The last in a series of club nights in various venues curated by Loop Collective brings together an array of Berlin and London’s finest instrumentalists, performing music which will be remixed live as part of the show. Kronecker Beatsy, glitchy new music combined with explosive improv – compositions by Petter Eldh, Dan Nicholls and Tom […]
Hosted by Hannes Riepler Continuing the long tradition of jazz jam sessions with musicians fine tuning their chops & maybe sparring a little too, the Vortex Jam Session offers the chance to see some truly extraordinary musicians play a relaxed, off the cuff gig. Led by guitarist Hannes Riepler, the atmosphere is playful but the […]
Award winning eclectic pianist Huw Warren celebrates his lifelong love of Brazilian music in all its diversity with this new groove-heavy trio featuring longtime collaborator and Perfect Houseplant Dudley Phillips. Music by Heremeto Pascoal, Guinga, Tom Jobim, Egberto Gismonti, Pixinguinha and more. Huw Warren – Piano Dudley Phillips – Bass Zoot Warren – Drums “A […]
Cello night! Kate Shortt ‘Wonderful elastic face’ – Radio 5 Live ‘That was wicked!’ -Brighton Juice fm ‘A remarkable cellist’ – John Fordham The Guardian Regarded as a go-to cellist by many musicians including Penny Rimbaud, fado singer Claudia Aurora, Partisans’ Phil Robson and singer Christine Tobin. In this show Kate blends music with comedy. Shirley […]
“Tenor saxophonist Don Weller was, and is, among the true originals of British jazz, with his cavernous sound and utterly unpredictable turn of phrase.” Dave Gelly, The Observer Don Weller is one of Britain’s leading saxophone players and has been playing on the jazz scene since the 1970s. In 1980 he stood in for Michael […]
“One of the UK’s most honest and musical jazz vocalists” The Guardian We welcome back one of Britain’s most inventive jazz vocalists. Ian Shaw’s remarkable vocal range and style have seen him breathe new life into pop tunes and standards; he possesses an unfailing ability to reinvent even the most maudlin showtunes. Having amassed a […]
This group is touring nationally supporting guitarist/composer Dan Messore’s second release as bandleader of ‘Indigo Kid’. The line up glistens with new cohorts. A hefty crew carve fresh musical ground through the wistful signature of Messore’s compositions. Harnessing the beautiful power of Gethin Jones (drums) and Calum Gourlay (bass) in the rhythm section, the fiercely […]
Bird on the Wire presents Adrian Crowley. For a man of such personal understatement, Adrian Crowley is an artist of considerable ambition – something he shares with the unique artists sometimes recalled when listening to his music; Scott Walker, Lou Reed, Ivor Cutler, Lee Hazlewood. His latest LP ‘Some Blue Morning’, the majestic follow up […]
Dead Neanderthals is a Dutch/UK based double sax & drums trio incorporating elements from jazz, grindcore, drone and noise culminating in a pummeling sound that has been described as Painkiller meets Brötzmann. This is the new wave of Dutch Heavy Jazz. Dead Neanderthals are launching their new album ‘Prime’. Heralded as their “ultimate statement” and “a […]
Blow the Fuse present the Alison Rayner Quintet, aka ARQ. Winner of the Jazz Services Recording Subsidy Award for 2013, bass player and composer Alison Rayner leads this contemporary jazz quintet. Original compositions draw on a love for lyrical melodies, deep grooves and influences from folk, funk and Latin. Alison Rayner – double bass Buster Birch […]
Atmospheric, evocative and emotional hybrid of the folk tradition and contemporary influences. Building on a deepened, almost ambient sound picture the songs transport you into the landscape and deep into the emotions that it evokes.
A very special gig, tonight Alan Skidmore is joined by the Steve Melling Trio
Alan Skidmore, sax / Steve Melling, piano / Alec Dankworth, bass / Miles Levin, drums.
