One of Britain’s most inventive jazz vocalists, Shaw’s remarkable vocal range and mesmerising style has seen him breathe life into pop tunes and standards, reinventing even the most maudlin showtunes with sparkling wit. “a masterly vocalist… one of the finest singers in contemporary music interprets some of the greatest songs of the last 50 years” […]
Composers Sam Eastmond and Nikki Franklin present two eclectic projects. Rooted in improvised music their duo recording of spontaneous compositions ‘Matisse’ inspires the first set which sees them joined by legendary British drummer Pete Cater. The second set features the SPiKE Orchestra, a 21 – piece multi-genre spanning ensemble dedicated to their collaborative compositions. Performing music from their debut album […]
‘THE PITY OF WAR’, the complete war poems of Wilfred Owen recited by Penny Rimbaud with Liam Noble on piano and visuals by Gee Vaucher. In memory not of victory but of the terrible darkness brought by war; in memory of those on both sides of the divide who died for their leaders & the illusions that […]
Colin Towns’ Anglo-German six piece, Blue Touch Paper, released their debut album ‘Stand Well Back’ in 2012, turning heads and prompting ecstatic reviews “…catchy hooks, knotty rhythms and moodscapes…” MOJO. Their new album ‘Drawing Breath’ continues the Blue Touch Paper soundscape, with elements of jazz, rock, electronic and classical music once again demonstrating an adventurous, visionary […]
“Somewhere in the intersecting corridors of jazz, modernist composition, Scando-folk and early church music, there’s a small interior chamber that’s not quite silent, and this is what you’ll find there.” The Independent Christian Wallumrød (brother of Susanna, of Magical Orchestra fame) is considered one of the most prominent musicians of the younger Norwegian generation. He’s forged […]
Formed by jazz and world music cellist Shirley Smart on returning from 10 years in Jerusalem playing and studying the musics of the region, Melange seamlessly blend popular North African rai and chaabi songs, Gnawa music of the South Moroccan desert, exotic Middle Eastern and Turkish melodies and improvisations, Central Asian folk melodies, and across to […]
Let Spin return to the Vortex to celebrate the release of their debut album. Let Spin Let Spin were formed in a rather fortuitous fashion in June 2012 when another band had to pull out of a short run of gigs. This eclectic group, a collaboration between four of the UK’s top genre-crossing instrumentalists, was […]
An evening with The Singers Tale and The Singer’s songs… Previewing extracts from a book and the songs that also tell the tale. Ford (piano) / Neville Malcolm (bass) / Winston Clifford (drums) + Annie Whitehead (trombone) “The book is her autobiography, which is spoken rather than sung. With Dorian Ford on piano, her narrative […]
North London’s Cuba Solidarity Campaign presents Omar Puente’s ‘Making Music The Cuban Way’ – a talk. Followed by an evening of jazz with a Cuban spirit. Profits go to the Music Fund for Cuba charity. Omar Puente Omar Puente is a Cuban-born violinist and jazz musician, currently living in England. He has been called “a classical violinist with a heart […]
MOJO (Moderately Optimistic Jazz Orchestra) are an exciting 17 piece jazz big band based in north London, made up of great musicians from all over the capital. With a repertoire including laid back & up tempo swing, Latin and funk and playing a wide ranging variety of charts from the traditional (Buddy Rich, Count Basie, Duke […]
Vortex’s acclaimed Sunday evening Jazz Jam session in the Downstairs bar. From 9 til late, put weekend to bed with a nightcap and some honest-to-goodness jazz, just like in the good old days. Much has been written about London’s hot bed of young, fresh exciting talent, but when one musician becomes the go-to guy by […]
A night of out-there skronky prog/jazz rock from Leeds and London. Shatner’s Bassoon Shatner’s Bassoon are a group of six Leeds based composers/improvisers. Since forming in 2010 they have performed regularly around the UK, had a live show featured on BBC Jazz on 3 and collaborated with artists such as pianist Matthew Bourne. Influenced by […]
TRIO TRIP : Jazz is dead – oh yeah? The piano trio offers nothing new – what? For connoisseurs and newcomers, a mega monthly series of trios that blow the limits of what 3 musicians can do together sonically. Check your Tuesdays. Pianist-composer Kris Davis plays her first UK show ever, joined by John Hebert and Tom Rainey. “..an […]
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 […]
The great South African guitarist Lucky Ranku has been at the heart of South African music for over 40 years, playing, recording and touring with the likes of Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, Dudu Pukwana, Pinise Saul as well as British icon Mike Oldfield and leading his own bands The African Jazz Allstars, South African Gospel […]
Directed by Scott Stroman, the London Jazz Orchestra is “as fine a band as you can find anywhere” (Independent) and these up-close-and-personal sessions showcase great writing and soloing from a band that includes many of London’s top musicians, as well as new talents.
