“Imogen's interpretations of 'The Dry Cleaner from Des Moines' and 'Goodbye Pork Pie Hat' are not to be missed! I can't think of anyone better to bring these brilliant songs to life. Imogen Ryall is, in every sense, the real deal" - Claire Martin OBE
"I love Imogen's voice. She sings with heart and intelligence, sensuality and style; a natural musician." Claire Martin OBE.
"The input of vocalist Imogen Ryall also brings a subtle power to the musical pallette" Kevin Le Gendre, Author?Broadcaster
"The addition of the honey-toned but incisive voice of Imogen Ryall was the icing on the cake “ Nick Hasted, Jazzwise Magazine
“Julian Nicholas has continually demonstrated that he is one of the country's finest saxophonists, and a composer of real distinction “ Nick Lea, JazzViews.com
Here is an excerpt from an article written by Nick Hasted in Uncut magazine in 2017 of ‘Mingus’ and the ‘odd couple’ relationship that created it.
“ Mingus also filled a familiar role in Mitchell's music: the male muse. The erotic aspect may have been minimal this time, but it was still love at first sight. When she met him in his Manhattan skyscraper apartment, his back was turned, and he massively filled a wheelchair she came to view as throne-like. His face was revealed as "glowing, full of the devil... beautiful, open", she said in Woman Of Heart And Mind; to Rolling Stone, she recalled his "sweet giddiness". Not all Mingus's peers would have recognised this gentle, once terrifying giant. The "fearsomely challenging" man she described in Downbeat was closer. But the photos of Mitchell with Mingus and his highly supportive wife, Sue, show a fond, fun relationship. He called her "hillbilly".
The cassette Mingus handed her on that first meeting contained six sung melodies, as physical notation was now beyond him. The plan was for Mitchell to finish these pieces, and complete an LP with two more from his vast songbook. "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat", his 1959 tribute to the late saxophonist Lester Young, was his most famous, lovely tune, and an obvious pick. They spent a pleasant afternoon listening to his other old records. On the East Coast trips that followed, Mitchell would visit his home, where they'd discuss the music's themes and lyrical direction, then retire to work in her apartment at the Regency Hotel.”
Photo credit: Lisa Wormsley Photography