Alphabets Alphabets is a new trio comprising three exciting voices in UK and Irish improvised music, creating music inspired by language, vocalisation & landscapes. The group aims to reach states of stillness and repose as well as fast instinctive rhythmic interaction, and to tease out all possible sonorities from their instruments. They embarked upon their […]
This concert features the improvising duo of pianist Achim Kaufmann and double bass player Olie Brice, and will be the final night of their UK tour. Berlin-based pianist Kaufmann is probably best known for his trio Kaufmann/Gratkowski/de Joode, an improvising unit which has released four albums to much critical acclaim. He also works with Michael Moore, Okkyung Lee […]
Following the critical acclaim for drummer Eddie Prévost’s bold series of recorded concerts in 2011, join us for this unique monthly live series, revisiting the Meetings With Remarkable Saxophonists recordings and discovering how the music has evolved. John Butcher tenor and soprano saxophones, Guillaume Viltard double bass, Eddie Prévost drums “Of course Prevost and Butcher […]
BOOK HERE FOR TICKETS FOR STANDING ROOM. NOW AVAILABLE, AS ALL SEATS SOLD. https://www.wegottickets.com/event/301719 We’re thrilled to present this rare London performance at the Vortex. Trumpeter Avishai Cohen – voted a Rising Star in the 2012 DownBeat Critics Poll – has earned renown as a musician with an individual sound and a questing spirit, an […]
Pigfoot established themselves as radical interpreters of classic New Orleans music with their acclaimed 2014 CD “21st Century Acid Trad”, recorded live at the Vortex. Now, with Pigfoot Play… they turn their attention to a different genre. Could be Pigfoot Play Elvis, or Motown, or Highlife, or Country & Western. A festive treat whets your […]
An exciting blend of music from twenty horns, featuring jazz, African and Latin grooves, under the leadership of trombone virtuoso Annie Whitehead and supported by the phenomenal bass and drums of Jennifer Maidman and Mark Huggett. The Workshop is a regular rehearsal group with performances from time to time at the Vortex and The 100 […]
Take a break from the Christmas shopping, stuff that turkey and polish your baubles and beads, for an evening of festive fun in this yuletide treat with your two favourite fairies from the top of the tree. In this specially created confection of musical delights from the hit parade of life, two of Britain’s most […]
Directed by Scott Stroman, the London Jazz Orchestra has been described as “as fine a band as you can find anywhere” (The Independent). Kenny Wheeler, who died in September, was one of the world’s most original and inspiring writers of modern big-band jazz, creating an instantly recognisable, rich, lyrical and uplifting sound. Ken was a founder […]
A celebration of the music of trumpeter Kenny Wheeler…
Hon is the exciting new project by double bassist and composer Huw V Williams. Huw’s original music is played by a phenomenol collective of London’s finest young improvisers featuring Laura Jurd on Trumpet, Alam Nathoo on Tenor Saxophone, Elliot Galvin on Accordion and Pete Ibbetson on Drums. Huw explains “The word “Hon” means “This” in […]
Liam Noble’s long standing trio returns with music from their 5 star album “Brubeck” combined with compositions from Bud Powell. Their interactive and imaginative approach brings these timeless classics into the 21st century. With Dave Whitford (bass) and Dave Wickins (drums). “Brubeck” is the Liam Noble Trio‟s first recording, despite working together for many years, […]
Adam Waldmann reeds Ivo Neame piano Jon Scott drums Sam Lasserson bass “A beguiling mix of soulful jazz-folk songs and kinetic modern jazz.” ★★★★ Jazzwise Returning to The Vortex, MOBO award-winning Kairos 4tet (Best Jazz Act) will be performing music from their critically acclaimed 3rd album Everything We Hold which has received 4- and 5-star […]
Evan Parker and Paul Dunmall (saxophones) perform with Tony Bianco (drums) and John Edwards on bass. Always a compelling combination when Paul joins Evan, Tony’s drumming and John’s bass will provide the springboard for them to launch into the stratosphere. It’ll be a space trip worth joining.
