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Album launch

Album launches are special – the chance to celebrate a new release with friends and music lovers.

Fri 05 April 2024

Paula Rae Gibson – Loving in Real Time – Album Launch

Album launch for the whispery, noir-ish, avant-garde singer Paula Rae Gibson with avant Memorymoog synth innovator pianist and improviser Matthew Bourne will deliver a night of extreme intimacy and bravery, with special guest Alex Bonney.

Wed 01 May 2024

Jakub Klimiuk Quintet featuring Mark Lockheart – ’(un)balanced’ Album Launch

A London-based guitarist Jakub Klimiuk celebrates the release of his quintet’s latest album ’(un)balanced’. The band, joined by the outstanding saxophonist Mark Lockheart as a special guest, will perform Jakub’s original compositions that blends melodic themes with experimental sonic escapades, merging scripted forms and improvised sections.

Thu 16 May 2024

Thu 23 May 2024

Dolphin Hyperspace // Album Release + Support from Christos Stylianides & Daisy George

Dolphin Hyperspace is an electro-jazz duo based in Los Angeles, led by saxophonist Nicole McCabe and bassist Logan Kane. Their new EP was released in January, featuring support from drummers such as Louis Cole and Justin Brown (Thundercat, Flying Lotus), as the band continually finds new ways to blend jazz and beat culture.

Fri 23 February 2024

Floating Circles – ‘Spectrums’ Album Launch

Floating Circles is an exciting UK jazz quintet lead by clarinettist Aidan Pearson. The group’s music takes influence from a wide range of styles including ambient, rock, hip-hop, world music, Arabic and Brazilian music, making for an eclectic and forward thinking outfit.

Thu 22 February 2024

Inside Colours Trio Album Release Concert

‘Inside Colours’ – consisting of pianist Julie Sassoon and saxophonist/bass clarinetist Lothar Ohlmeier, brings together two extraordinary talents whose finesse, musical brilliance and intuitive communication creates a musical universe whose beauty is deeply moving and utterly captivating.

Fri 09 February 2024

QOW TRIO album launch

QOW TRIO is a unique multi-generational jazz band featuring award-winning young firebrand saxophonist Riley Stone-Lonergan, storied British Jazz legend Spike Wells on drums, and multi-genre bassist and bandleader Eddie Myer. The band have grown and developed as a unit: the levels of interplay and empathy are stronger than ever: their new album The Hold Up is the result.

Fri 26 January 2024

Germana Stella La Sorsa – ‘Primary Colours’ Album Launch

Italian London-based singer Germana Stella La Sorsa returns to the Vortex to launch her 2nd album “Primary Colours” with a stunning live band featuring: Sam Leak (Hammond organ), Tom Ollendorff (guitar), Jay Davis (drums) and special guest Tara Minton (harp).

Thu 25 January 2024

Rob Cope – Gemini Album Launch

Composer/saxophonist and podcaster/filmmaker Rob Cope follows his critically acclaimed Gods of Apollo with Gemini, featuring twelve original compositions specially written for musicians who have inspired him over the years. The album title refers to two coexisting duos brought together for the recording.

Thu 18 January 2024

Nye Banfield – ‘Trails and Traces’ Album Launch

The Leicestershire-raised, Welsh-rooted saxophonist Nye Banfield presents his debut record ‘Trails and Traces’ live at the Vortex. The show will feature Nye’s sextet, performing his original music, plus an opening set from captivating duo BIGHEADMODE.

Wed 06 December 2023

Karim Saber – Transmission Album Launch

Guitarist and composer Karim Saber brings his band of longstanding collaborators to the Vortex to celebrate the release of his debut album ‘Transmission’.

Mon 30 October 2023

Thu 26 October 2023

Thu 31 August 2023

Jonny Wickham – Terra Boa – Album Launch

Jonny Wickham, London based bassist and composer, releases his debut album ‘Terra Boa’, a self-professed love letter to to the sprawling rhythmic traditions of Brazil. A record handled with deep musical sensitivity and knowledge, it embraces tradition & lineage whilst forging its own unique path through the lens of contemporary jazz and improvised music.

