Events

Martin Speake celebrates the music of Ornette Coleman with this new “In All Languages” band featuring Alison Cawley (tenor sax), Calum Gourlay (double bass) & Ethan Sweeting (drums).

Led by pianist Nikki Iles – described as a “formidable UK jazz presence” by the Guardian – and starring Grammy-nominated vocalist Norma Winstone MBE alongside four of the UK’s most brilliant jazz instrumentalists, the band is fully deserving of its ‘supergroup’ reputation.

An afternoon of standards, as well as a touch of French, South African and Latin sounds.

A weekly session on Sunday evenings, hosted by four of London’s finest: drummer Jas Kayser, pianist Rick Simpson and tenor saxophonists Helena Kay and Riley Stone-Lonergan, each one hosting one session on rotation.

The Antidote features the formidable quintet of Alex Hitchcock on saxophone, Ant Law on guitar, Tom Hewson on piano, Marc Michel on drums, and of course Matt Ridley on bass. Tonight, they celebrate the release of their latest album “The Antidote: Live at the London Jazz Festival’

Awen Ensemble are an alternative folk jazz collective featuring spoken word, shimmering instrumentation and a Celtic mystique, they bring a unique offering to the live performance table.

Performing material from Olie Brice’s recent album ‘Fire Hills’, the trio play melodic, swinging, explorative free jazz. The compositions include dedications to Eric Dolphy, Andrew Hill and Johnny Dyani.

Guitarist Jean de Talhouët leads ONMO – bringing new original music which is dynamic, melodic, lyrical, contrasting, broad ranging, interweaving minimalist grooves, modal explorations, ethereal textures punctuated by playful, beat driven exclamations. Featuring an all-star cast of spirited and acclaimed musicians, we are excited to bring this relatively new project to The Vortex Jazz Club.

Only the second outing this year for this unique big band. Playing brand new music and music cultivated over the years in residency at The Vortex.

The first of many intimate nights of carefree dancing in the heart of Dalston — downstairs at the Vortex Jazz Club.

Collaborating with Tony Kofi, Alina Bzhezhinska brings a unique show that draws from diverse influences, from Dorothy Ashby’s ‘Afro-Harping’ to Alice Coltrane’s spiritual expressions, Joe Henderson’s free-form jazz, and the vibes of ’90s Acid Jazz and Trip Hop.

MOJO Big Band and Catherine Lima return to the Vortex for another afternoon of exceptional jazz.

A weekly session on Sunday evenings, hosted by four of London’s finest: drummer Jas Kayser, pianist Rick Simpson and tenor saxophonists Helena Kay and Riley Stone-Lonergan, each one hosting one session on rotation.

For the latest in our new monthly series of up-and-coming musicians of the scene here in London, we have a night programmed by guitarist Jakub Klimiuk. New music, new line-ups. What could be more exciting. Take the plunge and come along!

A new series of events at the Vortex Downstairs organised by Local & Live in Hackney, a small group of local musicians and artists. They organise gigs to support musicians, and their communities, across the rich traditions of Hackney and East London.

The debut gig of ‘Baku Baku’, the latest project from pianist/composer Rick Simpson, featuring Simpson on synths and piano, Adam King on electric and synth bass and Jay Davis on drums

Saxophonist James Allsopp returns to the Vortex with frequent collaborator Dave Storey on drums, Olly Hayhurst on double bass and Chris Batchelor on trumpet.

Trumpeter Alexandra Ridout hosts the opening night of this year’s EFG London Jazz Festival at the Vortex with her trio featuring Freddie Jensen on bass and James Maddren on drums.

Over the past decade, Danish double bassist Jasper Høiby has become renowned the world over for his fearlessly expressive sound, charismatic stage presence, and distinct compositional prowess.

A weekly session on Sunday evenings, hosted by four of London’s finest: drummer Jas Kayser, pianist Rick Simpson and tenor saxophonists Helena Kay and Riley Stone-Lonergan, each one hosting one session on rotation.

Mezcla are a Glasgow based jazz-fusion ensemble attracting attention for their soulful blend of eclectic jazz and infectious grooves. Led by David Bowden (member of Mercury Prize nominated Fergus McCreadie Trio).

Memorable lines, melodic grooves and diverse references inform the debut album by Bruno Heinen’s The W, released on Ubuntu Music. The W is a newly established London-based contemporary jazz quartet of outstanding musicality creating chamber jazz that is as exciting and inventive, as it is elegant and sophisticated.

Pianist Sultan Stevenson is one of the fastest emerging young artists on the London jazz scene. His trio is already established as an outfit to catch when billed to play live and is being tipped for success on national and international stages.

A concert of Free Improvisation from four of the leading voices on the UK/European scene.

