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The Review - MUSIC - classical & jazz with TONY KIELY
Published: 6 September 2007

Henry Armburg Jennings at the Lund last year

Lund on! Jazz series returns to UCS

PREVIEW: JAZZ IN THE LUND
University College School

JAZZ in the Lund the famous London jazz series relaunched last summer – returns to University College School next week with another crop of world-class artists set to grace the Lund Theatre’s stage over the coming months.
The Lund Theatre in Hampstead was once synonymous with leading jazz artistes when former UCS teacher David Lund hosted a series of weekly concerts which attracted jazz greats such as The Ronnie Scott Quintet, the Humphrey Lyttelton Band and George Melly. That series ran for more than 25 years before being wound up 10 years ago.
Former UCS student and series promoter Oliver Rosenblatt said: “David’s passion for jazz and his great talent for jazz piano steered the jazz series into something unquestionably great.
“Having restarted the jazz series I am bringing back a successful tradition which the school has long been associated with and of which it is extremely proud.
“I have been closely linked not only to UCS but also to its surrounding area. Through the jazz series I hope to give something back to the community of Hampstead and Highgate”
The recently refurbished Lund Theatre brings a certain intimacy to the performances. With capacity touching 200 seats, it offers what Oliver describes as a “buzz and an ambience which are unique to UCS as a jazz venue”.
He said: “The theatre-style layout of the venue gives each concert a very personal and gripping identity and creates a response from the audience that, in turn, brings out the best in the musicians.”
Oliver, who has just returned from six months studying opera in Florence, said: “There is not enough quality jazz in the area. By setting up the concerts I am raising the profile of jazz and helping it to grow from a grassroot level.
“I am also grateful to UCS for giving me the opportunity to further strengthen Hampstead’s position as an area for culture lovers.”
The series kicks off on September 13 with the Frank Griffith Nonet, one of the most thriving bands on the London jazz scene. This is followed by monthly concerts (up until June), including a performance on October 11 by The Henry Armburg Jennings Quintet, who went down a storm in last year’s series, world-famous drummer Martin Drew on November 8; and The Ronnie Scott Legacy Band on December 13.
Oliver added: “Long-term, I aim to make Jazz in the Lund the best series in London. It’s sometimes difficult for jazz musicians, especially the older ones, to find gigs around London.
“Hopefully, with the UCS series back in town, we’ll be able to give them a musical home for years to come.”
With each concert lasting at least two and half hours and a cover price of just £8-10, the series is shaping up to be a real must-see for jazz enthusiasts.

* For further details or to book tickets, log on to www.ticketweb.co.uk and search for
‘Jazz in the Lund’

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