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 […]
Vortex’s acclaimed Sunday evening Jazz Jam session in the Downstairs bar. From 9 til late, put weekend to bed with a nightcap and some honest-to-goodness jazz, just like in the good old days. Much has been written about London’s hot bed of young, fresh exciting talent, but when one musician becomes the go-to guy by […]
Over two nights (the second on May 12th), critically acclaimed pianist Bruno Heinen and guitarist Kristian Borring will be recording their duo album live at the Vortex. The project is centered around compositions of the great pianist Bill Evans, arranged by the duo and taking inspiration from Evans’ famous duo recordings with guitarist Jim Hall. […]
Enzo Zirilli, Ross Stanley and Fabio Zeppetella present music from guitarist Zeppetella’s current release, ‘Handmade’. For this special event at The Vortex, he’s joined by one of the most in demand rhythm sections, formed by the fantastic Enzo Zirilli on drums and Ross Stanley on Organ. Handmade is an emotional journey into Fabio Zeppetella’s soul: […]
Blow the Fuse presents Tomorrow the World, a series joining established and emerging female musicians. Daphna Sadeh and the Voyagers Daphna Sadeh – Bass, Compositions Stewart Curtis – Clarinets, Flutes, Recorders Ivor Goldberg – Guitars Mark Bassey – Trombone Eddie Hession – Accordion Guy Schalom – Percussion & Drums A rich tapestry of Balkan, Klezmer, Middle […]
Jonathan Geyevu is a pianist and composer currently working on the UK’s Club and Electronic music scene. His acoustic solo piano sets bring him instantly back to his roots in afro jazz, classical, gospel and blues music whilst maintaining a contemporary and groove based edge.
Babelfish is led by Brigitte Beraha (vocals) and Barry Green (piano), joined by the wonderful Chris Laurence on bass and Paul Clarvis on percussion. Beraha and Green clearly have a close musical rapport; his fluent, robust piano complementing her strong but affecting voice perfectly as they play a mix of originals and music inspired by […]
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 […]
DJ session taking inspiration from Minimal Tech, Hip Hop, BreakBeat and Jazz.
Grammy Nominee 2013 Gregory Porter formed a stunning collaboration with “All about Jazz” star Mansur Scott and the legendary “Soul of Harlem” Donald Smith when the three recorded their new album “GREAT VOICES OF HARLEM” (PAO Records), released in January 2014. Now Mansur Scott will form a very special new line-up for the album release […]
A chance for vinyl collectors to share their musical passions. Selectors can bring up to 10 vinyls each. Hosted by Miss Soxee. Genres welcome are Jazz, Blues, Soul, Ska, Hip Hop, Reggae, Disco and Electro. No need to sign up, but we would appreciate to know numbers attending. 020 7923 9532
In a wide ranging programme all the groups playing tonight are making their Mopomoso debut. Utter Chaos – Andrea Caputo (guitar) / Massimo Semprini (sax) duo With a name that belies their articulate music this duo brings together two Italians, one based in London (Caputo), and the other based in Rimini (Semprini), where he runs a weekly improvisation workshop. Caputo is a […]
Vortex’s acclaimed Sunday evening Jazz Jam session in the Downstairs bar. From 9 til late, put weekend to bed with a nightcap and some honest-to-goodness jazz, just like in the good old days. Much has been written about London’s hot bed of young, fresh exciting talent, but when one musician becomes the go-to guy by […]
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 […]
We’re delighted to host the launch of Pigfoot’s debut album “21st Century Acid Trad”. “Pigfoot’s debut album not only blows the cobwebs off eight favourites of the trad repertoire, it sandblasts away decades of treacly cliche” Arts Desk Pigfoot mine their material from the rich seams of New Orleans music; hot jazz, spirituals and blues […]
Eclectic selection of various old classics and rare sounds.
