Deirdre Cartwright & Alison Rayner at Ronnie Scott’s

The legendary partnership between bassist Alison Rayner and guitarist Deirdre Cartwright reached a major milestone with a celebratory performance held recently at London’s iconic Ronnie Scott’s jazz club. Spanning half a century, their collaboration has not only traversed geographical boundaries but also embraced a rich spectrum of musical styles and ensembles.

Originating from humble beginnings in a shed located in Peckham, Rayner and Cartwright’s musical journey over 50 years has been marked by innovation and community-building. Notably, in 1989 they co-founded Blow The Fuse, an artist-led organization that continues to promote creative music. Their extensive body of work includes participation in multiple groups, highlighting their versatility and long-standing influence within the UK’s jazz landscape.

The celebratory event at Ronnie Scott’s brought together an impressive lineup of musicians, many of whom have worked closely with the duo in various projects. The afternoon’s setlist was a vibrant fusion of jazz, blues, funk, and rock, with discernible Latin and African rhythmic influences that underscore the breadth of their sonic explorations. Esteemed collaborators such as saxophonists Ruthie Smith and Diane McLoughlin, percussionists Linda Da Mango and Josefina Cupido, trombonist Annie Whitehead, drummer Buster Birch, and pianist Steve Lodder contributed to the diverse textures of the performance.

The concert opened with “Birds of a Feather,” a piece reflecting South African mbaqanga rhythms, setting an uplifting tone for the event. Another standout track, “Wake It Up,” addressed the strains of touring life, featuring intricate vocal harmonies and a dynamic exchange between saxophone and congas that captured the song’s underlying tension.

A particularly poignant moment came with “Life Lived Wide,” a tribute to Debbie Dickinson, manager of The Guest Stars, who passed away in 2019. This composition showcased a delicate melody introduced by Rayner's bass, complemented by horn arrangements crafted by McLoughlin, underscoring the ensemble’s ability to blend emotive storytelling with musical sophistication.

The evening further highlighted the enduring camaraderie between the musicians through anecdotes shared on stage. One memorable story recounted a unique arrangement involving a performance aboard a Virgin Atlantic 747 flight to the United States, negotiated through a performance in exchange for passage. This tale was followed by an a cappella rendition of “All Praise is Due to Love,” originally by Sweet Honey In The Rock, a piece significant to the group’s early days.

Selections from the Alison Rayner Quintet’s latest album, SEMA4, were also featured, with the track “Espiritu Libre” earning particular praise for its demonstration of instrumental precision and cohesion. The concert paid homage to Rayner’s inspiration, the legendary fretless bassist Jaco Pastorius, with a lively performance of “Portrait of Jaco,” underscoring her distinct approach to the fretless bass.

Cartwright’s guitar work throughout the event was notable for its balance of subtlety and energy, articulating the nuances of jazz guitar in a manner that highlighted both technical skill and expressive depth. The concert culminated with “I Know I Know,” a beloved number from The Guest Stars repertoire, providing a joyful and fitting conclusion to a day that celebrated not only musical achievements but also enduring friendships within the jazz community.

Details on the full setlist and additional archival materials remain limited, but this event undoubtedly affirmed Rayner and Cartwright’s significant contributions to British jazz and their ongoing influence as collaborators and innovators. Their journey from a modest Peckham shed to Ronnie Scott’s stage encapsulates a remarkable narrative of artistic dedication and cultural resonance, celebrated by peers and audiences alike.