Free Reed is very proud to help publicise the Leola Records release of this comprehensive history of Ralph McTell’s glorious recording career: Ralph’s production partners at Fledg'ling have searched through hours of archive recordings to present the most comprehensive portrait of Ralph’s music yet attempted.

One of the greatest storytellers, Ralph is now celebrating 40 years on the road. Known for his virtuoso guitar style, he is primarily a prolific and gifted songwriter. With a style that invites you into a unique world, he weaves a narrative that is both significant and poignant. Ralph won an Ivor Novello Award for his songwriting as long ago as 1974. In 2002 he was presented with the BBC Radio2 Folk Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Journey is a long-format 4CD set, with the earliest home recordings to Ralph very latest 2006 recordings – and with many previously-unreleased songs and rare recordings.

Far more than a “best of” this is a must-have collection of rare and archive material.

Includes a rare recording of his classic composition “Streets Of London”.

66 Tracks chronicle Ralph’s career from the first private recordings in 1965 to songs recorded especially for this project
 in summer 2006.

30 tracks are previously unreleased – including rare outtakes, live performances and demo recordings. Over 150 hours
 of live recordings were reviewed to make the selections here.

The four CDs are accompanied by a sumptuous full colour book featuring a foreword by Rory McGrath, essays on
Ralph’s songwriting and guitar playing, a full discography and detailed time line, together with many previously
 unpublished photographs.

Compiled and researched by David Suff who also produced the acclaimed box sets - A Boxful Of Treasures SANDY DENNY,
 Mighty River Of Song The WATERSONS, Always JUNE TABOR and Within Sound SHIRLEY COLLINS.

Guest musicians include Bruce Barthol (Country Joe & the Fish), James Burton (Elvis Presley, Emmylou Harris), Rod Clements (Lindisfarne), Billy Connolly, Hank DeVito (Emmylou Harris), John Renbourn (Pentangle), Dave Swarbrick (Fairport Convention), Danny Thompson (Pentangle) and Richard Thompson.