CHRISTINA WODRASCHKA No stranger to our shores, French pianist Christine Wodrascka has a reputation as one of the most intriguing and exciting keyboard artists. She understands how to use the piano not just as a keyboard instrument but also as a percussion instrument, aware of how to hit or caress the strings in a way […]
John Russell (guitar) / John Edwards (bass) / Evan Parker (saxophone) Monthly Vortex residency with the master of free improvisation. A major force in European improvising, Evan Parker has collaborated with everyone from Cecil Taylor, Paul Bley & Anthony Braxton, to Scott Walker, Robert Wyatt and Squarepusher. He is one of Europe’s most innovative and intriguing saxophonists, […]
The Alex Ward Quintet features several of the most exciting and distinctive musicians on the current London improvising scene, and was formed in 2013 to perform Alex’s long-form composition “Glass Shelves And Floor.” Scored for 2 clarinets/bass clarinet, tenor sax, cello and double bass, the work conjures up a soundworld evocative of contemporary chamber music, and brings […]
Pianist Pat Thomas, drummer Mark Sanders and bassist Dominic Lash take an oblique approach to the jazz repertoire, by turns lyrical, dense and sprightly. Their debut album ‘Skip’ (FMR Records) includes pieces by, among others, Sam Rivers, Ornette Coleman, Wayne Shorter, and Thelonious Monk. “Not your father’s standards session.” Brian Olewnick, The Squid’s Ear Pat […]
Shows Nine – Rockets Synth sings about space with special guest Robin Ince Darren Hayman’s Occupation is a series of monthly shows at The Vortex, Dalston. There will be a mix of sets showcasing different albums, themes and special guests. This is not your standard indie gig. “In Hefner I wrote a song about Alan […]
LOTTE ANKER Danish saxophonist and composer Lotte Anker is known for her intense playing and as one of the strongest improvisers in the freeform & improv field in Denmark. She works currently as co-leader of the highly acclaimed 12-piece group “Copenhagen Art Ensemble” and as leader of trio/duo with Marilyn Crispell (pno) + trio with Craig Taborn […]
Part of a Match&Fuse tour Alexander Hawkins Alexander Hawkins is a composer, pianist, organist, and bandleader who is ‘unlike anything else in modern creative music’ (Ni Kantu) and whose recent work has reached a ‘dazzling new apex’ (Downbeat). Self-taught, he works in a vast array of creative contexts. His own highly […]
Evan Parker invites Black Top invites Evan Parker. Continuing our monthly residency with saxophonist Evan Parker. Tonight Evan’s joined by Pat Thomas and Orphy Robinson. Founded by Pat Thomas (piano/electronics) and Orphy Robinson (vibes), the ad hocBlack Top series is dedicated to exploring the intersection of live improv and the technology of dub, reggae and other worldly […]
—- Tickets are standing only —- Chris Abrahams (piano) Lloyd Swanton (bass) Tony Buck (drums) “The Necks are masters” The Guardian “entirely unique” Jez Nelson, BBC Jazz on 3 Following three sold-out shows in November 2013, The Necks return to London for a very special one-off show in one of their favourite venues – the beautifulBishopsgate Institute. […]
Trio Riot Mette Rasmussen – alto saxophone Sam Andreae – tenor saxophone David Meier – drums Trio Riot formed in Helsinki in 2009, since then they have performed across Europe including dates in Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and England. Stylistically, the band relate their sense of energy to the 1980s British punk scene, their approach to […]
What was Penny Rimbaud’s ‘Last Amendment’, but is now ‘L’Académie des Vanités’, continue their quarterly residency with further adventures into the realms of words and music or, as Rimbaud puts it, ‘the poetry of jazz and the jazz of poetry’. Penny Rimbaud and Eve Libertine/voices Louise Elliott/sax & flute Kate Shortt/cello Jennifer Maidman/guitars Gee Vaucher […]
Evan Parker A major force in European improvising, Evan Parker has collaborated with everyone from Cecil Taylor, Paul Bley & Anthony Braxton, to Scott Walker, Robert Wyatt and Squarepusher. He is one of Europe’s most innovative and intriguing saxophonists, which is why he keeps audiences coming back for more. “If you’ve ever been tempted by free improvisation, […]
CHRIS BISCOE Chris Biscoe is a self-taught clarinetist and one of our finest. He started working with Mike Westbrook in 1979 and has played in many of Mike’s projects including The Westbrook Blake, The Cortege, On Duke’s Birthday, London Bridge and Chanson Irresponsable. He has also toured & recorded with George Russell, Andy Sheppard, Grand […]
Mopomoso, the UK’s longest running unbroken concert series dedicated to free improvisation, presents an evening of sonic delights Neil Metcalfe (flute) / Daniel Thompson (guitar) duo Highly musical and non demonstrative duo that gets to the core of what it means to improvise. Close listening and a fine attention to detail coupled with a firm […]
