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Alison Rayner

Alison Rayner – professional double bass and electric bass player, composer and band leader.

About Me

Bass player Alison Rayner is the leader and composer for her quintet, ARQ.

ARQ’s profile has risen rapidly in the past four years, with extensive touring and critical acclaim for their second album, ‘A Magic Life’. Described by the Guardian as ‘spirited, eloquent and graceful’ and by the Observer as ‘purposeful, full-toned and melodic, a beautifully integrated band’, their music is awash with infectious grooves, lyrical melodies and a music founded in jazz but with folk, rock, classical and other world music influences. They have built a substantial and wide-ranging audience, receiving national and international radio play and four and five star reviews in jazz and national press. Their recent 35-date ‘Magic Life’ UK tour concluded with a sell- out night at the Soho Pizza Express Jazz Club.

‘The quintet’s multi-faceted pieces are full of delightful colour and detail –but for all their sophistication remain wholly accessible and unfailingly melodic.” thejazzmann.com

‘Inspired by real-world ideas, people and situations but infused with the kind of heady imagination that transforms their resonances into a series of vivacious musical adventures’ ***** BBC Music Magazine

‘A gorgeous album synthesising mood, melody and the interplay between musicians totally at home with each other.’ **** Jazzwise

‘A celebration of life itself ‘ LondonJazzNews