Fri 25 August 2023

Wed 19 July 2023

Tobie Medland’s ‘The Aviary’

Originally founded as a quartet, violinist Tobie Medland’s ‘The Aviary’ grew to include several heavyweights of British Jazz following the success of their debut record ‘Apparitions’.

Sat 10 June 2023

Tom Ollendorff Trio, Open House Album Launch

Tom Ollendorff is considered one of the most exciting young guitarists on the UK and International Jazz scenes. Known for his distinctive sound which blends virtuosic guitar playing with sophisticated harmonic and melodic ideas, his music elegantly mixes gracefully grooving songlike themes, baroque-like unaccompanied etudes and headlong fast-bop swing.

Tue 04 April 2023

Harry Christelis – ‘Nurture The Child…’

Nurture The Child / Challenge The Adult’ features immersive and thought provoking original contemporary jazz by a quartet of highly acclaimed musicians, led by guitarist Harry Christelis. It is the quartet’s debut recording, and is the first release for new contemporary music label, Clonmell Jazz Social.

Fri 14 October 2022

Sat 01 October 2022

Tue 18 January 2022

Stan Sulzmann’s Organ Quartet – Shadow Painting (second show)

Shadow Painting is a collaboration between these four incredible musicians. The result is an album of real musical beauty that is both vibrant and delicate. Stan’s hallmark robust yet lyrical sound is complimented by Ross Stanley’s expressive Hammond accompaniment which often shimmers and swirls underneath the surface while Tim Giles’ tasteful bustling grooves give the group real momentum. There are eight originals by Stan and a wonderful interpretation of Dizzy Gillespie’s Con Alma which is turned into a waltz with a nod to Stan’s great friend the pianist John Taylor. The album is due for release 21 January. 

Stan Sulzmann’s Organ Quartet – Shadow Painting (first show)

Shadow Painting is a collaboration between four incredible musicians – Stan Sulzmann, Nick Smart, Tim Giles and Ross Stanley. The result is an album of real musical beauty that is both vibrant and delicate. Stan’s hallmark robust yet lyrical sound is complimented by Ross Stanley’s expressive Hammond accompaniment which often shimmers and swirls underneath the surface while Tim Giles’ tasteful bustling grooves give the group real momentum.

Fri 01 October 2021

Mick Foster (2nd Show)

Line-up: Mick Foster – Baritone Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone Dominic Ashworth – Guitar Tom Farmer – Bass Tristan Mailliot – Drums About Mick Foster is a saxophonist and composer […]

Mick Foster (1st Show)

Line-up: Mick Foster – Baritone Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone Dominic Ashworth – Guitar Tom Farmer – Bass Tristan Mailliot – Drums About Mick Foster is a saxophonist and composer […]

Sat 24 October 2020

Fini Bearman – La Loba

Singer-songwriter & multi-instrumentalist Fini Bearman’s brand new album, La Loba (out 9th October), has already received glowing praise, including 4 ****’s and ‘Editors Choice’ from Jazzwise – ‘La Loba marks […]

Sat 07 March 2020

Tue 03 March 2020

Tue 18 February 2020

Wed 12 February 2020

Mezcla – Shoot the Moon [Album Launch]

Recently signed to Ubuntu Records, Mezcla are a Glasgow based world/jazz fusion ensemble attracting attention for their soulful blend of eclectic jazz and infectious grooves. Skilfully fusing influences from West […]

Fri 07 February 2020

Thu 09 January 2020

Sat 14 December 2019

Joy Ellis | ‘Dwell’ Album Launch

Joy Ellis – piano & voice, Artie Zaitz – guitar, Henrik Jensen – double bass, Adam Osmianski – drums, Miguel Gorodi – trumpet, Alice Leggett – alto sax, Binker Golding – tenor sax

