Ralph McTell

I have not see Ralph McTell perform live for nearly forty years, so it felt about time to see him again.

The Cambridge Corn Exchange is not the most attractive venue. Unlike its counterpart in King's Lynn, Cambridge retains too many features of its former function and these days I find being too far from the stage very unsatisfactory. This time was a significant improvement on my experience a week or so ago when, although in Row M, I was only five rows from the stage last evening.

The first hour was taken up with four songwriter/performer acts who may have been local. Two out of the four performances suffered from poor sound (the first young woman's vocals were awash to drowning point with reverb and the third seemed to have a complicated cable array that didn't work and his guitar was inaudible). The second, act, a duo were the most polished with one guitar often playing lead and they managed some pleasant vocal harmonies.

Ralph came on after an interval and proceeded to entertain in his disarmingly self-deprecating manner, although he was generously effusive in his praise of the first four acts. Mid-way through he introduced two songs at the piano by saying he "uses" the instrument rather than claiming to be able to "play" it. I think he undersold himself. His playing was perfectly competent enough to accompany the songs.

I was delighted to note that I knew very few of the songs and all bar the two piano numbers were beautifully delivered with his delicate guitar work and rich baritone. Between the songs he often had an entertaining story to tell about the origin of the next song and reflecting his many years as a performer. After so many years, Ralph McTell still has what it takes and there can't have been many in the subdued, mostly mature, audience who would likely have disagreed. Of course, his final song was "Streets of London" which I personally didn't need to hear again, but it was well received with applause during the intro - that very-known chord sequence. He was called back to perform two encores. The final song, as yet unrecorded but due for inclusion on the next album, shows that the writing skills are as strong as ever.

By an accident of geography Ralph McTell was born British. Had he been born American he would undoubtedly have become a huge star. Instead while he continues to fill halls like the Cambridge Corn Exchange, it seems poignant that one of his more memorable television appearances is as the accused author of "One Hundred Easy Tunes for Guitar" in Judge Dawn French's court that no one (including high profile witnesses David Gilmour, Mark Knopfler, Mark King, Gary Moore and Lemmy) can read. Given that degree of endorsement I think Ralph McTell probably qualifies as a British institution.

Ralph McTell is a truly legendary singer/songwriter from England who has been performing for almost 50 years. His style is the traditional folk and American blues. He's an exceptionally talented guitar player, though his aim in his music is not to show off his immense talent, even though his technique is truly world-class.

He plays a lot of blues style guitar and will play solos but the real draw of his music is his unbelievable singing ability and the emotion that comes out when he performs. His songs make you long for being at home and among friends. He'll sing about places he's been and places he'll be going again.

I had the pleasure of seeing him play in London a few years ago, and he told stories between all of his songs and really made the audience feel as if you were talking to an old friend and singing songs and just having a relaxing evening.

Ralph is a talented and experienced performer and knows how to relate to his listeners. I listen to his music at least once a month and am reminded of home. I love folk music and Ralph is one of the best playing and singing it. See this man perform, he is still playing in the UK these days.

I have seen Ralph on all of his Australian tours.

He is better live than on any recorded medium, apart from perhaps that magic recording of his 70th birthday concert.

All reviews should say, however I will repeat the following, he is a truly wonderful bloke, a master storyteller in word and song, is a master of the guitar, his penchant, in particular, being for the old ragtime blues tunes, his voice has a lovely rich, round timbre and he always gives his audience an evening that lingers long past the end of his performance.

And yes, I love the way that crowds join in singing The Streets of London.

A vastly underrated talent.

I plan to see him again in Melbourne at what may well be his final trip here.

A performance not to be missed by all those who simply enjoy fine music.

Robert Cudlipp.

We loved the show, it was more than we expected. Ralph McTell was intimate, funny and entertaining.
I love the fact that the show started at 7.30pm, and at 7.35pm Ralph walked onto the stage with no support acts, excellent.

Lovely warm and intimate evening. Ralf McTell has a font of experiences that he dipped into which enthralled the audience. His singing and guitar playing made the evening complete. Highly recommended!