“While a live album may require some compromises, it offers something unique – a different vibe and energy that’s hard to capture otherwise.”

ARQ – Alison Rayner (double bass), Deirdre Cartwright (guitar), Steve Lodder (piano), Diane McLoughlin (saxophones), and Buster Birch (drums) – 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’ve developed over decades of collaboration. “Each musician in this band has a unique voice, but together we’ve built something greater than the sum of its parts,” says Rayner.

From the joyous, sun-drenched opener ‘Espíritu Libre’ to the playful odd metres of ‘Trip Dance’ and the hybrid reggae groove of ‘Semaphore’, SEMA4 showcases the quintet’s stylistic versatility and masterful interplay. Individual contributions from band members further highlight the collaborative spirit of ARQ. McLoughlin’s meditative ‘Looking ‘For A Quiet Place’ calls for calm amid modern chaos, Lodder’s swinging ‘Hamble Horror’ evokes cinematic heroics, and Cartwright’s ‘Signals From Space’ channels cosmic wonder with eerie, harmonically rich textures.

With Rayner’s assured leadership and contributions from all members, the album exemplifies the deep connection and vibrant energy of a truly collaborative ensemble. “I wanted the sensibility of a group where you rehearse together and work together,” Rayner explains. “That to me felt very important, to establish a connection, where you’re writing for people in the band. When you work with people for years, you’re really hearing the way they play.”