Viklický E. & Ryall I. - Songs (2023) (LP vinyl)

Emil Viklický & Imogen Ryall - Songs

Side A

1. Not Yet 3:54

2. I Know You Know 4:36

3. Gone With Water 5:44

4. Aspen Leaf 6:01

Side B

5. Conjurology 4:16

6. Dawn Devayne 3:35

7. Kyczera 4:26

8. Moon, Sleeping In A Cradle 5:52

9. Desire 3:44

Imogen Ryall vocals and lyrics

Emil Viklický piano and compositions

Julian Nicholas saxophones

Petr Dvorský double bass

Eric Ford drums

This collection of nine original compositions is absolutely magical. I’ve long been in awe of Imogen Ryall’s prowess as a lyricist and here I feel she really excels herself on Emil’s wide-ranging melodies and themes. From the intimacy of the folk tinged ‘Gone with Water’ to the mischievous groove of ‘Conjurology’, and its brilliant lyrics, cooking up a “dark and magical brew”, each song demonstrates a wonderful interplay between the singer and the musicians which is never forced, and feels totally organic. Julian Nicholas is at his lyrical best on ‘Moon, Sleeping in a Cradle’, effortlessly soaring and soulful, l with his usual flair for being incredibly tasteful. Emil’s elegant and graceful melodies are just perfect for Ryall’s lyrics, and seem to be ‘ready-made songs’, and not lyrics sitting awkwardly on top of a melody! The rhythm section of bassist Petr Dvorský and drummer Eric Ford complete this wonderful line up and are both sensitive and tasteful as well as bold and swinging, their synergy palpable.

This is a gem of a recording! Claire Martin OBE