Imogen Ryall, singer

Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in music?

When I left school at 16, I went to Chichester College of Technology to do a foundation course in jazz and pop music and it was there that I was bitten by the jazz bug. I was introduced to singers such as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan and I knew that I wanted to try and sing like that for the rest of my life!

Who or what have been the most significant influences on your musical life and career?

My parents, first and foremost! They were actors and had a very eclectic record collection which included a couple of records by Mike Westbrook that featured legendary jazz singer and lyricist, Norma Winstone whose work was then and continues to be a source of delight and inspiration to me.

What have been the greatest challenges of your career so far?

I was diagnosed with a condition called Samters Triad in 2004, following a respiratory arrest caused by untreated asthma; an intolerance of NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and having pneumonia! There are a number of ways that this has affected my singing career, some of which have resulted in my having to cancel performances in the past. It does require a level of management on a daily basis with inhalers and diet etc but with those things in place, I can enjoy a normal, happy and healthy working life! In many ways, I’m grateful for what I’ve learnt about taking care of my body and my voice which are, of course, all part of my instrument and, as I say to my students, you must take care of your instrument because you can’t just buy a new one if it’s broken!

Of which performances/recordings are you most proud?

To be honest, I feel proud of every recording I’ve worked on whether it’s my own project or someone else’s. Mark Edwards’ Cloggz is a band with which I have written and recorded with from 2014 to the present. ‘Stardust & Spangles’ was one of singer and broadcaster, Clare Teal’s albums of 2016. This year has been an incredible year for recording projects! I contributed lyrics to US vibes maestro, Joe Locke’s composition ’This Is Just To Say’ for the John Aram United Underground Orchestra’s 2022 release, ‘Rhapsody In Red’ featuring Tim Garland, Joe Locke and US vocalist, Amy Keyes. My good friend and pianist, David Beebee is a wonderful composer and arranger and his album, ‘Beyond The Clouds’ was also released this year on the BeeBoss label to which I had the pleasure of adding voice and lyrics. Most recent albums of my own include One January Morning by Anöna Trio(Beeboss) which received 4 stars in JazzWise magazine and was included in Peter Quinn’s Top 10 jazz albums of 2019;  a brand new album of songs written by Czech jazz superstar, Emil Viklicky with my lyrics featuring the brilliant, Julian Nicholas on tenor and sop as well as myself; Emil; Petr Dvorsky on bass and Eric Ford, drums and last but by no means least,’Imogen Ryall sings The Charles Mingus / Joni Mitchell Songbook (Rubicon Classics) is due for release at the end of September 2023

What do you do offstage that provides inspiration on stage?

I have two dogs which I love to walk on the downs or on the beach where I live. I’m inspired by art, literature and music of all kinds. Nature is also a huge inspiration, especially in my lyric writing. I’ve been learning the drums for a while now and I find that it helps how I listen to the instruments I’m on stage with is also a constant inspiration.

As a musician, what is your definition of success?

That I’m still doing gigs, creating and collaborating and am invited to do interesting projects with amazing musicians such as Julian Nicholas; Mark Edwards and many others too numerous to mention!

What advice would you give to young or aspiring musicians?

Never give up on the dreams you have, whatever they are or how big or small. Some of my most exciting work has been in the last 4 years of my career. To be honest, it just keeps getting better and better! Equally, it’s also been good for me to go with the flow and to take opportunities that might not have been what I had in mind but have, nevertheless helped me to grow as a singer/lyricist and as a person.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

When I have an idea for a lyric and it starts to come together …

Out in the elements with my dogs …

Being on stage.. in the moment.. alongside amazing, inspiring musicians