Imogen Ryall Sings the Charles Mingus/Joni Mitchell Songbook – Jazz at NAC

“Together with her magnificent band, Imogen Ryall delivers captivating renditions of ‘A Chair In The Sky’ and ‘The Dry Cleaner From Des Moines’ which shines a spotlight on her exceptional time feel.” Jazzwise

Imogen Ryall – vocals
Julian Nicholas – saxophones and whistle
David Beebee – piano
Nigel Thomas – bass
Eric Ford – drums

Of course this is a tribute …to an extraordinary coming together of two iconoclastic artists in their own fields. This astonishing project aims to embrace an historic confluence, rather than to mimic the sound of the now-considered classic 1979 Joni Mitchell album, Mingus.

Picking up the loose threads of this magical association, Imogen Ryall stamps her identity on the material with devotion, both as a profound vocal interpreter, and as a canny lyricist, with key players of her thriving South Coast musical community.

As the plaudits attest, the 2023 Rubicon release of Imogen’s album, recorded over two days of whole-band performances (musically-directed by Mark Edwards), is a record of a close group of musicians weaving their tapestry with Imogen’s quietly authoritative take on one of the C20th’s most sublime meetings.

Imogen has written lyrics for/collaborated with Claire Martin; Bobby Wellins, Joe Locke and Mark Edwards’ Cloggz.

Remarkable saxophonist Julian Nicholas [Brotherhood Of Breath, Loose Tubes, Harry ‘Sweets’ Edison, Martha Reeves, Liane Carroll, Carleen Anderson] is no stranger to audiences drawn to the post-Tubes British community of original players and composers. Here, his well-established rapport with Imogen takes flight.

David Beebee [Reem Kelani, Graham Collier, Julian Argüelles, and pupil of the late John Taylor], celebrated pianist and prolific composer in his own right, employs both light and shade, building a kaleidoscopic cradle around proceedings.

Bassist and composer Nigel Thomas [Jim Mullen, Paul Booth, Winston Clifford, Jimmy Witherspoon] is without doubt the ‘first-call’ for any reference to Charles Mingus. His muscularity and commitment of line is a flowing tap of organic inventiveness akin to that of the master himself.

Eric Ford [Bill Watrous, Nigel Hitchcock, Ant Law, Duncan Eagles] on drums, provides what Wynton Marsalis refers to as ‘the wheels’ – a vessel of intricate dynamics and rhythmic vibrancy.

This Imogen Ryall concert is presented in association with Jazz At Wolverhampton.

What the press say:

***Included in BEST ALBUMS OF 2023*** by Jazzwise magazine; JazzViews.com; The ArtsDesk.com; The New York City Jazz Record; PrestoMusic.com; AllAboutJazz.com