ARQ (Alison Rayner Quintet) - SEMA4

SEMA4 is the new album from ARQ, the Alison Rayner Quintet, recorded at the Vortex Jazz Club in Dalston, East London. This thrilling performance was not originally planned for release, but after listening to the recording, bassist-composer Rayner knew the band had created something that may not have happened in a studio. You sometimes have to compromise on certain things with a live recording but I felt we had achieved a great vibe and energy, something really special.

Rayner, guitarist Deirdre Cartwright, pianist Steve Lodder, saxophonist Diane McLoughlin and drummer Buster Birch certainly have a 'vibe' of their own. But, more importantly, these are top-notch musicians who have 12 years of shared history, and the strong bond between the players is absolutely crucial to Rayner.