Darren Hayman’s Occupation is a series of monthly shows at The Vortex, Dalston. There will be a mix of sets showcasing different albums, themes and special guests. This is not your standard indie gig. Darren says “One of the first ideas of the Occupation shows that was by having to do a show each and […]
Kit Downes & Lucy Railton’s Tricko Tareco Having met playing with composer Thomas Strønen, UK pianist Kit Downes and Norwegian bassist Ole Morten Vågan are touring their two ensembles together in the UK and Norway. Tonight’s show will feature one set from each, plus some collaboration. Diving into the space between the organised and the […]
Hafla: an Arabic word, meaning a friendly social gathering, a relaxed meeting of minds, over coffee and dates; a party; a concert. Yazz Ahmed warmly invites you to spend an afternoon with her extended musical family, as she combines her electric quintet and vibraphone quartet for the very first time. Featuring: George Crowley, bass clarinet/sax Lewis […]
Mopomoso presents an evening featuring four established duos from the finest in free improvisation Phil Minton / John Russell Chris Burn / Matt Hutchinson SQ: Paul Pignon /Thomas Bjelkeborn Jim Dvorak / Harrison Smith Phil Minton (voice) / John Russell (guitar) duo Phil Minton is deservedly acclaimed around the world for his remarkable use of the voice, […]
Laura Jurd Quartet The Laura Jurd Quartet return to the Vortex with their first official London date of 2014! Featuring first-class improvisers Laura Jurd – trumpet, Elliot Galvin – keyboards, Conor Chaplin – electric bass and Corrie Dick- drums the band play original, groove driven music with lashings of folk-like melodies and memorable themes. Whether […]
Nick Malcolm is an original, exciting and heart-felt improviser. His quartet play original music, mixing a love of free improvisation with more structured playing, merging and deconstructing rhythm, melody and all the points between. The result is an interactive, intense and thrilling performance. Tonight they launch their brand new album. Nick Malcolm – Trumpet Alexander Hawkins […]
François Théberge Tenor saxophone Hans Koller Piano Percy Pursglove Bass Jeff Williams Drums For this special Vortex date, Chasing the Unicorn (Francois Theberge Hans Koller Percy Pursglove and Jeff Williams ) celebrate the music of Thelonious Monk. Since the band’s inception in 2006 they have played and recorded the compositions of Hans Koller & a […]
Monthly Vortex residency with the master of free improvisation. Tonight’s concert will start promptly at 8.30pm First set Sam Bailey solo prepared piano Second set Evan Parker / John Russell / John Edwards Third set Evan Parker / John Russell / John Edwards / Sam Bailey Evan Parker A major force in European improvising, Parker […]
What was Penny Rimbaud’s ‘Last Amendment’, but is now ‘L’Académie des Vanités’, continue their quarterly residency with further adventures into the realms of words and music or, as Rimbaud puts it, ‘the poetry of jazz and the jazz of poetry’. It’s a unique and sometimes confrontational blend of passion, word and music featuring Penny Rimbaud and […]
We present a two night festival of improvised music, linking up some of the most exiting British and Austrian improvisers around. Each night will have a different programme of smaller combinations plus a large group with everyone playing together. With thanks to the Austrian Cultural Forum. The musicians: Steve Beresford (piano / electronics) Tanja Feichtmair (sax) […]
We present a two night festival of improvised music, linking up some of the most exiting British and Austrian improvisers around. Each night will have a different programme of smaller combinations plus a large group with everyone playing together. With thanks to the Austrian Cultural Forum. The musicians: Steve Beresford (piano / electronics) Tanja Feichtmair (sax) […]
Monthly Vortex residency with the master of free improvisation. Evan Parker A major force in European improvising, Parker has collaborated with everyone from Cecil Taylor, Paul Bley & Anthony Braxton, to Scott Walker, Robert Wyatt and Squarepusher. He is one of Europe’s most innovative and intriguing saxophonists, which is why he keeps audiences coming back […]
Test Led by critically acclaimed pianist Bruno Heinen, and guitarist Kristian Borring, this course is aimed at musicians who would like to learn more about how to improvise in a variety of styles including jazz, blues, soul and swing. We will be writing some compositions as a group, and performing them at the end of […]
Woven Entity are a unique proposition. Built round the percussive talents of Patrick Dawes, Lascelle Gordon and Paul May (whose credits range from Groove Armada to Beth Orton to The Brand New Heavies to Alexander Hawkins), they offer a wholly improvised and extremely rich stew of spiritual afro jazz, dubby post punk, lo-fi electronics and […]
