Alison Rayner Quitet

Led by bassist Alison Rayner, multi-award winning quintet ARQ are widely celebrated from several years of extensive UK and European touring - and critically acclaimed for their three albums, August (2014), A Magic Life (2016) and Short Stories (2019).Their music combines richly nuanced compositions, rhythmic interplay and folk-infused melodies. This, along with their love of improvisation create a strong sense of narrative and cinematic quality. ARQ play songs without words and are lauded for their vibrant and communicative performances.

ARQ's recent appearances include London's Ronnie Scott's and Pizza Express jazz clubs, Poole Lighthouse, Sage Gateshead and Liverpool Capstone Theatre; jazz festivals include EFG London, Birmingham, |Swanage and Ribble Valley. 

The band are currently previewing new material from their forthcoming album ( working title All Will |Be Well) with release expected later in 2023.

ARQ are:

Alison Rayner - bass

Buster Birch - drums

Diedre Cartwright - guitar

Diane McLoughlon - saxophone

Steve Lodder - piano