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June 2013

 

• Tue 18 Jun | 8.30pm
•  £10
• Book online

Man Overboard

Celebrating the release of their new album All Hands on Deck, on Champs Hill Records, Man Overboard play a special show delivering swing tunes from the 20’s and 30’s with great skill and unusual verve.

Leading this fantastic band are violinist Thomas Gould and star of London swing, clarinetist Ewan Bleach. This partnership is complemented by the unique voice of Louisa Jones and a hot rhythm section with Jean-Marie Fagon on guitar and Dave O’Brien on the double bass.

Man Overboard add their own stamp to a repertoire of tunes made famous by the likes of Billie Holiday, Django Reinhardt, the Mills Brothers, Duke Ellington and Fats Waller. The chemistry between these superb musicians and their audience makes every Man Overboard performance a magical occasion.

Man Overboard’s performances at venues such as Le QuecumBar, Heaven Night club, and The Royal Festival Hall, have earned them rave reviews and a fast growing fan base. Man Overboard were featured in BBC3's "Being Human" (5th series, 6th episode).

• Wed 19 Jun | 8.30pm
•  £8
• Book online

Chaos Collective presents: Big Egg plus Elliot Galvin Trio

BIG EGG

BIG EGG features 12 acclaimed British improvisers including Joe Wright on ewi and electronics, Lauren Kinsella singing and Joe Townsend on violin. The piece itself is conceived around the number 17 and its connotations. There are 17 movements (plus a prologue movement) with each one in subtle reference to an associated subject. It is stylistically unbiased incorporating everything from abstract contemporary art music, to 80’s pop and Baroque chamber music.

Elliot Galvin – piano/compositions
Lauren Kinsella – voice
Joe Townsend – violin
Joe Wright – ewi/electronics
Gregory Sinclair – reeds
Will Scott – reeds
Rob Cope – reeds
Laura Jurd – trumpet
Mike Soper – trumpet
Tom McCredie – bass
Corrie Dick – drums
Simon Roth – drums

Elliot Galvin Trio

Featuring Elliot Galvin on Piano, Tom McCredie on Double Bass and Simon Roth, this exciting new trio blends complex composed material with freeform improvisation seamlessly to create a truly unique sonic space.

• Thu 20 Jun | 8.30pm
•  £10
• Book online

Evan Parker

Monthly Vortex residency with master of free improvisation, Evan Parker.

Tonight he presents 'Hasta la Vista', dedicated to the founders of Emanem Records, Martin and Madelaine Davidson. With guests John Russell, Caroline Kraabel, Adam Linson, Hannah Marshall and more.

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 for more.

"If you've ever been tempted by free improvisation, Parker is your gateway drug." Stewart Lee

 

• Fri 21 Jun | 8.30pm
•  £ 12.50  
• Book online

Jason Yarde & Andrew McCormack

Pianist, Andrew McCormack and saxophonist, Jason Yarde played their first gig together as a duo at the Vortex in the summer of 2008 and have since gone on to become one of the premier UK duo groups. Their first album, ‘MY DUO’ (JoY AnD EaRs-2009) featured compositions from both Yarde and McCormack and was followed by ‘Places And Other Spaces’ in 2011 (Edition Records); both received critical accolades internationally.

As they prepare to release their third album featuring the Elysian String Quartet next year, they return once again to the Vortex to celebrate 5 years as a group.

Andrew McCormack launched his solo career with his debut album, 'Telescope' in 2006 winning the prestigious BBC Jazz award for Rising Star. An active composer in Jazz, Classical and Film music, he studied privately with Mark-Anthony Turnage and has written for many ensembles including the London Symphony Orchestra which commissioned Incentive, a ten-minute work for full orchestra premiered at the Barbican in 2009. In 2012, he released 'Live In London' showcasing his new trio which was critically acclaimed across the board (**** 4 stars - The Guardian; “High emotional intensity beautifully delivered” **** - York Press).

Jason Yarde began playing saxes in the Jazz Warriors as a teenager going on to direct and become one of its principal writers. As a producer, musical director, arranger and musician, he has worked with Hermeto Pascoal to 4hero, Plan B to Britten Sinfonia, Keziah Jones to Kronos Quartet and Jonzi-D to Jack DeJohnette. As a composer his flugelhorn concerto, All Souls Seek Joy was premiered by the legendary Hugh Masekela and the LSO in 2007 and his BBC Proms compositional début, Rhythm And Other Fascinations, won the first ever BASCA award for contemporary Jazz Composition in 2009. ("Swing, hip-hop, improv, you name it, he can make it all sound as if it was meant to live together" The Guardian)

• Sat 22 Jun | 8.30pm
•  £12
• Book online

Ian Shaw

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." Bruce Lindsay, All About Jazz

 

• Sun 23 Jun | 4.00pm
•  £ 7
• Book online

Dan Messore’s 'View From The Tower'

"View From The Tower" is a series of concerts exploring British jazz composers. An adventure into some of the great compositions from our fair shores.

Led by guitarist Dan Messore, this excellent line up will be performing an ever growing pad of arrangements. A bodacious mix of material featuring compositions from... Iain Ballamy, Gwilym Simcock, Huw Warren, Gareth Lockrane, Trish Clowes, Steve Waterman, Dave Hamblett, Julian Argulles, Phil Robson, among others... with new arrangements being added each instalment.

