My father played violin in an local orchestra, so I always had a weak spot for violin. Jean Luc Ponty inspired me in so many ways, I saw him with Ralphe in 78 and Ralphe was a reason I ordered an RD. The pictures in the article were from the booklet I bought at the show back then. It had been stored away all these years.
I had been searching for Ralphe for a long time, he has no computer, E-mail or web page, Myspace - nothing! No management nothing.
The way I found him was search after search time I came up with a Detroit drummer who said on his Myspace page he sometimes [plays with Ralphe. I PM him, he said he knows Ralphe and gave me his Cell Number
First let me say that Ralphe is far more than just a Fusion Bass player (Although that is what he is known for)
He is really a classical bass violin player who found his niche the fretless bass, which he sees as an extension of the Upright. He is really intelligent & gifted musician who really plays all types of music from R&B, Blues, Jazz, Classical, Hip Hop and anything else.
To answer Robs question, yes, I did tell him about Ebay, but unfortunately he is so busy with his business ventures, recording, playing, teaching and everything in-between he just never got into computers. He said his son is trying to get some web pages together, but for him, I dont think he cares really, he's more concerned with living "real" life, playing etc, than learning how to use a computer.
I told him about Jules buying that Ralphe Armstrong fretless RD add on Ebay. He was just shocked, he could not understand that someone would sell a magazine add and that someone would be foolish enough to pay money for it. He was totally dumbfounded by it.
Every time I talk to him he keeps telling me he wants a new 5 string Tbird and also how he would love to get a triumph again.
Mike Watt, Justim Meldan Johnson & Ralphe all have something in common, they all really love "All" Gibson basses- They "get it" about them the way we all do. I find it reassuring that I am not imagining or am delusional about it and the more professional musicians that feel the same, validates my personal feelings.
Chris if you want I can call Ralphe if you want to interview him and set something up. I'm sure he would be thrilled to do it.
Once again thanks to Jules because I am meeting and talking with my personal bass idols under the guise of "interviews" . I feel like a little kid in High school, except now I would have something to say to them that's not totally stupid.
