KENDON / RYALL SEXTET - There Will Be Time
BeeBoss Records
(available from Bandcamp)
Jack Kendon (trumpet, flugelhorn); Imogen Ryall (voice); Al Scott (piano); Nigel Thomas (double bass); Peter Adam Hill (drums)
plus Juian Nicholas (tenor saxophone)
Recorded 3rd, 4th & 6th November, 2016
Although active as a professional musician for more than twenty five years, vocalist Imogen Ryall has never received the attention that her considerable talents deserve. It is however hoped that this will change immediately, if not sooner, with this fine release on the BeeBoss imprint.
There is a wealth of talent in the South East of England that despite being so near London, a magnet for the best in UK jazz, that seems to be shamefully overlooked. If not getting attention in the nation's capital and subsequent exposure elsewhere, a strong scene has developed around Brighton and surrounding areas in which there is much original and compelling music to be heard.
I first encountered Imogen Ryall as one of the members of the vocal choir within Terry Pack's Trees and their albums, Heart Of Oak and Into The Woods in which her vocals stood out and caught the attention. I had chance to hear Ryall at somewhat closer quarters on the excellent One January Morning by the Anöna Trio that also features the highly individual Julian Nicholas on saxophone. It was therefore with great anticipation that I approached this latest album, although recorded some four years ago, by a sextet co-led by Jack Kendon and Imogen.
The set opens in fine form with the Cole Porter standard, 'Night & Day', but it is on 'Mixed Message' by organist Larry Golding that the magic really kicks in. That Ryall is an exceptionally fine singer has long been apparent, and confirmed wholeheartedly on the opening number, but on Golding's composition we hear Imogen's self-penned lyrics that immediately lift the performance making one sit up and listen. From then on Ryall and the band have got you in their grasp. 'Insomnia' by pianist Al Scott, with lyrics by Imogen, is a real delight with superbly arranged horns and subtle synth lines from Mark Edwards. This skilful use of the colours available within the sextet is again much in evidence on another original 'There Will Be Time' jointly composed by Jack Kendon and Imogen that features some lovely solos and unison playing from Kendon and saxophonist, Julian Nicholas. The spirit is also lifted on the impeccable arrangement of 'CUCB' by the late Bobby Wellins, which again features some wonderful interplay from the sextet.
What is also exciting is witnessing Ryall's emergence as one of the finest vocalists in the UK, even if she is a bit of a well kept secret and deserving of wider recognition. In addition, she is proving to be a lyricist of real quality having written the lyrics to all but one of the compositions on this set. It should also be noted how Imogen brings a flexible approach to her craft with an ability to own the material in a variety of contexts. Compare the lovely readings here of Carla Bley's 'Lawns' and 'One January Morning' by Julian Nicholas, to those recorded with the Anöna Trio to hear a truly creative artist at work.
All in all an album that can be recommended unreservedly, featuring a strong line up that acknowledges the tradition and also how to move the music forward.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
BeeBoss Records
(available from Bandcamp)
Jack Kendon (trumpet, flugelhorn); Imogen Ryall (voice); Al Scott (piano); Nigel Thomas (double bass); Peter Adam Hill (drums)
plus Juian Nicholas (tenor saxophone)
Recorded 3rd, 4th & 6th November, 2016
Although active as a professional musician for more than twenty five years, vocalist Imogen Ryall has never received the attention that her considerable talents deserve. It is however hoped that this will change immediately, if not sooner, with this fine release on the BeeBoss imprint.
There is a wealth of talent in the South East of England that despite being so near London, a magnet for the best in UK jazz, that seems to be shamefully overlooked. If not getting attention in the nation's capital and subsequent exposure elsewhere, a strong scene has developed around Brighton and surrounding areas in which there is much original and compelling music to be heard.
I first encountered Imogen Ryall as one of the members of the vocal choir within Terry Pack's Trees and their albums, Heart Of Oak and Into The Woods in which her vocals stood out and caught the attention. I had chance to hear Ryall at somewhat closer quarters on the excellent One January Morning by the Anöna Trio that also features the highly individual Julian Nicholas on saxophone. It was therefore with great anticipation that I approached this latest album, although recorded some four years ago, by a sextet co-led by Jack Kendon and Imogen.
The set opens in fine form with the Cole Porter standard, 'Night & Day', but it is on 'Mixed Message' by organist Larry Golding that the magic really kicks in. That Ryall is an exceptionally fine singer has long been apparent, and confirmed wholeheartedly on the opening number, but on Golding's composition we hear Imogen's self-penned lyrics that immediately lift the performance making one sit up and listen. From then on Ryall and the band have got you in their grasp. 'Insomnia' by pianist Al Scott, with lyrics by Imogen, is a real delight with superbly arranged horns and subtle synth lines from Mark Edwards. This skilful use of the colours available within the sextet is again much in evidence on another original 'There Will Be Time' jointly composed by Jack Kendon and Imogen that features some lovely solos and unison playing from Kendon and saxophonist, Julian Nicholas. The spirit is also lifted on the impeccable arrangement of 'CUCB' by the late Bobby Wellins, which again features some wonderful interplay from the sextet.
What is also exciting is witnessing Ryall's emergence as one of the finest vocalists in the UK, even if she is a bit of a well kept secret and deserving of wider recognition. In addition, she is proving to be a lyricist of real quality having written the lyrics to all but one of the compositions on this set. It should also be noted how Imogen brings a flexible approach to her craft with an ability to own the material in a variety of contexts. Compare the lovely readings here of Carla Bley's 'Lawns' and 'One January Morning' by Julian Nicholas, to those recorded with the Anöna Trio to hear a truly creative artist at work.
All in all an album that can be recommended unreservedly, featuring a strong line up that acknowledges the tradition and also how to move the music forward.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
