Saxophonist and composer Trish Clowes has been described as “an improviser to be reckoned with” (Downbeat Magazine) and “one of the most agile and original jugglers of improv and adventurous composition to have appeared in the UK in recent times” (The Guardian).
“Vortex Lates” is a new series of events taking place in our downstairs bar from 10-1am every Friday or Saturday. A new late-night jazz hang for Dalston where you can grab a drink and listen to some of the best improvised musicians from around the city.
Mopomoso is the UK’s longest running concert series dedicated to freely improvised music! They will be kicking off 2025 with: John Bisset (lap guitar) & Olga Ksendzovska (piano and objects) + Neil Metcalfe (flute), Terry Day (drums) & David Leahy (double bass) + George Haslam (baritone sax/tárogató) & Marcio Mattos (cello/bass/electronics)
A weekly session on Sunday evenings, the jams will be hosted by some of London’s finest: drummer Jas Kayser, pianist Rick Simpson, guitarist Nick Costley-White, trumpeter Sean Gibbs and tenor saxophonists Helena Kay and Riley Stone-Lonergan, each one hosting one session on rotation.
On this special night, KRSIX, an instrumental sextet led by saxophonist Kasper Rietkerk, will be celebrating the release of their EP: Live in London. While rooted in jazz, KRSIX’s music is heavily influenced by rock, folk, and blues music.
Recipients of the 2023 Peter Whittingham Jazz Award , Ferg’s Imaginary Big Band make a rare appearance in the capital and their first appearance at The Vortex. Known for their raucous live shows and bombastic arrangements, don’t miss this opportunity to see one of the UK’s most exciting jazz ensembles live!
Recipients of the 2023 Peter Whittingham Jazz Award , Ferg’s Imaginary Big Band make a rare appearance in the capital and their first appearance at The Vortex. Known for their raucous live shows and bombastic arrangements, don’t miss this opportunity to see one of the UK’s most exciting jazz ensembles live!
A new collaboration between two highly experienced artists to create a new song. Musical explorations that combine their unique experiences from working with a vast array of different musicians on the international scene.
Kris Davis is a Grammy award-winning pianist and composer described by The New York Times as a beacon for “deciding where to hear jazz on a given night.” We are thrilled to welcome her trio to the Vortex to present her new album “Run the Gauntlet”, featuring bassist Robert Hurst (known for his work with Branford Marsalis, Kenny Kirkland, Geri Allen) and drummer Johnathan Blake (know for his work with Kenny Barron, Dave Holland, Tom Harrell). Exclusive UK date.
Kris Davis is a Grammy award-winning pianist and composer described by The New York Times as a beacon for “deciding where to hear jazz on a given night.” We are thrilled to welcome her trio to the Vortex to present her new album “Run the Gauntlet”, featuring bassist Robert Hurst (known for his work with Branford Marsalis, Kenny Kirkland, Geri Allen) and drummer Johnathan Blake (know for his work with Kenny Barron, Dave Holland, Tom Harrell). Exclusive UK date.
“Vortex Lates” is a new series of events taking place in our downstairs bar from 10-1am every Friday or Saturday. A new late-night jazz hang for Dalston where you can grab a drink and listen to some of the best improvised musicians from around the city.
Twice a month, join us on a journey to extend standard jazz repertoire for the 21st century.
A weekly session on Sunday evenings, the jams will be hosted by some of London’s finest: drummer Jas Kayser, pianist Rick Simpson, guitarist Nick Costley-White, trumpeter Sean Gibbs and tenor saxophonists Helena Kay and Riley Stone-Lonergan, each one hosting one session on rotation.
Welcoming and relaxed, come for a drink, sit back and enjoy the music, or bring your horns, sticks and strings to join in during the second set.
As the main compositional outlet for Adam, MERIDIAN comprises of some of the UK’s promising young musical talents: Tom Barford (saxophone), James Pettinger (piano), Daniel Kemshell (electric guitar) & Aram Bahmaie (double bass).
