Our thanks to John Luckett, who shares this music review from the recent Ralph McTell concert on the Isle of Wight. Ed
A blustery, autumn evening outside Medina Theatre, but the warmth and calm atmosphere inside was tangible. The audience facing a spartan, simplistic set-up – three guitars on their stands and a small table and chair.
The resident Steinway piano situated at back of the stage just out of the spotlight. Otherwise, an almost bare stage.
The man, his music, and his influences
Ralph McTell, now 77 years old, is best known for his iconic song Streets of London – now 50 years old. Yet…there is so much more to him – the man, his music, and his influences, which may surprise a few people.
Inspired by the Yugoslavian conflict in the 1990s “Peppers and Tomatoes is a poignant tale of rural communities torn apart by division and war, and bearing striking parallels with the Ukraine conflict. By contrast Close Shave is a humorous tale of infidelity and a vexed barber with a cut-throat razor.
Musical influences from 1920s-1930s
Several songs were performed from his most recent album Hill of Beans, which was produced by the legendary Tony Visconti, who worked with David Bowie. Other songs covered his musical influences, mostly from 1920s-1930s, his travelling days and of childhood memories.
As well as his distinctive guitar playing style, or “noodling” as he called it when he was composing a song, who knew he could play the piano? “I play the guitar – but I use the piano” he explained, as he played Clear Water and the emotive Sometimes I Wish I Could Pray – both from the latest album.
Finale with audience sing-a-long
Of course, Streets of London was the final song, complete with audience sing-a-long, that is if you were not too choked up to sing! Sadly, this song has equal relevance to life today as it did 50 years ago – perhaps more so.
A performance from an astonishingly gifted musician, with warmth, humility, eloquence, philosophical observations, and all blended with his gentle sense of humour.
Generous with his time
Signing merchandise afterwards he seemed to have all the time in the world for anyone who wished to talk with him, it felt like he did not want us to leave…well Ralph, neither did we.
Image: © Elly Lucas
