"A gorgeous album synthesising mood, melody and the interplay between musicians totally at home with each other."
Jazzwise ★★★★
"The quintet’s multi-faceted pieces are full of delightful colour and detail –but for all their sophistication remained wholly accessible and unfailingly melodic."
The Jazz Mann
"...infused with the kind of heady imagination that transforms their resonances into a series of vivacious musical adventures."
BBC Music Magazine ★★★★★
“An album of unified musical dexterity, with not a note wasted and with sound as story – clear and undisguised, deeply affecting and unashamedly open”
Morning Star
"The alchemy of the players here shows that with the right blend music can be magical.” "
Jazzviews
"...a celebration of life itself."
London Jazz News ★★★★
ABOUT ARQ
ARQ is a vital and creative jazz quintet led by bass player Alison Rayner, whose profile has risen dramatically over 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 ‘a beautifully integrated band’, their music is inventive, vibrantly colourful and unfailingly melodic, possessed of a strong sense of narrative and cinematic quality. Their combination of richly nuanced compositions – frequently inspired by personal experience – with folk- infused grooves, skilful musicianship and a love of improvisation, creates a compelling and coherent whole.
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 40-date ‘A Magic Life’ UK tour, supported by Arts Council of England, concluded with a sell-out night at the Soho Pizza Express Jazz Club. Now previewing new material for their third album, ARQ’s touring further expands in 2018, with regional UK clubs & festivals and a series of dates in Germany.
