“The quintet displayed exceptional musical chemistry and sensitivity – not just a concert, but a masterclass in musical storytelling and collective expression. ARQ reminded us that jazz at its best is a conversation – full of emotion, nuance, and shared human experience.”
– Jazz in Europe 2025
“Bright, open jazz music that rejoices in human experience without sentimentalising it.”
– BBC Music Magazine
The Alison Rayner Quintet (ARQ) is led by award-winning bassist and composer Alison Rayner, with Deirdre Cartwright (guitar), Steve Lodder (piano), Diane McLoughlin (saxophones) and Buster Birch (drums).
Winners of the Parliamentary Jazz Award and the British Jazz Award for Best Small Group, ARQ has built a reputation as one of the UK’s most distinctive jazz ensembles. Their music is a joyful blend of jazz, folk, Latin, reggae and pop influences, full of melodic invention, deep grooves and warm, infectious energy.
The band’s latest release, SEMA4, was recorded live at London’s Vortex Jazz Club. Originally never intended for release, the performance was so compelling that the recording was brought to life as a full album. From the sun-drenched opener Espíritu Libre to the reggae-inflected Semaphore, meditative ballads and playful rhythmic twists, SEMA4 showcases ARQ’s stylistic breadth and vibrant interplay.
The group’s unique chemistry is rooted in long-standing friendships and decades of collaboration. As Rayner explains: “Each musician in this band has a unique voice, but together we’ve built something greater than the sum of its parts.”
With critically acclaimed albums, prestigious awards, and an ever-growing following, ARQ has toured extensively throughout the UK and beyond. Their live shows are celebrated for their lyrical melodies, exuberant rhythms and joyful communication — music that connects deeply with audiences and lingers long after the last note.
Tickets available here:
https://thelighthousedeal.co.uk/tc-events/alison-rayner-quintet-altered-state-jazz-presents/
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