With:
Dan Messore - Guitar
Gareth Lockrane - Flute
Joe Wright - Tenor Sax
Steve Waterman - Trumpet
Elliot Galvin - Piano
Tom Farmer - Bass
Dave Hamblett - Drums

• Sun 23 Jun | 8.30pm
•  £ 10  
• Book online

The Local presents Liz Green

Liz Green will be playing an intimate and special show at the Vortex, showcasing material from her forthcoming second album. This is a small room exclusive, so book early to avoid being disappointed.

Liz Green’s debut album, O, Devotion! was released by Play It Again Sam to critical acclaim at the end of 2011. Her early 7" single releases way back in 2007 and 2008 sparked a flurry of media attention, but it wasn’t until she met producer Liam Watson and started recording at his Toerag Studios that the album came together. Liz’s music owes a debt to a wide range of influences: musicals; gospel and blues and country; interwar Weimar cabaret; Bugsy Malone’s dancehall; Marlon Brando’s brilliant turn in Guys and Dolls; Johnny Cash; Dolly Parton; Son House; Blind Willie McTell; the inimitable Sister Rosetta Tharpe.

The first single from the album, Displacement Song, featured an animated video directed by Kate Anderson, which went on to win the British Animation Awards 2012 "Best Music Video". Two further animation videos were completed for songs on the album: Bad Medicine, directed by Joseph Brett & Simon Taffe from End of the Road Films, a stunning achievement in stop motion, with sets and characters made entirely from cardboard; and Luis, directed by Tamzin Forster, a beautiful paper-cut animation about an inveterate Mexican funeral-goer.

Liz is currently writing and arranging songs for her second album.

Support tonight comes from English songwriter currently based in Germany, The Great Park, with an opening set from Oslo, Norway’s The Bee’s Niece.

• Mon 24 Jun | 8.30pm
•  £ 10
• Book online

Røyst Trio + Metamorphic
* Album Launch *

Røyst Trio

Røyst Trio, consisting of Jazz Yorkshire Vocalist of the Year Kari Nergaard Bleivik, Cecilie Giskemo and Maria Jardardottir, performs original composed and improvised material: varied, human and bold with inspiration from jazz, contemporary music and voice use, Norwegian folk music and other world music. On Røyst: "... the fiendish arrangements of the songs providing a severe test of each woman's range and technique. ... There is a simmering power and surging beauty in everything they sing. If you think there's a strong and totally unapologetic feministic streak to Røyst, you'd be exactly right." [Vibrations Magazine]

Metamorphic

Metamorphic are a contemporary song-based jazz/folk sextet lead by pianist Laura Cole. Metamorphic's music has been described as "refreshingly feminine" [Dan Spicer, Jazzwise]; as "brave, honest, yet beguiling" [Jazz UK]; and as "really original music.. Metamorphic are on to something really new..." [Jez Nelson, Jazz on 3] Metamorphic are: Chris Williams, alto (Led Bib); John Martin, tenor (The John Martin Quartet); Kerry Andrew, vocals (Juice); Tom Greenhalgh, drums (World Sanguine Report); Paul Sandy, bass (The Dead Victorians); Laura Cole, piano/composer/arranger (Engine Room Favourites). Metamorphic's 2nd album, Coalescence, is due for release in May 2013 on the F-ire label.

This double bill with Røyst is part of a UK tour; the tour will also feature collaborative pieces involving both groups written specially for this gig series. Special guests Seth Bennett on bass (IDST) and Oliver Dover on bass clarinet (Shatner's Bassoon) will also be joining the double bill for the tour.

This gig is very special as it is the album launch for the new Metamorphic album, Coalescence.

 

Metamorphic & Røyst Trio gratefully acknowledge financial support from PRS for Music Foundation
www.prsformusicfoundation.com

 

 

• Tue 25 Jun | 8.30pm
•  £ 8
• Book online

Penny Rimbaud's Last Amendment

Penny Rimbaud's Last Amendment continue their bi-monthly residency with evenings of poetry, jazz and visuals. Predictable only in their unpredictability: improvisational journeys challenging the confines of morality, mores, law and regulation, religion, nation, gods, demons, human conceits and all the hopes and fears that they are designed to induce.

Featuring the now established band of Penny Rimbaud/voice, Louise Elliott/sax & flute, Kate Shortt/cello, Jennifer Maidman/guitars, with regular appearances from Eve Libertine, Chas Weber and invited guests.

• Wed 26 Jun | 8.30pm
•  £ 10
• Book online

Vortex Gypsy / Eastern European Night
Monooka's Caravan

The Vortex are delighted to welcome back the intriguing and ethereal Monooka and her stunning band.

Award-winning Romanian-born singer and puppeteer, Monooka (aka Monica Lucia Madas) performs traditional songs from the Carpathian mountains in collaboration with British Balkan music specialists Meg Hamilton (violin), Matt Bacon (guitar) and Shane Allessio (double bass). Ottoman and Greek influences blend with soulful Jewish melody, Wallachian gypsy music and traditional Transylvanian doinas.

"She's a genuine talent"' Romanian Cultural Institute, London

 

 

• Thu 27 Jun | 8.30pm
•  £ 9
• