Julian Nicholas & Emil Viklický Quintet ft. Imogen Ryall
The gig tonight, featuring Julian Nicholas-sax, Emil Viklicky-piano and Imogen Ryall-vocals will be a celebration of Julian and Emil’s 35-year musical collaboration. The multi-Award-winning Czech pianist/composer Emil Viklický has enjoyed a successful transatlantic career over the past five decades, recording and performing with the likes of Bill Frisell, Ray Brown & Wynton Marsalis. His many works include a classical piano concerto, an opera and an iconic film score. Loose Tubes prodigy turned Brit-jazz sax institution Julian Nicholas is no stranger to followers of top-flight UK jazz. His fluent and muscular sax playing has been featured at the Club since the 90s and he is widely regarded as one of the finest jazz saxophonists in the UK. The wonderful vocalist Imogen Ryall was an APPJAG 2024-nominee for Best Vocalist and Best Album for her much-lauded lyrical re-settings of Emil’s ‘folk-inspired’ album ‘Songs’. Performing material recorded over six albums with a number of brilliant tunes enhanced by Imogen’s excellent lyrics alongside a choice selection of jazz standards, the quintet also features Dave Whitford-bass & Winston Clifford-drums.
“Viklicky… exceptional” Guardian; “Combine elements of Bud Powell and Oscar Peterson with a deep infusion of Moravian soul, and you have Emil Viklicky, the patriarch of Czech jazz piano.“ Evening Standard; "Nicholas…a saxophonist of…delicacy of expression and intensity of feeling" The Times; “Ryall…a hidden gem" Claire Martin; “Ryall… flawless, she…manages to combine…effortless precision with a warm, inviting sound” Jazzwise