Bobby Wellins (saxophone) Andrew Cleyndert (bass) Paul Harrison (piano) Clark Tracey (drums) Bobby Wellins Possibly Wellins’s most famous recorded performance was his solo on Starless and Bible Black for Stan Tracey’s Under Milk Wood suite. His recording career started in 1956 when he joined the legendary Buddy Featherstonhaugh’s piano-less quintet, the line-up of which featured […]
Launching their debut album ‘Mondegreen’, on Peeler Records. Collectress have been described as a cross between the Elysian Quartet and the Brontë sisters when possessed (FoxyDigitalis.com). They are a quartet of long-term musical collaborators from London and Brighton. With dynamic combinations of strings, keys, woodwind, found sounds and voices, they perform with a strong sense of […]
Vortex’s acclaimed Sunday evening Jazz Jam session in the Downstairs bar. From 9 til late, put weekend to bed with a nightcap and some honest-to-goodness jazz, just like in the good old days. Much has been written about London’s hot bed of young, fresh exciting talent, but when one musician becomes the go-to guy by […]
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 […]
“View From The Tower” is a series of concerts exploring British jazz composers, with a particular look at those from the renown Babel Label. An adventure into some of the great compositions from our fair shores. Led by guitarist Dan Messore, this excellent line up will be performing a mix of material featuring compositions from Iain Ballamy, […]
Re Person I Knew: Norma Winstone / Nikki Iles / Stan Sulzmann Tonight sees Winston, Iles and Sulzmann exploring the music of the late great Bill Evans. NORMA WINSTONE “Right now, she is at the peak of her form… there is no jazz singer in the country to touch her.” Alyn Shipton, The Times Norma […]
One of Britain’s most inventive jazz vocalists, Shaw’s remarkable vocal range and mesmerising style has seen him breathe life into pop tunes and standards, reinventing even the most maudlin showtunes with sparkling wit. “a masterly vocalist… one of the finest singers in contemporary music interprets some of the greatest songs of the last 50 years” […]
Anita Wardell – vocals Robin Aspland – piano Flo Moore – bass Tristan Mailliot – drums Winner of the “Best Jazz Vocalist Category” in the 2013 British Jazz Awards, Anita Wardell is noted for her vocal improvisations and vocalese lyrics to instrumental solos. Tonight, Anita will be singing material from back catalogue, preceded by a set from […]
Vortex’s acclaimed Sunday evening Jazz Jam session in the Downstairs bar. From 9 til late, put weekend to bed with a nightcap and some honest-to-goodness jazz, just like in the good old days. Much has been written about London’s hot bed of young, fresh exciting talent, but when one musician becomes the go-to guy by […]
A series of adventurous concerts, curated by the Chaos Collective. 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 & Alex Roth. With a passion for […]
“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, […]
Loz Speyer – trumpet, flugelhorn Martin Hathaway – alto sax, bass clarinet Stuart Hall – guitar Dave Manington – double bass Andy Ball – drums Maurizio Ravalico – congas Time Zone thrives on the idea of crossing the lines between different rhythmic grooves/ musical languages/ cultures/ time zones, exploring the sounds which occur when two distinct […]
featuring: Alcyona Mick, piano Chris Laurence, bass Jeff Williams, drums & Martin Speake, alto sax Scott Stroman, vocals Speake (UK) and Stroman (US) were born on the same day: 3 April 1958. Since working together in the London Jazz Orchestra these two influential musicians have developed a great empathy, and have assembled a true all-star […]
We’re thrilled to host a rare UK performance from one of the leading lights of the NYC Downtown scene, guitarist Elliott Sharp. In the UK to play the magnificent Frontears Festival in Birmingham, Elliott visits the Vortex for a very special two-night residency, each night playing a solo/duo set, plus an ensemble set showcasing Foliage with […]
We’re thrilled to host a rare UK performance from one of the leading lights of the NYC Downtown scene, guitarist Elliott Sharp. In the UK to play the magnificent Frontears Festival in Birmingham, Elliott visits the Vortex for a very special two-night residency, each night playing a solo/duo set, plus an ensemble set showcasing Foliage with […]
Ghetto Lounge started as a DJ event in Café 1001, Brick Lane, East London to represent the very best music in Soul, Jazz, Funk, Reggae, Latin and Afrobeat since 2003. Ghetto Lounge is also a recording label and promoter of the quality musical culture movement of London, with live performances at “Afrobeat Vibration” bringing the spirit […]