Sam has blogged about our visit from Laerlingan!
With a title as a Norwegian Jazz/Swing/Folk Band, Laerlingen have always sounded like something not only from Yew Tree folklore, but of actual folklore as well. They’ve been ranted and raved about by Yew Tree members throughout my two year tender, but I never anticipated just how downright fun a night with the band could actually be. My first meeting with the band came through their incomparable Artistic Director, Rolf. Being the latest performer to arrive to the pre-show rehearsal, I was met with his wry humour: ‘We did this perfectly earlier, so if it goes wrong it’s your fault’. I laughed it off and took it in my stride, then proceeded to – almost in a scripted fashion – get the song wrong. His faux-stern look was enough to humble my performance mode, but a quiet word of assurance from the man which, I might add he had no obligation to do, set me straight for the real performance. In a free ten minutes before the show, we decided to socialise with the Laerlingen crew, who were delightfully happy to oblige us in perfect English. Whilst, as Yew Tree, we regard ourselves as somewhat talented, the irony that we shared a room with people with the ability to play multiple instruments and speak multiple languages was not lost on us. Whilst humbling, it was also enthusing, and set us up for a fascinating night. Now, I can’t speak for everyone here, but I’ve never seen a Norwegian Jazz/Swing/Folk band perform live before, so my expectations were practically non-existent. And saying that, my expectations were absolutely blown away by the sheer talent on show not only by Laerlingen but also by Yew Tree’s very own, an interchanging of swing songs and monologues centred on the topic of music; it was heartfelt, it was beautiful. But the emotional side was happily juxtaposed by Laerlingen in my favourite moments of the night; immersive songs which required audience participation. Look, we’re performers, we love the limelight, and any opportunity – be it a monologue or a guided shaking of our hips to trombones, saxophones, guitars and drums. MC’d and led exquisitely by Rolf, the audience followed his directions effortlessly, and what resulted was one of the most enjoyable nights I’ve experienced in a while. I’m not one to turn down an opportunity to perform, and my own performance was partnered with John and Tom. Not three days prior had the Foo Fighters shut down Glastonbury with a stellar headline performance, and so we decided that it was only right to expose them for the frauds they are and perform their smash hit, ‘Everlong’, the way it should be. Whilst I let the other two battle about who could be our Dave Grohl, I myself was revelling in an opportunity to channel my inner Liam Gallagher, but perhaps with less of a swagger. Ultimately, this performance night was a hoot and a half. The people at Laerlingen, on top of being insanely talented, were down to earth, decent people who made performing alongside them a joy to behold. Rolf’s ideas run deep and his mind will always be working, and I for one can’t wait to see what our next collaboration is. Sam Mandi-Ghomi
With a title as a Norwegian Jazz/Swing/Folk Band, Laerlingen have always sounded like something not only from Yew Tree folklore, but of actual folklore as well. They’ve been ranted and raved about by Yew Tree members throughout my two year tender, but I never anticipated just how downright fun a night with the band could actually be. My first meeting with the band came through their incomparable Artistic Director, Rolf. Being the latest performer to arrive to the pre-show rehearsal, I was met with his wry humour: ‘We did this perfectly earlier, so if it goes wrong it’s your fault’. I laughed it off and took it in my stride, then proceeded to – almost in a scripted fashion – get the song wrong. His faux-stern look was enough to humble my performance mode, but a quiet word of assurance from the man which, I might add he had no obligation to do, set me straight for the real performance. In a free ten minutes before the show, we decided to socialise with the Laerlingen crew, who were delightfully happy to oblige us in perfect English. Whilst, as Yew Tree, we regard ourselves as somewhat talented, the irony that we shared a room with people with the ability to play multiple instruments and speak multiple languages was not lost on us. Whilst humbling, it was also enthusing, and set us up for a fascinating night. Now, I can’t speak for everyone here, but I’ve never seen a Norwegian Jazz/Swing/Folk band perform live before, so my expectations were practically non-existent. And saying that, my expectations were absolutely blown away by the sheer talent on show not only by Laerlingen but also by Yew Tree’s very own, an interchanging of swing songs and monologues centred on the topic of music; it was heartfelt, it was beautiful. But the emotional side was happily juxtaposed by Laerlingen in my favourite moments of the night; immersive songs which required audience participation. Look, we’re performers, we love the limelight, and any opportunity – be it a monologue or a guided shaking of our hips to trombones, saxophones, guitars and drums. MC’d and led exquisitely by Rolf, the audience followed his directions effortlessly, and what resulted was one of the most enjoyable nights I’ve experienced in a while. I’m not one to turn down an opportunity to perform, and my own performance was partnered with John and Tom. Not three days prior had the Foo Fighters shut down Glastonbury with a stellar headline performance, and so we decided that it was only right to expose them for the frauds they are and perform their smash hit, ‘Everlong’, the way it should be. Whilst I let the other two battle about who could be our Dave Grohl, I myself was revelling in an opportunity to channel my inner Liam Gallagher, but perhaps with less of a swagger. Ultimately, this performance night was a hoot and a half. The people at Laerlingen, on top of being insanely talented, were down to earth, decent people who made performing alongside them a joy to behold. Rolf’s ideas run deep and his mind will always be working, and I for one can’t wait to see what our next collaboration is. Sam Mandi-Ghomi
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