Imogen Ryall

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.