ARQ (Alison Rayner Quintet)

Led by bassist and composer Alison Rayner, multi award-winning quintet ARQ is widely celebrated from several years of extensive UK and European touring – and critically acclaimed for their three album releases 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, creates a strong sense of narrative and cinematic quality. ARQ play ‘songs without words’ and are lauded for their vibrant, communicative performances.

Short Stories, their most recent album, supported by Arts Council England and the PRS Foundation, has garnered extensive press acclaim and international radio play; its release was followed by a twenty-four date UK promotional tour and one of the songs featured on the album ‘There is a Crack in Everything’ subsequently won a 2019 Ivor Novello Composer Award.

Recent appearances include Ronnie Scott’s and Pizza Express Jazz Clubs in London and a Short Stories Retold tour, including performances in Scarborough, Leeds, Gateshead and York with additional appearances at Birmingham, Swanage and Ribble Valley Jazz Festivals.

“A collection of eight perfectly formed originals.” -BBC Music Magazine
“Memories brought to life.” – The Observer
“Tells its tales through strong melodies, sinewy rhythms and luminous solos, is by turns tender and exuberant…a great album.” – All About Jazz
“ARQ have come up with another impeccable album.” – thejazzmann.com

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