We’re honoured to have been offered the opportunity to programme ‘Jazz in the House’ at Lauderdale House in Waterlow Park, Highgate following the death of Brian Blain last October. This long standing series of modern, world class jazz was run and hosted by Brian for over 25 years.
Our relationship with Lauderdale House and Brian goes back many years. Deirdre’s mother walked her as a baby in Waterlow Park and both of us lived locally for many years. Brian was a friend of ours from the 1980s and we first encountered him whilst playing in the Guest Stars, through his work with the Musicians Union. We truly valued his support and our many interesting chats about life, art, politics and music. We were very saddened by his passing but we are looking forward to continue keeping live jazz at Lauderdale House and enabling it to thrive and develop.
‘Blow the Fuse’ featuring the acclaimed team of Deirdre Cartwright and Alison Rayner will continue Brian’s legacy with a new programme of jazz starting on Thursday May 4th 2023. Award-winning musicians Deirdre and Alison have run their own jazz club for over 30 years and will carry forward ‘Jazz in the House’ in the spirit of Brian Blain and his tireless support for musicians and live music.
#jazzinthehouse
Blow the Fuse jazz club continues to be in the heart of Stoke Newington in the superb space of St Matthias Hall and St Matthias Church.
Fri 28 Apr BTF Jazz Club Sea Change St Matthias Hall N16 8DD
Formerly River Cruz, these four renowned musicians play Latin influences, Bossa Nova, Afro-Cuban grooves with a little bit of rock – and a great sense of fun and dancing. BOOK
Please note the later door time of 8pm.
Deirdre Cartwright Guitar • Diane McLoughlin Sax • Alison Rayner Bass • Jessica Palin Congas & Percussion
An evening to celebrate the life of Al Rider and Fran Rayner and to raise money for the Isabel Hospice.
Fri 26 May BTF Jazz Club
Ruthie Smith & Friends BOOK
Ruthie Smith Sax & Vocals • Deirdre Cartwright Guitar, voc • Alison Rayner Bass, voc • Linda da Mango Congas, percussion, voc • Jim Dvorak Trumpet, voc • Alastair Gavin Keyboards • Winston Clifford Drums, voc.
An evening led by Ruthie Smith celebrating the coming together of various musical friends and genres, and a variety of soulful jazzy styles including original material, mainstream and bebop, softer moods of cool jazz, blues, South African Township and joyful uplifting Latin-Jazz