chance, to see perform live. I bought this after hearing him sing several of the tracks in concert a couple of months ago, and thoroughly recommend it.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
For anyone who grew up with Ralph McTells early work then this album is just like meeting an old friend, and from the first track you just know it's going to be a pleasure to listen to. Nothing revolutionary, and perhaps not some of the early social comment that were present in his early years. His guitar playing is superb and overall this is a good competent album. If you like or have previously enjoyed his work - buy it - it will not disappoint.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
ABSOLUTELY STUNNING ....................!!!!!!
I agree with one other reviewer here, in that my favourite track is Rev. Thunder,
but then again, the album is good throughout anyway. Read more
but then again, the album is good throughout anyway. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Brian James
Great performance, but a bit samey
I'm delighted to hear that Ralph is still going strong and his voice sounds better than ever. The songs are excellent, but they do all have a very similar sound. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Mrs. Margaret R. Bleksley
He's still got it!
I have bough many Ralph McTell recordings over the past 40 years. He never let's you down, although his early LPs are overrated. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Ewan
Classic McTell!
Ralph McTell is in classic form on this, his latest album.
First and foremost, the songs are strong, McTell at his story-telling best. Read more
First and foremost, the songs are strong, McTell at his story-telling best. Read more
Published 16 months ago by alextorres
His No1 Album
For me this is Ralphs best Album ever. Obviously we all rave on about Spiral Staircase but that was then and this is now. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Chris Waywell
Mature and engaging
I had the good fortune to Ralph in concert before I bought the album and that certainly helped me to see the origin and meaning of each track to him. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Chris
Excellent new CD
Downloaded this yesterday and think it's just great. I've been listening to Ralph's music for 40 years and like almost everything he's done. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Thea
Ralph McTell: Somewhere down the road
Ralph McTell has been my all time favourite since I had the pleasure of meeting him at Kælderen in Århus, Denmark in 1976. I am a collector of his music.
Published 18 months ago by Kjell Steinar Vågen
Real artist
I was fortunate enough to see Ralph perform live at a very small and intimate venue on November 12th and he was fantastic. Read more
Published 18 months ago by ClifB
Brilliant new recording of well crafted songs
I recieved my cd of the new Ralph Mctell cd last week and I must say it it up to the very high standard that you would expect from one of the UK's most respected... Read more
Published 21 months ago by P. F. Matthews
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