Description

Described by London Jazz News as 'a celebration of life itself' ARQ's music is 'inventive, vibrantly colourful and unfailingly melodic, possessed of a strong sense of narrative and cinematic quality, frequently inspired by personal experiences' (the jazzmann.com). A combination of richly nuanced compositions with folk-infused grooves, skilful musicianship and a love of improvisation, creates a compelling and coherent whole. ARQ plays 'songs without words' and is known for vibrant, communicative performances.

★ Winners: Ensemble of the Year 2018 Parliamentary Jazz Awards
★ Shortlisted: Best Small Group 2018 British Jazz Awards
★ Alison Rayner Runner-up: Best Double Bass 2018 British Jazz Awards

Tickets: £13 or £10 or £6 you choose! (All the same unreserved seats pay what you can afford, or what it's worth to you).

2018 was a great year for ARQ, with UK festival and club dates, successful tours of Germany and Scotland and winning 'Ensemble of the Year' in the prestigious 2018 All-Party Parliamentary Jazz Awards.

Individually, the group's track record includes work with such international artists as Carla Bley, Andy Sheppard, George Russell, John Harle, The Guest Stars, Marjorie Whylie, Sharon Freeman, Jayne Cortez, Tal Farlow and BBC TV's Rockschool series, broadcasted in both the UK and USA.
Reviews:
'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
'Purposeful, full-toned and melodic...a beautifully integrated band' ★★★★ The Observer
'Unified musical dexterity, not a note wasted and with sound as story clear and undisguised, deeply affecting and unashamedly open' The Morning Star
'A gorgeous album synthesising mood, melody and the interplay between musicians totally at home with each other' ★★★★ Jazzwise
'If the first rule of life is to do what makes you happy... this album tumbles and flows with such a spirit, performed by a quintet whose musicality and heart enables it; a celebration of life itself' LondonJazzNews
'Spirited, eloquent and graceful' ★★★ The Guardian
'Full of energy, wonderful melodies, grooving rhythms and a musical togetherness
that make it a true celebration' Melodiva, Hamburg
'The playing, both individually and collectively was superb throughout and Rayner's bass playing was always at the heart of the music... in many ways the quintet IS her instrument. Rayner's late blooming into a composer of some stature is one of the most satisfying stories of British jazz in recent years' thejazzmann.com

Recent Press Interviews:
London Jazz News Nov 2018

London Jazz News Jan 2018


Video Links:
Short Stories preview 2019

The Trunk Call 2016

Description

Ashburton Arts Centre is a community-owned and run place where the arts of all kinds happen.

It opened in 2018 in the town's old Methodist Church. Come see world-class live music, theatre, etc plus local performers, classes and community events.

15 West Street,

Ashburton,

Devon,

England,

TQ13 7DT.

07980 680052