Alison Rayner’s ARQ with Deirdre Cartwright and Steve Lodder

 

Alison Rayner brings her Quintet to the Red Lion for a set dominated by the influence of other bass players; principally: Stanley Clarke; Charlie Haden and Jaco Pastorius. ARQ are touring tp promote their latest album "August" refelcting the influence of Haden and co. The quintet also gives a first visit to Birmingham Jazz for Deirdre Cartwright the great and influential guitar player. Steve Lodder makes a return after his storming contribution to the sell out Threeway gig in January.

ARQ play “deliciously upbeat, groovy and thoughtful jazz” (Jazz UK Nov 2014). They released their first album August in October 2014 to critical acclaim followed by a Jazz Services national tour.

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.

“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

“Together they sound like a band with a long collective pedigree and a delight in playing together.” Jazz Journal Nov 2014

“Exuberant, effusive, smile-forming. The band members delighted in being in each others company and let us in by inviting us, the (genuinely) packed house, to reciprocate their warmth and spirit of generosity. ARQ made the audience feel they were in a club rather than a concert.” Gary Bayley Nov 2014

“Deliciously upbeat, groovy and thoughtful jazz, a perfect showcase of Rayner’s diverse talents…”  Jazz UK Oct/Nov 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

Expect terrific grooves, poignant melodies and fluid improvisation. Influences as diverse as funk, folk, and Afro-Cuban dance music.

ARQ are:

Alison Rayner:  double bass; Buster Birch: drums; Deirdre Cartwright: guitar; Diane McLoughlin:saxophones & Steve Lodder keybopards.

£12/£10 Members/Students £5

Book Tickets

Here they are playing at the Vortex

here

Pictures from the absolutely wonderful gig at Birmingham Jazz taken by Brian Homer:

here