Ralph Mc Tell Streets Of London

Greenwich Summer Sessions Announces Additional Day

It was announced Thursday 16th June, that an exciting new day has been added to the Greenwich Summer Sessions (GSS) bill on Sunday 31 July. Entitled  ‘Songs in the Key of London’ this special evening, curated by Chris Difford (Squeeze), will close the Sessions. The night will play host to a plethora of first class artists including Gary Kemp (Spandau Ballet), Ali Campbell (UB40), Mark Nevin and Eddi Reader (Fairground Attraction), Boo Hewerdine (The Bible), jazz musician Pee Wee Ellis (member of James Brown’s band), and folk artists Chris Wood and Katherine Williams. A unique one-off occasion this concert will feature the cream of musical talent, songwriters, tunesmiths and stars –personally invited by Difford – coming together to celebrate London in song. The artists are spoilt for choice in terms of just how many historic songs have been written about London. The event in its original form took place last year at The Barbican, London, and due it it’s phenomenal success. It returns for a second year, as part of the Greenwich Summer Sessions. A fitting finale for the Greenwich Summer Sessions and its start to the year-long countdown to the 2012 London Olympics, as Difford says: “The idea is to do interesting productions and arrangements. Stephen Large will be on hand for arrangements, and will be our Musical Director.” There will also be a superb house band supporting the special guest artists, making this an unmissable event. Also performing at the festival are locally-based Greenwich artists Squeeze; a first ever Greenwich performance from the legendary Status Quo; pop sophisticate The Divine Comedy (Neil Hannon solo); neo-classical Swedish singer-songwriter José González; Irish punk folk heroes The Pogues; BRIT Award winning Mark Ronson with his ground breaking new band The Business Intl.: electro-pop group Noisettes: folk pop duo Turin Brakes: and Punk icons Buzzcocks: in addition to DJ sets from Emma B and Ross Allen. Set in a beautiful and intimate open-air atmosphere, the GSS is set to become one of the most established live events in London’s music and cultural calendar. Staged in the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College on the River Thames, in the centre of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site, this six-night run of concerts, is a high quality event that is the highlight of the borough’s cultural programme. The event is part of The Greenwich Festivals: Music, supported by Greenwich Council. As well as experiencing these top class acts in this amazing location, the audience will also have the chance to explore everything else that is on offer at the Sessions. Food and refreshments at the event will be available by a vast array of outlets including Yo Sushi!, Soulful Wrap, Pie Minister and Jimmy’s Farm. The British Music Experience Bus, presented by The Co-operative, will also be at the Sessions and will be setting up camp throughout the concert series to bring the audience elements of their thriving music programme for them to interact with.

BLOGGERHYTHMS: Forgotten Music Thursday: Ralph McTell - Streets of ...

Folk singer Ralph McTell came from the same English coffeehouse circuit that helped give birth to the careers of Al Stewart and the late John Martyn . McTell has always been better known in his homeland and Australia than in the United States where he has received almost no attention whatsoever. He frequently performs live with just his voice and a guitar but, unlike similar artists who do the same, his concerts are still satisfying because the man has quite an appealing voice. He doesn’t need the adornments of a band to cover up any vocal deficiencies. Proof of this lies with his solo acoustic performances on Ralph, Albert, and Sydney , a cleverly named live album full of songs he recorded at the Royal Albert Hall and the Sydney Opera House. The veteran singer-songwriter owns a rich baritone and sings with an obvious English accent that enhances his live shows and recordings. The closest McTell ever came to obtaining any acceptance in America was for his 1971 album You Well Meaning Brought Me Here , a platter full of nice songs and one huge standout, "Streets of London," a composition that is considered to be his signature piece among people who are familiar with his work. McTell is well worth listening to beyond "Streets" but this beautiful, melodic, and sad work about the plight of homeless people he encountered in London should be a timeless classic. The song packs a wallop because McTell was genuinely moved by what he saw. He wanted to create the same emotions in his listeners and shouldn't that be the goal all socially conscience music aspires to achieve? You can listen to "Streets of London" here . If you've never heard this great song before listening to it now is a must. While much of the world is getting caught up in the pomp this wonderful and ancient city has to offer because of tomorrow's Royal wedding the song offers a vivid portrait of London's dark side. The contrast between William and Kate's nuptials and "Streets" couldn't be more obvious.

You're right in saying that all his music is worthwhile, but "Streets of London" is one of those gems that comes to and from a songwriter once in a lifetime (if we and the songwriter are lucky). I think I likely heard Roger Whittaker's cover first and then found McTell's, but I was blown away by both. Tony Rice gave it a shot on his "Church Street Blues," but his American accent sounds out-of-place.

The Streets of London

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