ALISON RAYNER QUINTET (ARQ)

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Friday 24th October, 2025

Lerryn Memorial Hall, Fore Street, Lerryn, Lostwithiel. PL22 0QB

The much-lauded, award-winning and eclectic quintet ARQ, led by bassist and composer Alison Rayner, regularly sell out London clubs such as Ronnie Scott’s and the Pizza Express Jazz Club, as well as regional venues across the UK.

ARQ has spent twelve years crafting a unique sound that draws on jazz, folk, pop and Latin influences. The quintet’s chemistry is rooted in enduring relationships, and Rayner credits their musical cohesion to the strong bonds they have developed over years of collaboration.

“Each musician in this band has their own voice, but together we have built something even greater than the sum of its parts”.

Their new album SEMA4 (released March 2025) showcases the quintet’s stylistic virtuosity and masterful interplay.

This follows their three previous critically acclaimed releases with extensive press acclaim and international radio play, with Alison Rayner also winning a coveted Ivor Novello Composer Award for There is a Crack in Everything’ from Short Stories.

With richly nuanced compositions, rhythmic interplay and folk-infused melodies, their music carries a strong sense of narrative and cinematic quality.

The group are noted for their vibrant, communicative live performances.

Quotes:
‘One of the best contemporary jazz groups around – these musicians are making some of the best music of their careers’. thejazzmann.com Jan’2

‘From pure jazz to folk, blues, and Latin… versatility and expertise’. Maxazine (FR)

‘Openly and joyously communicative’. John Fordham, UK Jazz News