Alison Rayner bass
Buster Birch drums
Deirdre Cartwright guitar
Diane McLoughlin saxophones
Steve Lodder piano
ARQ, led by bass player Alison Rayner, play “deliciously upbeat, groovy and thoughtful jazz” (Jazz UK Nov 2014). They released their first album August to critical acclaim in 2014 and are now touring nationally.
Alison Rayner bass, Buster Birch drums, Deirdre Cartwright guitar, Diane McLoughlin saxophones, Steve Lodder piano
“August could hardly represent a sharper reminder to the British jazz world of the breadth and depth of Alison Rayner’s often unsung talents. It’s taken a while for Alison Rayner the composer to step all the way out of the shadows. But on the strength of this fine album, she might have to get used to the spotlight”.
John Fordham May 2014
Alison Rayner has had a lengthy career as a bass-player and composer. Now, as a leader, she ties together many of the strands of her numerous musical influences. A long-time Charlie Haden admirer as well as a Jaco fan, Alison Rayner plays acoustic bass exclusively here, and is supported by the eloquent Diane McLoughlin on saxophones, by Deirdre Cartwright’s soulful and crisply rhythmic guitar, pianist Steve Lodder’s fluid improvisations and the propulsive drumming of Buster Birch.
Expect terrific grooves, poignant melodies and fluid improvisation. Influences as diverse as funk, folk, and Afro-Cuban dance music.
“Together they sound like a band with a long collective pedigree and a delight in playing together.”
Jazz Journal Nov 2014
“The recent album August shows her to be a superb composer… a perfect showcase of Rayner’s diverse talents”
Jazz UK Oct 2014
“The group’s tight and assured playing are superbly suited to play Rayner’s compositions, her thoughtful and melodic soloing being a particular highlight. The debut album couldn’t be stronger”
LondonJazzNews Oct 2014
Plus:
Camilla George Quartet
An exciting quartet showcasing some of London’s finest young players.
Camilla George saxophone, Sarah Tandy piano, Daniel Casimir bass,Femi Koleoso drums
The quartet is led by rising young alto player, Camilla George. Camilla has studied with many jazz greats such as sax giant, Jean Toussaint (of Art Blakey fame), Tony Kofi, Christian Brewer, Julian Siegel and Martin Speake. In 2012 she graduated with a Masters in Jazz from Trinity College of Music where she also won the Archer Scholarship for outstanding performance. Camilla is also a member of multi-award winning band, Jazz Jamaica as well as Courtney Pine’s Venus Warriors.
The CGQ has a modern edge whilst paying homage to the jazz tradition and inspired by artists such as Kenny Kirkland, Wynton Marsalis, Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts and Kenny Garrett. Their debut EP, Lunacity has been well received by fans and musicians alike. It has been hailed as a “fresh” sound by fans and “thoroughly enjoyable” by jazz legend, Gary Crosby.