Information/Write-up
"Little, if anything is known about Ragtime Ralph. These 16 tracks comprise the only material evidence experts have gathered showing that he might have existed. Old timers dimly recall that Ragtime Ralph referred to his music as "Fraser River Delta Blues" or something to that effect, apparently named after the geographic area where it is said he lived and eked out a meager existence for most of his vastly misunderstood nomadic life. Every attempt to uncover clues as to Ragtime Ralph's identity has proven unsuccessful.
"Seems he vanished off the face of the Earth" wheezed one of Ragtime Ralph's Cronies, the Dubiously monikered Blind John Mosser, a toothless old dumpster diving derelict of ill repute, whom we interviewed for this release as he wandered the streets of New Westminster, Ragtime Ralph's supposed old stomping grounds. "Real shame too...he had good hair...and boy...he sure could play that old' gee-tar, yes siree!"
All that aside, guitar aficionados have favorably compared Ragtime Ralph's picking to that of such blues luminaries as Blind Thomas, Blind Joe Death and Jolly Joe Bussard.
But, dear listener, as I am not a blues scholar, it is not I who should be trying to convince you just how great Ragtime Ralph's music really is. It is you, dear listener who must be judge and jury, for you hold in your hands a veritable diamond in the rough, an heirloom for the ears and hearts of future generations...music that should never be forgotten...ever again!"
Blind Brand X, June 2008
Digitally re-mastered from rare Frasertone 78s by Oliver @ Aero Studios, Vancouver, BC, Canada, May 2008
Empty Square Records...email us at:
blindbrandx@yahoo.ca
Edition of 100 copies
Museum of Canadian Music Musée de la Musique Canadienne Calgary Vinyl Music Museum Canada Museum of Recorded Sound Canada Music Museum Calgary Music Museum
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