Bridge of Sighs (Ralph McTell album) explained
| Bridge of Sighs |
| Type: | studio |
| Artist: | Ralph McTell |
| Cover: | Ralph McTell Bridge of Sighs 1987 album cover.jpg |
| Border: | yes |
| Released: | 1987 |
| Length: | 46:58 |
| Label: | Mays Records |
| Prev Title: | The Best of – Tickle on the Tum |
| Prev Year: | 1986 |
| Next Title: | The Very Best of Ralph McTell |
| Next Year: | 1988 |
Bridge of Sighs is a studio album by English singer-songwriter Ralph McTell. It was released by Mays Records in 1987. It was reissued on CD by Leola Music in 2007.[1]
Speaking of the album, McTell told The Canberra Times in 1987: "The themes follow the Ralph McTell thread. It's a little bit offbeat and I don't think there are so many songs about alienation. There are stronger links throughout the album than on my earlier albums, which tended to be diverse."[2]
Critical reception
Upon its release, Mark Kearns of the Hayes & Harlington Gazette commented: "McTell has a pleasant voice and uses it effectively on these twelve new songs. No surprises, but a meritorious effort with some very nice backing."[3] At the end of 1987, The Age included the album under their "The best sounds of 1987" list. The newspaper commented: "A dozen appealing originals by the troubadour of London's streets, in a classy production helped by the cream of British folk-rock musicians."[4]
Personnel
- Ralph McTell - vocals (tracks 1-12), acoustic guitar (tracks 1-11), synth (track 11), piano (track 12)
- Alun Davies - rhythm guitar (tracks 1, 3-10)
- Maartin Allcock - bass (tracks 1, 3-4, 9, 11)
- Gerry Conway - drums (tracks 1, 3-6, 8-12)
- Jerry Donahue - lead guitar (tracks 1, 8-9)
- Graham Preskett - keyboards (tracks 1, 3-4, 6-8, 10-12), strings (tracks 1, 3-4, 6-8, 10-12), violin (track 3)
- Benny Gallagher - backing vocals (tracks 1, 4, 9, 11-12)
- Simon Nicol - rhythm guitar (track 2)
- Dave Swarbrick - violin (track 2)
- Richard Thompson - lead guitar (tracks 3, 6)
- Geraint Watkins - accordion (tracks 4, 9)
- Dave Pegg - bass (tracks 5-7, 10)
- Sam Mitchell - steel guitar (track 5)
- Frank Keane - uilleann pipes (track 7)
- Danny Thompson - double bass (tracks 8, 12)
- Brian Robson - piano (track 12)
Production
- Ralph McTell - producer
- Martin Levan, Mark Frith, Roger T. Wade, Brian Robson - engineers
Other
- Jan Leman - cover illustration, design
Notes and References
- Web site: Bridge of Sighs - Ralph McTell | Releases . AllMusic . 2019-12-29.
- News: Hefner. Robert. 29 January 1987. McTell - Writing it his way. The Canberra Times.
- News: Kearns. Mark. 5 February 1987. Albums. Hayes & Harlington Gazette.
- News: Speelman. Paul. Daly. Mike. 31 December 1987. The best sounds of 1987. The Age.