Sun 08 December 2019

Mon 02 December 2019

Sam Newbould Quintet

A unique quintet that combines emotive melody, lush harmony and virtuosic improvisation. The Sam Newbould Quintet draws together some of the most exciting talents on the European jazz circuit. Originating from the UK, Spain, Israel, Italy, […]

Wed 16 October 2019

Thu 26 September 2019

Wed 25 September 2019

Mon 16 September 2019

Esben Tjalve’s Red Kite Album Launch

Red Kite is a sextet led by pianist Esben Tjalve joined by the highly skilled musicians and seasoned lights of the UK jazz scene: Fulvio Sigurta (trumpet), Ross Hughes (bass clarinet and Sax), Hannes Riepler (guitar), Jasper Høiby (bass) and Tim Giles (drums).

Tue 10 September 2019

Wed 28 August 2019

Veryan Weston’s : As You Hear

Malaysian violinist – Pei AnnYeoh, pianist – Veryan Weston and multi-percussionist – Bei Bei wang meet to perform contemporary improvisations reflecting their broad cultural origins

Wed 21 August 2019

Tue 13 August 2019

Tue 18 June 2019

Thu 13 June 2019

Graviton – Album Launch

Graviton is the formidable prog-jazz group led by Andrew McCormack, drawing on his wide range of influences that demonstrate his talents for composition as well as his captivating performances. The […]

Thu 16 May 2019

Wed 15 May 2019

Tom Syson – Album Launch

Tom Syson is a highly regarded trumpeter and composer based in the UK. In January 2019 he recorded his 2nd album, ‘Different Coloured Days’ at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios, […]

Fri 10 May 2019

MIGUEL GORODI NONET

Miguel Gorodi is a London based composer, teacher and trumpet player performing across a broad spectrum of jazz and improvised music. He currently leads and writes for the Miguel Gorodi […]

Sun 28 April 2019

Kino Trio – Album Launch

Bruno Heinen – piano Michele Tacchi – bass Riccardo Chiaberta – drums   This is a collective and forward-looking project founded in London in 2015, presenting material written by each member of the group. Their compositions […]

Fri 08 February 2019

Huw Warren: Everything In Between

Everything in Between is an expansive work combining new music from Warren and Phillips with their shared love of reinterpreting Brazilian classics. With an emphasis on lyrical song forms, this music crackles with interplay, fun grooves, new sound worlds and deep emotion.

Wed 12 December 2018

Helena Kay’s KIM Trio: Album Launch

Fresh from an extended stay in NYC, tenor saxophonist Helena Kay brings her dynamic KIM trio back to the Vortex to launch their new album. Come and check out why she is a star to watch.

Wed 05 December 2018

Tue 04 December 2018

Sun 25 November 2018

Family Band – Board of Origin Album Launch

Comprising four long-term collaborators and friends (thus the ‘family’ tag), the band takes as its starting point the freewheeling music of the 1960s free jazz revolution; moments of fierce intensity, introspection and the blues all combining into an emotionally complex and often cathartic whole.

Wed 04 July 2018

Sat 23 June 2018

Enzo Zirilli Zirobop

Led by Italian drummer Enzo Zirilli, he has put together a band which includes Rob Luft and Misha Mullov-Abbado, two of our great rising stars and second guitarist Alessandro Chiapetta. A band of energy and pleasure, keen to both challenge and entertain.

Wed 20 June 2018

Sun 17 June 2018

Dugong

Dugong’s compositions have lyricism at their heart, intertwined with pulsating grooves and epic riffs. An Italian group full of imagination, including bassist Andrea di Biase.

Fri 15 June 2018

Inspiration – Alina Bzhezhinska Quartet

Harpist Alina Bzhezhinska leads a quartet including Tony Kofi, which investigates the spiritual and creative work of Alice Coltrane, a musician who developed the work of John Coltrane, after the death of her husband. Its performances have all been received as very special, so it’s a privilege that she is hosting the album launch at the Vortex.

