Imogen Ryall sings Joni Mitchell/Charles Mingus
Saturday Nov 11th, 6:00 PM – Vocal Jazz.
No fewer than five female vocalists in this programme. From Brazil, America, Germany and England. We zoom in on the British Imogen Ryall (photo). She recently published her remarkable Imogen Ryall Sings the Charles Mingus – Joni Mitchell Songbook. Its a tribute to Joni Mitchell’s Mingus, from 1979. That album was a key work for Ryall: “A door opener for me.”
In 1979, Charles Mingus’ muscular disease ALS was in an advanced stage. He could no longer play. His wife continued to make efforts to pique his interest. She contacted singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, who was increasingly interested in jazz.
This led to a special form of collaboration. Mingus sang melodies into a tape recorder, Sy Johnson provided the chords. Mitchell wrote the lyrics and arranged recording sessions with musicians from Weather Report. Mingus did not live to see the release of the Mingus record. The result achieved cult status, after an initially lukewarm reception from both Mitchell and Mingus fans.
Back to Imogen Ryall. The extensive text of Sweet Sucker Dance revolves around the protagonist’s relationship with a loved one. ‘Dance’ is an oft-repeated term. This is just a dance – It’s only a dance. This is reflected musically in sections with an increased tempo, while the basic tempo is slow. The quartet accompaniment remains ‘restrained, with beautiful solo work by saxophonist Julian Nicholas.
With The Dry Cleaner Cleaner From Des Moines we wind up in lighter emotions. The story takes place in the gambling palaces of Las Vegas. ‘Luck’ and ‘lucky’ are recurring and repetitive words. A cheerful blues.
Listening to and comparing it with Mitchell’s Mingus from 1979 is highly recommended!
Her band, with leaders such as Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock and Jaco Pastorius, is somewhat more extensive. The group is placed forward in the sound image, while the individual band members also make themselves heard more. There are other differences. In The Dry Cleaner… the finale, and Pastorius’ bass work, deserve a special mention.
Click for Mitchells Sweet Sucker Dance and click for her Dry Cleaner.
Click for the lyrics of Sweet Sucker Dance and click for the lyrics of Dry Cleaner.
Also in this programme
Anette von Eichel – Belonging
Gabrielle Cavassa – Where are We (by Joshua Redman)
Michelle Lordi – Two Moons
Luciana Souza – Cometa
Details in the Guide
Vocal Jazz – Ineke Heijliger
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