ra•sa /ˈrʌsəː/ noun (Sanskrit) translate as ‘divine nectar’, flavour, sentiment, or emotion: regarded as one of the fundamental qualities of music, dance, and poetry. A celebration of the glorious essence of Winter, musically traversing folk routes from the Holy Land to Andalusia, Eastern Europe and beyond. Warm away the cold with melodies, merriment and mysticism in this […]
A very special opportunity to see the legendary Instant Composers Pool aka ICP Orchestra playing music from their new album East of the Sun; the first not to feature its co-founder, the now retired Misha Mengelberg. “ICP seems to be weathering the loss of its leader in elegant, electric fashion” 4 stars Downbeat Magazine ICP […]
For the last in their 2014 series, The Chaos Collective present their Christmas party. The Chaos Collective Something of a ‘secret weapon’ on the European music scene, the Chaos Collective is already making waves in London and the UK, consisting of some of London’s most high-calibre, creative young performers including Laura Jurd, Elliot Galvin & […]
Solo performance Pianist, singer and composer Juwon Ogungbe is one of the mainstays of British-African music. His current CD “Life Force Music” covers all bases – African grooves, soul stirring songs and funk licks are effortlessly mixed together. In his first Xmas show Juwon Ogungbe explores songs from his current CD and songs planned for […]
Zoe Francis started singing while living in New York, a time which cemented her love of the American Songbook composers and their lesser known songs. Now shoes making a name for herself in London and will tonight be launching her new live album. Zoe Francis vocals & Jim Mullen guitar “A stunningly beautiful voice.” Harry Allen […]
Christine Tobin’s style, although rooted in jazz, is eclectic and draws on a broad range of influences from Ireland to West Africa to Brazil (Oumou Sangare, Elis Regina etc). Her sound is rich, authentic and deeply expressive and was described by the Guardian as “Tobin’s 24 carat voice” while praising her both for the poetry […]
“Honeyed in sound, subtle in timing and pitch, shrewd in weighting the music with meaning.” The Guardian Over the past few years singer Sarah Moule has established a rapidly growing reputation as one of Britain’s most exciting new jazz talents. Her highly acclaimed debut CD “It’s A Nice Thought” (AKD 192), released in 2002, showed […]
A singer whose charisma has charmed audiences for years. Performing with one of the best pianists around, making one of the best lead-ins to New Year that you might wish for!
Jean Toussaint, saxophones Scott Stroman, vocals Jason Rebello, piano Tim Wells, bass Paul Clarvis, drums and special guest vocalist Emily Wolf The Exiles return for two New Year gigs at the Vortex, where they’ve played sold-out shows for the past few years.”Exiled” London-based Americans Jean Toussaint, Scott Stroman and Tim Wells join with pianist Jason […]
Led by guitar legend John Etheridge, the Blue Spirits Trio includes Pete Whittaker (organ) & Mark Fletcher (drums). Drawing on a vast reservoir of musical experience spanning 43 years ,Etheridge distills the bluesier side of his musical world in a repertoire that manifests intensity and emotion as it’s main quality, with subtlety, fluidity and interaction […]
Jean Toussaint, saxophones Scott Stroman, vocals Jason Rebello, piano Tim Wells, bass Troy Miller, drums and special guest vocalist Emily Wolf The Exiles return for two New Year gigs at the Vortex, where they’ve played sold-out shows for the past few years.”Exiled” London-based Americans Jean Toussaint, Scott Stroman and Tim Wells join with pianist Jason […]
The Vortex welcomes back this magnificent trio, tonight featuring Stan Sulzmann on tenor sax. The album ‘Catch My Drift’ on diving duck recordings, features melodic and Mullenised versions of standards and compositions by legendary jazz musicians such as Toots Thielemans. Having taken a break from touring and performing, Jim’s Organ Trio are reformed and re-energised […]
Celebrate the Bank Holiday in style! The Cinematic Orchestra vocalist, Heidi Vogel has worked with Isaac Hayes, F-ire Big Band, The Brand New Heavies, Cleveland Watkiss, Eska and others. Tonight performs material from her debut solo album, ‘Turn it Up’. “She’s got an extraordinary voice….an incredible range to her voice and such a texture to it as […]