Tutors: Bruno Heinen & Kristian Borring In this fun crash course in improvisation we will be learning a few songs by ear written by the greats of jazz and blues. It is open to anyone aged 10 and up, and all instruments are welcome! Who is it for? All ages (age 10 and over) Any […]
The Vortex welcomes Evan Parker for his monthly residency EVAN PARKER saxophone A major force in European improvising, Evan Parker has collaborated with everyone from Cecil Taylor, Paul Bley & Anthony Braxton, to Scott Walker, Robert Wyatt and Squarepusher. He is one of Europe’s most innovative and intriguing saxophonists, which is why he keeps audiences […]
We’re delighted to welcome back this formidable group of improvisers, tonight with Terry Day on drums. The result of what was meant to be a one-off performance in commemoration of the late Lol Coxhill, the music produced by the group proved so good it seemed natural to continue. Consisting of two legends of Improvised music […]
Continuing our monthly Mopomoso series curated by guitarist John Russell & showcasing the best in free improvisation. Emilio Gordoa (vibes) / Roland Ramanan (trumpet) duo Vibraphonist / percussionist Gordoa is ‘redefining the vibraphone as a source, treating it with preparations and extended techniques’. Based in Berlin he is busy in many areas of creative music […]
The Roland Ramanan Tentet is a free jazz ensemble inspired by Ramanan’s stint playing in the Peter Brotzmann Tentet. Wailing, whispering; sighing, roaring; this Tentet comprises some of the most exciting musicians to emerge from the UK, Madrid (and beyond) free-jazz and improvised music scene. Inspired by playing with the Peter Brotzmann tentet Ramanan has […]
Penny Rimbaud’s L’ACADÉMIE DES VANITÉS – Penny Rimbaud & Eve Libertine/voice, Louise Elliot/sax & flute, Kate Shortt/cello and Jennifer Maidman/ guitars, plus Gee Vaucher and Mick Duffield on visuals – present the last gig of their current residency along with special guests, Annie Whitehead/trombone and Gene Calderazzo/drums. The first half of the set will include […]
This monthʼs Mopomoso programme of free improvised music features musicianʼs from Japan, Belgium, France and the UK in three contrasting and inspiring trios. Run entirely by volunteers Mopomoso plays host to the UKʼs longest running concert series dedicated to free improvisation. Yoko Miura (piano) / Jean Michel van Shouwburg (voice) / Lawrence Casserley (electronics) trio […]
“Can you think of a better saxophone player? I can’t. He is a giant.” Robert Wyatt Evan Parker is one of the great saxophone players, pushing the instrument into uncharted waters since his emergence in the late 1960s. To mark his 70th year, Parker curates a week of performances at the Vortex and Cafe Oto, […]
“Can you think of a better saxophone player? I can’t. He is a giant.” Robert Wyatt Evan Parker is one of the great saxophone players, pushing the instrument into uncharted waters since his emergence in the late 1960s. To mark his 70th year, Parker curates a week of performances at the Vortex and Cafe Oto, […]
“Can you think of a better saxophone player? I can’t. He is a giant.” Robert Wyatt Evan Parker is one of the great saxophone players, pushing the instrument into uncharted waters since his emergence in the late 1960s. To mark his 70th year, Parker curates a week of performances at the Vortex and Cafe Oto, […]
For their EFG London Jazz Festival show Mopomoso have programmed four sets of intrepid music from the freer end of things. Martin Speake (sax) / Mark Sanders (drums, percussion) Martins musical voice expresses a deep understanding of the history and language of jazz, with an individuality as an improviser that’s as intelligent as it […]
Evan Parker’s monthly Vortex residency with the master of free improvisation. Tonight Parker is joined by Sten Sandell (piano), John Edwards (bass) and Paul Lytton (drums). ‘If you’ve ever been tempted by free improvisation, Parker is your gateway drug.’ Stewart Lee Evan Parker A major force in European improvising, Parker has collaborated with everyone from […]
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 […]
Monthly residency of leading saxophonist Evan Parker, a man who has evolved ways and approaches of innovation. With John Edwards (bass), Steve Noble (drums)
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 […]
Our monthly open-minded Freedom session, run by Cleveland Watkiss, Orphy Robinson and Tori Handsley. DJ Paul Bradshaw.
Warriors international presents – Freedom: The Art of Improvisation loft Jam session. The monthly open-minded Freedom Improv session, Voted by the Evening Standard one of the Top 6 Uk jam sessions. Curated by Cleveland Watkiss, Orphy Robinson and Tori Handsley plus DJ Paul Bradshaw. There’s an opening short set from an adhoc ensemble, swiftly followed by constantly shifting sets of […]