Donovan Haffner Quintet was formed by playing together at Guildhall School of Music when Donovan was just 18 years old. The band featuring Francisco Garcia De Paredes (guitar), Jay Verma (piano), Harry Pearce (double bass) & Harry Ling (drums) plays originals written by Donovan, which comprises of straight-ahead, neo-bop, and contemporary.
Our Whirlpool series continues with a gig led by pianist Tom O’Brien. Exciting music from a group of our thrilling new musicians specially selected from the Vortex! Tom O’Brien presents a new set of compositions and improvisation built around samples from film and television. Tom writes: “I want the samples and compositions to give meaning […]
Acknowledged as one of the UK’s most versatile and creative cellists, trailblazing cellist and composer Shirley Smart returns to the Vortex wit her sextet project feat. James Arben, Alistair Martin, John Crawford, Marcus Penrose and Demi Garcia Sabat.
A gifted international jazz musician and steel pan virtuoso. His music is a blend of his Caribbean roots with the harmonic and improvisational complexities of jazz, creating a lively and eclectic meld all his own.
Acclaimed UK guitarist Nick Costley-White leads his trio featuring Dave Whitford (Billy Hart, Dave Leibman) on bass and Josh Morrison (Stacey Kent, Dave O’Higgins) on drums.
“Vortex Lates” is a new series of events taking place in our downstairs bar from 10-1am every Friday or Saturday. A new late-night jazz hang for Dalston where you can grab a drink and listen to some of the best improvised musicians from around the city.
Trumpeter and composer Kenny Wheeler was a founder member of the London Jazz Orchestra, and the LJO celebrates his 95th birthday with a performance of his Long Suite 2005, written for his 75th birthday tour. Kenny’s writing remains a huge influence on the band’s composer/members and the performance will also “trumpet” new music by LJO pianist Alcyona Mick and bassist Calum Gourlay.
A weekly session on Sunday evenings, the jams will be hosted by some of London’s finest: drummer Jas Kayser, pianist Rick Simpson, guitarist Nick Costley-White, trumpeter Sean Gibbs and tenor saxophonists Helena Kay and Riley Stone-Lonergan, each one hosting one session on rotation.
Welcoming and relaxed, come for a drink, sit back and enjoy the music, or bring your horns, sticks and strings to join in during the second set.
Curated by cellist Shirley Smart, Creations features a set by invited artists from the UKs vibrant free improvisation scene, followed by an acoustic jam session.
Queer Jazz exists to platform, nurture and celebrate the emerging queer jazz scene. Programmed by Tina Edwards and Arowah, they have put together an exciting monthly programme of innovative LGBTQI+ artists at The Vortex Jazz Club, supported by Arts Council England.
Berlin-based collective ‘Bigger Picture’, with compositions written by British pianist Laurie Rich and Danish trumpeter Tobias Bech, bring their music to London for the first time with a quartet outfit featuring Swedish bassist Seth Sjöström and Berlin-born drummer Dominik Witte. They will be performing music from Tobias and Laurie’s upcoming debut album featuring Swedish vocalist Irma Neumüller recorded by Nanni Johansson at Berlin’s Hansa Studios in July, as well as exploring some new compositions.
Swiss pianist, singer and composer Fabienne Ambuehl brings a trio of her favourite musicians – Tom Ollendorff, Matt Ridley and Jon Scott – to celebrate the release of a new album “Thrive” on Ubuntu Music.
Led by pianist and composer Finn Carter, the members of this group all approach improvising from the same perspective: trying to serve the music and remove the ego from improvising. With credits including Loyle Carner, Sampha, Rex Orange County and Tom Misch, these in-demand players are all technically virtuosic, but the music they create together is more than that; it is sensitive, emotive and synergistic.
Bassist & composer Niklas Lukassen returns to the Vortex with a quartet featuring: Will Vinson (sax), Ivo Neame (piano) & Francesco Ciniglio (drums).
“Vortex Lates” is a new series of events taking place in our downstairs bar from 10-1am every Friday or Saturday.
Twice a month, join us on a journey to extend standard jazz repertoire for the 21st century.
A weekly session on Sunday evenings, the jams will be hosted by some of London’s finest: drummer Jas Kayser, pianist Rick Simpson, guitarist Nick Costley-White, trumpeter Sean Gibbs and tenor saxophonists Helena Kay and Riley Stone-Lonergan, each one hosting one session on rotation.
