THIS four-CD box set uses rare archive material to document Ralph McTell's musical journey.

It pays homage to his musical heroes (Blind Blake, Reverend Gary Davies and Jessie Fuller) with arrangements of guitar blues and traditional songs, as well as compositions by Hoagy Carmichael, Bob Dylan, Randy Newman and Lennon/McCartney.

There is great variety in McTell's own compositions - everything from the sombre The Ferryman to the lyrical Nanna's Song. Streets Of London is included in a version previously unreleased in the UK.

Many tracks feature Ralph accompanying himself on guitar; others see him recording with the London Symphony Orchestra and the T Rex and Formerly Fat Harry rhythm sections.

Respected collaborators include Billy Connolly, Richard Thompson, Dave Pegg, Danny Thompson and John Renbourn.