Gary Curson – alto sax / Alan Tomlinson – trombone / Keith Tippett – piano / John Edwards – bass / Mark Sanders – drums One look at this line-up should tell you that this is going to be a fiery night. For his new project Gary Curson is reunited with his old Dreamtime colleague Keith Tippett and the unsurpassable rhythm […]
Charlie Hart started playing fiddle since he was six, but immediately started straying into fields beyond conventional western music. A love of jazz and blues rapidly drew him to African music. This led to time spent in Ghana in the sixties, and later to working with the Samba Mapangala and Orchestra Virunga. Apart from that Charlie worked with Ian […]
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 as […]
Freedom has settled in its new home at The Vortex – and enters a new phase its evolution as the Loft-style sessions grow Known for its wild, totally free evenings of challenging and up-lifting improvisations which have consistently united a cross cultural and cross generational posse of players, Freedom will continue to pursue the promise of legendary associations […]
“He brings together a great heritage of the past, but also something very fresh and new.” Jamie Cullum Sam Vicary, double bass / Sam Gardner, drums / Dominic J Marshall, piano/compositions Dominic J Marshall is a prodigious talent. Having won a scholarship to study jazz at Leeds College of Music; been awarded the LCM Piano Prize; accepted on […]
“One of the UK’s most honest and musical jazz vocalists” The Guardian 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 number of highly acclaimed releases Shaw’s performances both in the UK […]
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 […]
Vocalist Sunny Melody is one of the new voices of Nigeria’s Juju music, moving the music into the 21st century with up-to-the minute grooves powered by the rich eloquence of the talking drum. In this, his London Votex debut, he leads a 9-piece band with the soaring soulful voice of Sunny Melody at the top […]
Estelle Kokot performs new arrangements of her original material and previews her new album The Sound of You featuring songs written by Chico Freeman and Jan Pulsford. Estelle will be launching The Sound of You in South Africa at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival on the 25th of September 2015 headlining alongside artists […]
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 […]
Come along to a brand new night mixing delicious spoken word with luscious music at the Vortex Downstairs hosted by Nicki Heinen. Featuring the tremendous literary talents of David McGrath, Tom Bland, Bernadette Reed and Mark Waldron, and the musical delights of Bruno Heinen andFulvio Sigurtà. Suggested donation of £5, but entry is not ticketed. Words & Jazz…what more could you ask for? For […]
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, […]
Penny Rimbaud – Vocals Liam Noble – Piano Kate Shortt – Cello Gee Vaucher – Visuals ‘THE PITY OF WAR’, the complete war poems of Wilfred Owen recited by legendary Crass poet Penny Rimbaud with Liam Noble on piano, Kate Shortt on cello and visuals by Gee Vaucher. In memory not of victory, but of […]
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, […]
Human is the world-class quartet assembled by Irish-born drummer and composer Stephen Davis. For this exciting new project, he’s joined by three of the most creative young artists on the UK left-field jazz and Improv scene: Alexander Hawkins on piano, Alex Bonney on trumpet and Dylan Bates on violin. The quartet is notable for its […]
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.
Nicki Heinen has once more programmed an exciting evening of poetry and jazz in our intimate downstairs space. Matthew Caley Matthew’s debut Thirst was nominated for The Forward Prize for best 1st collection. He’s read everywhere from The National Portrait Gallery to Wayne-Hollway Smith’s salons, The Gypsy Hill Tavern, The Novi Sad International Poetry Festival, Prague’s Alchemy, […]
Innovative new music, rich choreography, and dynamic improvisation. SoundMoves brings together musicians and dancers from Jazz, Flamenco, Tap Dance, and Classical Indian music to explore rhythm as a way to understand each other, our environment and ourselves. Guitarist Giuliano Modarelli and pianist Al MacSween bring their innovative approach to jazz and world music joined by […]
A stalwart of the old Vortex, the band is now installed with a regular Sunday afternoon residency. With John’s fantastic compositions and an always exciting line-up of fine musicians this is a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon. John Bennett Band Saxs: Rachel Bartlet, Theo Gordon, Nick Payne. Tbns: Dave Liddell, Alan Tomlinson, John Bennett, […]
Hannes Riepler leads our weekly session, involving some of the finest young musicians in London turning up to enjoy the company and the music. For the London Jazz Festival itself, who knows who may come along?
As part of our cosmopolitan enthusiasm, we are delighted to welcome Niklas Winter, Finnish jazz guitarist, composer and teacher. Performing in the intimacy of our Downstairs space with Henry Lowther (trumpet), Barry Green (piano), Dave Green (bass), Paul Clarvis (Drums). Winter has made 6 records as a leader and has been active as a sideman in […]
Hannes Riepler leads our weekly session, involving some of the finest young musicians in London turning up to enjoy the company and the music. For the London Jazz Festival itself, who knows who may come along?
A kaleidoscope of obscure songs from all eras of jazz. These forgotten but great tunes were all originally recorded by the giants of jazz but now out-of-print. CDave revives them and throws them together in shades of swing, latin, funk. blues and ballads.