Wed 06 June 2018

Tue 05 June 2018

Onyx Brass and Jason Rebello

A new crossover project featuring music by Kenny Wheeler, Gwilym Simcock, Trish Clowes, and more. The first set will be of a group led by Jason Rebello, one of the greatest imaginative pianists that anyone could want to hear.

Wed 28 March 2018

Tue 27 March 2018

Thu 08 March 2018

Sat 03 March 2018

Henry Lowther’s Still Waters

***** “A giant of British jazz… gorgeous, limpid tunes that make for thoroughly seductive listening… by turns playful, elegant and ingenious” – BBC Music Magazine

Fri 23 February 2018

Meg Morley Trio

Recently deemed an ‘Exceptional Talent’ by Arts Council England, Meg Morley released two debut recordings of her original music in 2017.

Thu 22 February 2018

ELLIOT GALVIN – THE INFLUENCING MACHINE (2nd night)

ELLIOT GALVIN – THE INFLUENCING MACHINE – ALBUM LAUNCH ELLIOT GALVIN piano, synthesizer, toys TOM McCREDIE double bass, guitar CORRIE DICK drums, percussion Led by composer/pianist Elliot Galvin, The Influencing Machine is a sonic reaction to […]

Wed 21 February 2018

ELLIOT GALVIN – THE INFLUENCING MACHINE (1st night)

ELLIOT GALVIN – THE INFLUENCING MACHINE – ALBUM LAUNCH ELLIOT GALVIN piano, synthesizer, toys TOM McCREDIE double bass, guitar CORRIE DICK drums, percussion Led by composer/pianist Elliot Galvin, The Influencing Machine is a sonic reaction to […]

Sat 20 January 2018

CLOUDMAKERS FIVE – Traveling Pulse

Return of this band, to launch their new album on Whirlwind. A veritable supergroup! Jim Hart, Dave Smith, Michael Janisch, Anthonin Tri-Hoang (heard here most recently with Eve Risser), Hannes […]

Thu 04 January 2018

Sat 02 December 2017

Ed Jones Quartet

Ed Jones never fails to create a great night of music. Known for work with the likes of Killer Shrimp, the chart-topping US3 but also extending to periods with John […]

Wed 25 October 2017

Malija – 2nd night

Mark Lockheart, Jasper Høiby, Liam Noble. Three of the great heroes of the Vortex team up to create the imaginative and enjoyable jazz that we have been led to expect […]

Tue 24 October 2017

Malija – 1st night of 2

Mark Lockheart, Jasper Høiby, Liam Noble. Three of the great heroes of the Vortex team up to create the imaginative and enjoyable jazz that we have been led to expect […]

Fri 20 October 2017

Monica Vasconcelos – The Sao Paulo Tapes

Exclusive London album launch! Monica Vasconcelos’ interpretations of compositions written by some of Brazil’s greatest “songpoets”, including Aldir Blanc, Chico Buarque, Ivan Lins and Caetano Veloso, responding to the era of the era of military dictatorship.

Thu 19 October 2017

Evan Parker, Mat Maneri, Lucian Ban

Evan Parker invites Lucian Ban and Mat Maneri to join him for his monthly series. This gig celebrates the launch of a new album, under Mat’s name, Sounding Tears (Clean […]

Sun 08 October 2017

De Beren Gieren

This is one of the leading new European piano trios, from Belgium. We are fortunate that they will play at the Vortex as part of a short UK tour. The […]

Fri 15 September 2017

Thu 17 August 2017

Michele Montolli

With melodies collected over the past 5 years of travels in and out of the jungle that is London, Mikele’s debut album will take you from hectic space storms through […]

Wed 16 August 2017

DESOLA

Soulful DESOLA is a new British-Nigerian soul singer-songwriter. Her new CD “REST” show cases an unique talent whose musical range covers Naija grooves, soul, funk and R&B. Her combination of […]