Award winning eclectic pianist celebrates his lifelong love of Brazilian music in all its diversity with this new groove heavy ensemble featuring longtime collaborators and Perfect Houseplants Mark Lockheart and Dudley Phillips. Music by Heremeto Pascoal, Guinga, Tom Jobim, Egberto Gismonti, Pixinguinha and more. Mark Lockheart- Saxophone Huw Warren – Piano Dudley Phillips – Bass Zoot Warren […]
A night of the finest music from those who were in the vanguard of the 1960s London jazz scene. HENRY LOWTHER During the sixties Henry was one of the first musicians on the British jazz scene to experiment with total free improvisation, notably with Jack Bruce, Lyn Dobson and John Hiseman. He played with the […]
Unfortunately, due to sudden ill health, we have to replace Bobby Wellins. But we are so lucky that we have another legend of British jazz, tonight playing with a group of musicians some of whom are well established, others new to the scene. Stan Sulzmann, saxophone Ross Stanley, piano Conor Chaplin, bass Tim Giles, drums […]
Martin Speake, alto saxophone Scott Stroman, vocals Jason Rebello, piano Alec Dankworth, bass Will Glaser, drums and special guest vocalist Emily Wolf The Exiles return for two New Year gigs at the Vortex, where they’ve played sold-out shows for the past few years. London-based ‘exile’ Scott Stroman joins with altoist Martin Speake and also pianist […]
Penny Rimbaud’s L’ACADÉMIE DES VANITÉS. A show curated by poet, author and erstwhile Crass band founder Penny with poets, musicians, performers and artists. Penny’s shows are performed in an environment created by Crass’s artist Gee Vaucher. Penny Rimbaud is one of England’s great rebel poets. Prolific author, founding member of the band Crass and fearless […]
“The David Friesen compositions are all gorgeous, rich and accessible, each tune more beautiful than the first and absolutely wonderful soloing and ensemble play at its highest level.” JM/Jazz Clubscene “Everything the trio plays is colored with a pronounced individuality. The harmonic depth, intense rhythm and subtle interaction they employ mesmerizes an audience.” D. Ramsey/Downbeat, […]
Another legend of British jazz and Vortex regular returns. This time with Barry Green and trio. Stan Sulzmann, saxophone Barry Green, piano Steve Watts, bass Tim Giles, drums ‘But a shining light of the whole attractive enterprise is the presence of Stan Sulzmann, who seems to sound more personal and hauntingly moving than ever.’ John Fordham, […]
Featuring: -Morley Jazz Orchestra -Trombone Poetry -hKippers -G-bop Orchestra -John Eacott’s Hour Angle A solstice festival bringing together old and new works. Richard Peaslee composed ‘Stonehenge Suite’ in 1963 having been arranger for Stan Kenton. This demanding and brilliant work is presented with others from the Kenton stable as the focus of this rare concert […]
Nigerian pianist Niran Obasa established his name as one of the foremost session musicians and the gospel music in Lagos. He is the keyboardist with The Yoruba Women Choir and The Rhythms. Lately he focuses on his compositions that bring together his secular and non-secular to create improvisational music that is totally unique.
DUE TO HIGH DEMAND WE ONLY HAVE LIMITED STANDING TICKETS REMAINING Americans Jean Toussaint (saxophone) and Scott Stroman (vocals) return with their stellar band for two New Year gigs at the Vortex, where they’ve played sold-out shows for the past several years. Their outstanding London outfit includes bassist Alec Dankworth, drummer Paul Clarvis and rising star […]
”Dyer’s music has an emotional depth and lyricism that one imagines any newcomer wanting to embrace.” Kevin Le Gendre, Jazzwise
The Vortex welcomes back this tremendously influential quartet Chris Laurence, double bass Martin France, drums John Parricelli, guitar Frank Ricotti, vibraphone Bassist Chris Laurence has been a fixture on the British scene for many years, working regularly in the jazz sphere with artists including reedman John Surman, trumpeter Kenny Wheeler and pianist John Taylor. He’s […]