Starting out with “New Wave” band Between Pictures, she formed Friction Groove with guitarist  Mic Dover, who were signed by Atlantic Records. 

When Friction Groove went their separate ways in 1986, with her heart very much still in live performance, Alison joined 12 piece soul and r'n'b outfit, The Backbeat Band, who were favourites around the south east of England for many years, and played several memorable New Year's Eve parties at Reading venue, 21 South Street.

Next up was the funkier Short People, which Alison formed in 1997 with four original members of The Backbeat Band; Dave Gray – guitar and vocals,  John Littlefair - alto and baritone saxophone and trombone;  Helen Bolton – vocals; and Chris Gore – keyboards.

In the summer of 2002, Alison formed her own band, 99lbs, which paid tribute to the Memphis recording artist Ann Peebles, and fulfilled a life long ambition for her to sing the raw, bluesy soul of this little known, but highly respected cult soul singer.

On joining Chain Gang in 2005, Alison was delighted to meet up with old band mates Dave Curry and Chris Gore, as well as finding herself singing with a contemporary of the Reading music scene from the late 70’s -  Rob Rose. Their bands “Between Pictures” and “The Romantics” even shared a double bill at Reading Art College – what nostalgia!