Sun 16 July 2017

Tue 04 July 2017

Sat 24 June 2017

New Simplicity Trio

Bruno Heinen: Piano (UK) Henrik Jensen: Double Bass (Denmark) Antonio Fusco: Drums (Italy)   “High quality writing, intimate execution. ****'(Jazzwise) New Simplicity Trio plays compositions by each member of the […]

Wed 14 June 2017

Olie Brice Quintet

Olie Brice is one of our most innovative bass players because he knows how to lead a group as well as anchor. So it’s a great pleasure to have him […]

Fri 19 May 2017

WALLER

Mark Lewandowski – double bass Liam Noble – piano, fender rhodes Paul Clarvis – drums Rising-star bassist, Mark Lewandowski brings together two of the most highly respected musicians on the […]

Fri 12 May 2017

Sat 18 March 2017

Sun 26 February 2017

Vocal Global

Vocal Global is a musical journey around the world from the Caribbean to the Middle East consisting of vocals, ethnic beat boxing with conscious lyrics in Hebrew, English and Creole. […]

Sun 12 February 2017

Wed 01 February 2017

TRICHOTOMY

Sean Foran – piano John Parker – drums Samuel Vincent – bass  Australian piano trio Trichotomy really need no introduction. Over the course of three compelling albums for Naim Jazz […]

Mon 30 January 2017

BECCA TOFT ALBUM LAUNCH

Becca Toft presents her Album Launch Tour with a full performance of her debut album “Searching” with her octet. Searching is a concept album Becca wrote about the search of […]

Wed 07 December 2016

Solstice – Alimentation album launch

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 […]

Sun 20 November 2016

Sat 15 October 2016

Fri 14 October 2016

Alex Munk Flying Machines

Alex Munk: guitars; Matt Robinson: piano, synthesizers; Fender Rhodes; Conor Chaplin: electric & double bass; Dave Hamblett: drums. From allaboutjazz: “Flying Machines is the eponymous debut album by a group […]

Thu 13 October 2016

ANDREA VICARI – The Mirror

This October Andrea Vicari, jazz pianist and composer and her band will be touring the UK playing the music from her latest album ‘The Mirror’. Joining Andrea on Sax will […]

Thu 22 September 2016

Rick Simpson’s Klammer

Exciting to host this album launch on Two Rivers Records. Award-winning pianist and composer Rick Simpson has been no stranger to the heart of the London jazz scene – on both the new […]

Thu 08 September 2016

TORI FREESTONE TRIO

Launch of the new album El Barranco by Tori Freestone’s Trio. Tori Freestone is a saxophonist, flautist and violinist who has been performing at the forefront of the British improvised […]

Wed 03 August 2016

John Martin Hidden Notes

Launching their new album. ‘The Hidden Notes’ offers a window into a new and unique sound world. It is a celebration of the saxophone and all the beautiful colours that […]

Mon 01 August 2016

Mon 18 July 2016

Michelson Morley + Twelves DOUBLE ALBUM LAUNCH! with Alex Bonney

Album launches for two new albums on Babel. “Muscle, imagination and pure joy of musicianship” Jake McMurchie’s Michelson Morley + Twelves (Riaan Vosloo, Tim Giles, Rob Updegraff, Mark Hanslip) Guardian, […]

Wed 06 July 2016

Justin Thurgur

Justin Thurgur – Trombone Graeme Flowers – Trumpet Kishon Khan – Piano/Rhodes Liran Donin – Double Bass Oreste Noda – Congas Pat Illingworth – Drums Justin Thurgur, trombonist for Bellowhead, […]

Thu 30 June 2016

DUCK BAKER TRIO AND QUARTET (CD LAUNCH)

Duck Baker, guitar Alex Ward, clarinet John Edwards, bass Steve Noble, drums Fingerstyle guitar master Duck Baker returns to the Vortex with his trio/quartet, for another evening devoted to his […]

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