Lekan Babalola Known for his interpretation of ancient music through African Diaspora influences, Lekan Babalola and The Sacred Funk Quartet bring you an evening of “mesmerizing fusion, skillfully blending cosmopolitan nuances with mystical subtlety.”

Two leading lights of the UK contemporary jazz scene, well known as members of the award winning group Empirical, come together for this explosive duo show. Nathaniel Facey (alto saxophone) and Shaney Forbes (drums) will explore the material from John Coltrane’s classic record Interstellar Space.

Doors 7:45 PM, Music 8:30 PM – 2 set(s) of music   About Queer Jazz exists to platform, nurture and celebrate the emerging queer jazz scene. Programmed by Tina Edwards…

ReWired is the new acoustic trio project from acclaimed composer, arranger and pianist, Janette Mason.

Album launch for “All It Was”, the new album by the Olie Brice Quartet. The Olie Brice Quartet – featuring Rachel Musson, Alexander Hawkins and Will Glaser – play Brice’s compositions

Described by the Guardian as “eclectic, eccentric and unobtrusively erudite”, Bruno Heinen joins forces with acclaimed ECM recording artist Tom Challenger to play arrangements of Abdullah Ibrahim, Dorothy Ashby and Leonard Bernstein alongside originals from the co-leaders with fiery young rhythm section of Kobe Heath and Will Cleasby.

An evening of beautiful Eastern European and Gypsy Folk with some Klezmer. The first of a series of live, unplugged & audio inclusive gigs that we’ll be hosting throughout the year in association with Sownd Affects.

Loz Speyer’s Inner Space takes on the music of Outer Space, as composed by the mighty intergalactic bandleader Sun Ra – and arranged from the original piano scores for a new collaboration with two very special guests, Jason Yarde and Marcina Arnold.

A brand new collaboration between Laura Jurd, James Allsopp and Dave Storey featuring Norwegian special guest Magne Thormodsæter on double bass.

Guitarist and composer Karim Saber performs music from his upcoming sophomore album alongside his longstanding band of collaborators.

Niklas Lukassen (GER) unites protagonists of the scenes of Amsterdam, London, Paris and Berlin with Ben Van Gelder (NL), Ivo Neame (UK) and Francesco Ciniglio (IT) in his quartet.

Niklas Lukassen (GER) unites protagonists of the scenes of Amsterdam, London, Paris and Berlin with Ben Van Gelder (NL), Ivo Neame (UK) and Francesco Ciniglio (IT) in his quartet.

Launching their new album ‘It’s about time’ tonight, this electric/acoustic guitar duo play distinctive arrangements of Stevie Wonder, Thelonious Monk & Brazilian classics augmented by Paul Clarvis on drums/percussion.

Over his career, saxophonist and composer Vaughan Hawthorne-Nelson has crafted an unmistakable sound that is deeply communicative. Tonight he returns to the Vortex for a rare concert from one of most compelling bands on the scene.

“Elchin Shirinov has developed a sound and approach all his own. His writing and piano playing echo another time, yet resonate with a striking modernity. He truly draws a unique sound from the piano, unlocking a full palette of sonic color. This is music worth exploring deeply.” – Larry Grenadier

Noah Stoneman returns to the Vortex with his UK trio to premier brand new music written over the last year in New York. Suprising, dynamic and direct compositions and improvising from these long-time collaborators.

Ashley Bonfante brings his fun new project to the Vortex for the first time. This exciting group, full of wonderfully creative improvisers at the forefront of the London scene, will be exploring the music of the great Ornette Coleman with some Booker Little, Eric Dolphy, and original compositions thrown in for good measure.

As soon as Korhan Futacı presses his lips to the saxophone’s mouthpiece, the ritual begins. During his London debut at Vortex as a new resident, the prominent figure of Turkey’s alternative music scene will guide us from the chaos of Istanbul to an uncharted realm. A place filled with vitality but also darkness; fusing traditional Turkish music with free improvisations.

The most intimate version of Billy Marrows’ acclaimed 12-piece chamber-jazz ensemble, the Grande Família Quartet features an unusual line-up of some of London’s finest young jazz musicians.

Quentin Collins Quintet features an All-Star line up of contemporary straight-ahead musicians on the London scene. Featuring regular front line partner and renowned tenor sax tyro Leo Richardson, expect new and old QC originals as well as choice arrangements from the contemporary bop canon, always focusing on tight ensemble playing and swinging grooves.

Two of the most exciting guitarists to emerge for the UK in recent years, Chris Montague and Ant Law have formed a quartet with brand new material written together. Ant and Chris have huge mutual respect for each other’s playing and writing and decided to compose a set of material together, it will also feature the incredible Conor Chaplin on bass and Mark Mondesir on drums.

Queer Jazz exists to platform, nurture and celebrate the emerging queer jazz scene. Programmed by Tina Edwards and Arowah, they have put together an exciting monthly programme of innovative LGBTQI+ artists at The Vortex Jazz Club, supported by Arts Council England.

Mongolian singer Enji presents her newest album Sonor which explores questions of identity and belonging through metaphoric language, vigilant and always hopeful. On stage, Enji performs her new songs in the familiar trio lineup with River Adomeit on bass and co-composer Paul Brändle on guitar.

Queer Jazz exists to platform, nurture and celebrate the emerging queer jazz scene. Programmed by Tina Edwards and Arowah, they have put together an exciting monthly programme of innovative LGBTQI+ artists at The Vortex Jazz Club, supported by Arts Council England.