Glasshopper welcome being undefined. However, their band leader and Glaswegian saxophonist Jonathan Chung would label their music simply as “Jazz”. The London based trio (a partnership with James Kitchman on guitar and Corrie Dick on drums) have gained wide critical acclaim for their captivating and euphoric live performances, and especially with their latest 2024 post punk/indie jazz release “I’m Not Telling You Anything”.
Saxophonist & composer Tori Freestone returns to the Vortex with her long-time colleagues Tim Giles (drums) and Dave Manington (bass).
For this Valentine’s Special, Heidi teams up with award-winning pianist Bruno Heinen – described by the Guardian as “eclectic, eccentric, unobtrusively erudite” and the acclaimed guitarist James Kitchman; recognised as one of the most distinctive and sought-after jazz guitarists of his generation.
For this Valentine’s Special, Heidi teams up with award-winning pianist Bruno Heinen – described by the Guardian as “eclectic, eccentric, unobtrusively erudite” and the acclaimed guitarist James Kitchman; recognised as one of the most distinctive and sought-after jazz guitarists of his generation.
Our monthly late night series brings songwriters together to perform in the round, hosted by Matthew Herd. February sees the incredible, genre defying Ed Begley bringing some new material to the Vortex with Alex Bonney on trumpet and electronics.
Local & Live in Hackney is a collective of local musicians and artists dedicated to supporting performers and fostering the diverse musical traditions of Hackney and East London. Join us for a captivating evening of music featuring the remarkable duo, Bahar Aksu and Paşa Çelik.
Warm, reflective, open-hearted and lyrical jazz. A Hologram Maze is led by pianist/composer David Austin Grey. The band features a close-knit group of the UK’s finest improvisers, who bring a deep sense of understanding and common purpose to each composition.
“Vortex Lates” is a new series of events taking place in our downstairs bar from 10-1am every Friday or Saturday. A new late-night jazz hang for Dalston where you can grab a drink and listen to some of the best improvised musicians from around the city.
Come & join us for another special Mopomoso featuring Marilza Gouvea (solo voice with small percussion) + Phil Durrant (semi-modular synth/electronics), Colin Webster (alto sax), Andrew Lisle (drums) + Mia Zabelka (violin), Charlotte Keeffe (trumpets)
A CD and record sale to benefit the Vortex. It’s built around a special collection donated to the club in the memory of the late Jon Russell Brown. Of the 2000+ CDs, many of the albums are ONLY to be heard in this format, not on streaming services. All kept in good condition. No CD […]
Our Jazz & Wine evenings curated by Liv Kessler return with a collaboration with Tutto Wines and music from Will Barry, pianist and wine connoisseur.
A weekly session on Sunday evenings, the jams will be hosted by some of London’s finest: drummer Jas Kayser, pianist Rick Simpson, guitarist Nick Costley-White, trumpeter Sean Gibbs and tenor saxophonists Helena Kay and Riley Stone-Lonergan, each one hosting one session on rotation.
Award winning composer Tom Niblock returns to the Vortex with his big band featuring many young stars and more established names of the London Jazz scene and beyond. Having won the Dankworth Prize in 2021 and the Eddie Harvey Arranger Award in 2020, the band will be playing his exciting original music alongside inventive arrangements.
Unfortunately, due to illness, we had to postpone this performance of Maddy Coombs. New date to be announced soon!
Following a sold-out downstairs show last September, post-fusion, nu-jazz group Dreamscapes returns to the Vortex this February. Five unique musicians drawing from a melting-pot of influences who transcend genre, producing music with a sense of true freedom.
Led by jazz violin virtuoso Piotr Jordan, Dunajska Kapelye have been delighting audiences at the Vortex for many years. You will hear authentic Balkan and Gypsy folk, Hot Club jazz, Klezmer and the odd blues and jazz standard, all shot through with scintillating improvisation for a seat-of-pants ride through Eastern Europe and beyond.
Twice a month, join us on a journey to extend standard jazz repertoire for the 21st century.