review music: Classical music | Tony Kiely Jazz in the House | IF wallowing in the almost traditional mud of Glastonbury isn’t high on your “To-do” list over the next few weeks, there’s a far more sedate, refined and Wellington-free series

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The Review - MUSIC - Classical & Jazz with TONY KIELY
Published: 29 May 2008

Sarah Moule

Camden classical music | Preview of Jazz in the House | Lauderdale House

PREVIEW:JAZZ IN THE HOUSE
Lauderdale House

IF wallowing in the almost traditional mud of Glastonbury isn’t high on your “To-do” list over the next few weeks, there’s a far more sedate, refined and Wellington-free series of gigs on the horizon at Lauderdale House, in Highgate.
The good folk up at Waterlow Park are throwing open their doors for weekly concerts that bring together artists as diverse as the Orient House Ensemble, Neon and the Theo Travis Quartet.
The brainchild of Muswell Hill resident Brian Blain – a contributor to the Guardian and news editor of Jazz UK, who has been the inspiration for jazz events at Lauderdale House since 1997 – the Thursday night concerts offer top-rate performances at a fraction of the prices you can expect to pay in West End venues.
Mr Blain says he was “bitten by the jazz bug” in his teens, while growing up in Manchester.
Although his parents had limited interest in music, he took up the trombone – for which he insists he had “no talent whatsoever” – and became an avid listener to the dance bands on the radio. Set against the relatively sedate “popular” music of the time, jazz was glamorous and exciting, representing an integral part of the American cultural scene and aligning itself with the rebellion and escapism of the Beats.
As other forms of music gained popularity, the communal support for jazz dwindled.
So in order to serve the local community of jazz enthusiasts, Mr Blain has worked hard to create a jazz venue at Lauderdale House.
Mr Blain shares what performers describe as the “friendly vibe” at the House.
He says musicians and singers from far and wide enjoy performing there because “it is one of the best listening venues around.
“The guys really like it, the sound and the response – the audience always gives something back”.
Tonight’s (Thursday) event features vocalist Sarah Moule, Simon Wallace (piano), Paul Morgan (double bass) and Paul Robinson (drums).
With a voice boasting the “melancholy gaiety of Billie Holiday” – according to the late George Melly – Sarah will perform material from her new album, A Lazy Kind of Love, with a piano trio of the highest class.

• The five night Jazz in the House concerts start tonight (Thursday) and continue on June 5, 19, 26 and July 3. 8.30pm, £9 (£7.50 conc). www.lauderdalehouse.co.uk
• Lauderdale House is also hosting a Sunday Morning Family Friendly Concert series in
June and July

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