Ralph McTell - Somewhere Down The Road (2010)

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.