Emil Viklicky - Songbook ft. Imogen Ryall & Julian Nicholas
With 50 years’ experience as a creative force on the international music scene the multi-Award-winning pianist Emil Viklicky is widely regarded as the “father of Czech jazz”. His many works include a classical piano concerto, an opera and an iconic film score but most of all he is an exceptionally fine jazz musician. Tonight the band will be featuring one of the UK’s leading saxophonists Julian Nicholas, with whom Emil has been performing since the 1990’s and the wonderful vocalist Imogen Ryall, who has developed a book of lyrics to Emil’s instrumentals and jazz re-settings of Moravian folk songs. Completing the quintet will be fellow Czech Petr Dvorsky-bass & Eric Ford-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
With thanks to our friends at the Czech Centre London for their promotional support. 