TIME ZONE plays an innovative “deep fusion” of Cuban music and Jazz – soulful, catchy and rhythmically provocative. Cuban elements are re-assembled, or mutated to fit odd meters – bilingual compositions where the groove can change in mid-flow, like suddenly turning a corner, a new view opening up, another way of looking at things. This […]
Solstice is an ensemble comprising some of the foremost bandleaders and composers emerging from the thriving East London music scene, including in-demand saxophonist Tori Freestone and renowned vocalist Brigitte Beraha. They have a unified sound drawing on influences from Brazil, New York, and France – in particular Dave Binney/Edward Simon’s ensemble, Hermeto Pascoal and Pierre de Bethmann, […]
Our monthly open-minded Freedom session, run by Cleveland Watkiss, Orphy Robinson and Tori Handsley. DJ Paul Bradshaw.
We’re delighted to welcome back rising star Sam Leak with his magnificent quartet. ‘This is assured and sophisticated acoustic jazz with deep roots in the tradition, that knows exactly what it is trying to do – and succeeds.’ Daniel Spicer, BBC Music Magazine Aquarium is led by pianist and composer Sam Leak, described by Jazz […]
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 […]
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 […]
An interaction between three compelling players, Quest Ensemble bring a unique take to the classical piano trio format, collaboratively creating original work that seamlessly blends improvisation with devised composition. Intrinsically contemporary in approach, this ensemble inhabits a lyrical sound world somewhere in the gaps between chamber, jazz, folk and 20th Century classical music – with […]
Recorded in Systems two studio, Brooklyn, “Almost There” finds London based pianist Barry Green with two Jazz greats, Drew Gress and Tom Rainey. This album is a spontaneous performance of standards and Green’s unique compositions especially written for this line up, which will be relived in this special weekend residency at the Vortex. Drew Gress […]
Hans Koller (Valve Trombone, Euphonium) Martin Speake (Alto Saxophone) Calum Gourlay (Bass) TBC (Drums) Taking inspiration from the Steve Lacy/Roswell Rudd School Days band from the early 1960s, Thelonious explore the entire Monk repertoire with both childlike curiosity as well as forensic attention to detail.Through collective learning of Monk’s unique catalogue of 70 tunes from the […]
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 […]
“If Abraham Burton were to be drawn in a caricature, there would be flames coming out of his horn…” Approaching three decades as a prominent figure on the jazz scene, world-renowned saxophonist and educator Abraham Burton’s passionate sound can still ignite a room filled with patrons.
New York Tenor Saxophone Wizard Michael Blake teams up with London Jazz Guitarist Hannes Riepler and band for an evening of exciting tunes.
Little Big, the new band from pianist/composer Aaron Parks, could in some ways be seen as a continuation of the trajectory set on his 2008 record “Invisible Cinema,” with a deeper commitment to melodic songwriting, modern rhythms, and immersive storytelling.
Autumn blues? Come to Words & Jazz for a warm cosy night celebrating the BEST contemporary poetry and jazz
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the arrival of people from various Caribbean islands that were then British colonies and part of the British Empire. The name Windrush comes from the name of the ship that brought just under 500 people from the West Indies and symbolises the beginning of mass immigration. They not only […]
Tonight as part of the series two bands will be performing TreeClimbers (Royal Academy of Music) and Maria Chiara Argirò Quintet (Middlesex). Hope to see you there!
Formed in early 2016, SEED Ensemble is a ten-piece band led by alto saxophonist and composer Cassie Kinoshi.
A double bill. The trio Yana (Corey Mwamba, Dave Kane, and Joshua Blackmore) will be playing their LAST EVER London show. The Meg Morley Trio (Richard Sadler and Emiliano Caroselli) with new music for their upcoming second album release in 2019.
Gilad Atzmon – sax, clarinet and electronics. Ross Stanley –piano Enzo Zirilli – drums, Yaron Stavi-bass Gilad Atzmon and The Orient house Ensemble return to the Vortex with a new retrospective program. Two decades of intensive musical creativity are squeezed into a two hours journey: from Exile to Refuge, from Bird to Trane. The OHE […]
Tonight Desola plays from her latest albums – REST and INTIMACY.
Brazilian musician Hermeto Pascoal is at once both playful but memorable in what he has written and how it is performed. Here we have a young band with two BBC New Generation artists to lead us into the music.
ERIS136199 Lineup: Han-earl Park (guitar), Catherine Sikora (saxophone) Nick Didkovsky (guitar) The group Eris 136199 was formed in New York in 2012 and is the quick-reacting cyborg virtuosity of Han-earl Park (Sirene 1009), the mighty melodic imagination and big tenor sound of Catherine Sikora (Clockwork Mercury), and the diamond-cut precision and grind-meets-experimentalism of Nick Didkovsky […]
We are soon going to have our first live concert at the Vortex after lockdown.But with distancing (for safety), we have got to give an energy to these concerts. Can streaming help by encouraging a virtual audience to boost the audience in the club, or should we just leave it as it is and hope […]