Val Wilmer, author, As Serious As Your Life: the Story of the New Jazz Highly intelligible music, characterised by individuality, spirit and a sense of freedom.’ ‘Playing bass with a big, beautiful bass sound that comes from the heart, Alison Rayner leads a team of intelligent, responsive musicians through these original compositions. ‘Highly intelligible music, characterised by individuality, spirit and a sense of freedom’ There is a sense of shared things, yet also a sharing with the listener, which makes it tangible and accessible.‘ Sammy Stein, Something Else read more… A MAGIC LIFE The narrative is never lost and each piece tells a complete, yet connected tale. There is a tightness, a flow and a sense of ease here. ‘ A thing of beauty, an album that celebrates life rather than dwelling on losses that sparked three of its tracks.
This continues on the new double album which bubbles with upbeat virtuosity, sometimes hitting a Dave Brubeck feel but equally capable of ripping with impressive jazz-rock guitar.
‘ ARQ created waves with their second album, A Magic Life, which announced an enthused creative leap forward for the group. ‘ Another joyous set from ARQ that reflects on some of life’s sadder events and turns them into something altogether more optimistic, and in doing so reminds of the happiness and memories that people in our lives bring us.’ Jazz Views read more… Lance Liddel, Bebop Roken Here read more… ‘Five outstanding musicians and eight evocative compositions make for an enjoyable listening experience whether you opt for CD, digital or vinyl’. Ian Mann, The Jazzmann ★★★★1/2 read more… ‘ARQ have come up with another impeccable album featuring warm, colourful, intelligent writing and some exceptional playing’. ‘Alison Rayner is the band’s bassist, and for some reason bass-playing jazz composers (Charles Mingus and Charlie Haden, for instance) seem particularly good at conjuring scenes and atmospheres.’ Dave Gelly, The Observer ★★★★ read more…
It all climaxes with the affirming ‘Seeing Around Corner’s.‘ Jazzwise online link for subscribers only… McLoughlin’s ‘Buster Breaks a Beat’ is a funksome dancer with Birch to the fore and rattling keys from Lodder, who is superb throughout. ‘ At times it is touched by callings deeper than tears. ‘ She reveals a remarkable talent for absorbing grief and observing monumental vistas to re-express them as elegiac compositions.’ London Jazz News read more ‘ An album that draws on collective talent to create another individualistic success.‘ Jazz Journal read more…
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