Double Bill featuring drummer Sarah Heneghan and Myra Brownbridge

Rachael Cohen presents her outstanding trio featuring an array of her own compositions and arrangements

Byron Wallen (b. 1969) was raised in a musical family and as a child studied classical piano, euphonium, trumpet, flute and drums. In the mid 1980’s the trumpet became Wallen’s primary instrument of choice.

Saxophonist Julian Siegel returns to the Vortex with his quartet featuring Liam Noble (piano), Oli Hayhurst (double bass) & Gene Calderazzo (drums).

London based guitarist and composer, David Preston returns to the Vortex for this year’s festival, performing music from his debut album ‘Purple/Black’ with a band featuring Jason Yarde (alto sax), Jim Hart (vibraphone), Robin Mullarky (bass guitar) & Seb Rochford (drums).

Over the last few years, drummer Jas Kayser has developed her original sound and compositions with “chums” that she has met on her musical journey. This gig will feature Afro-Beat inspired grooves from her most recent release ‘ Jas 5ive’.

The Billy Marrows Big Band features an eclectic mix of some of London’s most exciting improvisers, assembled to play Billy’s inventive and infectious compositions and arrangements. Their sets will feature a selection of favourites from Billy’s back catalogue, alongside some brand new music.

The LJO’s Vortex Sessions are London’s longest jazz residency. Now in its 33rd year, the band is justly renowned for its world-class quality of performance and its lead in creating new and vital music. The band’s music is all written by its members, with two exceptions: Gil Evans, and the legendary John Warren, whose 85th birthday will be celebrated during this year’s festival gig.

UK guitarist Steve Saunders (Xhosa Cole, Paul Dunmall) and Berlin saxophonist Asger Nissen (Jim Black, Jeff Ballard, Loren Stillman) present ‘arche’ (ar-kay), a unique, bassless trio infused with contemporary classical and jazz/improvised music influences.

The musical universe of this quartet, unfolds from the first notes into a breathtaking affair. Together, they always find the right balance between the fully developed sound space and the playful moment. In the process, a captivating dynamic unfolds, captivating the listener and taking them on an unforgettable journey.

Long time close musical collaborators Lockheart and Parricelli perform in a new small group setting. Both prolific composers tonights concert will feature brand new music , expansive improvising and much more!

Join us for the launch event at the multi-award winning Vortex Jazz Club for an Azalea Arts production to enjoy an evening filled with art, music, poetry and dance! An expression in artistic motion emphasised through phases of the moon is a calendar filled with creative writing by Jade Evans to represent the native names […]

Clarissa Connelly is a Copenhagen-based producer, composer, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist, and has recently joined Warp Records family. Providing a moment of serenity and bright joy, Connelly is an artist whose music cuts through the chaos.

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances we are unable to host today’s jam session. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience. Next session will take place on December 9th.

Swiss jazz guitarist Dave Gisler brings his trio to the Vortex to present new musical material from their latest album. They will be joined on stage by legendary American saxophonist Tony Malaby.

Come & join us for another wonderful Mopomoso featuring: Trio CZW ~ Maureen Wolloshin (oboe), Paul Cheneour (flutes) & Alistair Zaldua (electric violin) + Martin Speake (alto sax) & Alyson Cawley (tenor sax) + Marcio Mattos (bass, cello), Marilza Gouvea (voice), Lawrence Casserley (electronics) & Adrian Northover (alto sax)

In this fully improvised concert, Craig Taborn explores sounds and silences, swirling colours, densities and forms, creating new music with both poetic imagination and an iron grip on his material.

An afternoon and evening showcase of bands from the Guildhall Jazz Department led by tutors including Rachael Cohen, Gareth Lockrane, Rob Barron, Winston Clifford, Kate Williams, Ines Loubet, Larry Bartley, Tom Farmer and more!

An afternoon and evening showcase of bands from the Guildhall Jazz Department led by tutors including Rachael Cohen, Gareth Lockrane, Rob Barron, Winston Clifford, Kate Williams, Ines Loubet, Larry Bartley, Tom Farmer and more!

Northern neo-soul duo Esk launched their debut album ‘People In Their Simplicity’ in September. Following a sold out performance at Pizza Express Live Holborn, they’re excited to play for the very first time at the Vortex.

Due to unforeseen events, we had to relocate the event to our neighbour’s Brunswick East. The new location is just a minute walk from the Vortex. Programme and timings for the night remain unchanged. 

Saxophonist Wanja Slavin comes to the Vortex with a band featuring many familiar faces: Laura Jurd (trumpet), Johannes Lauer (piano), Ruth Goller (bass guitar) & James Maddren (drums).

The Flame is a fierce improvising trio featuring Robert Mitchell (Piano/Perc/Poetry), Mark Sanders (Drums) and tonight with Olie Brice (Bass – standing in for Neil Charles)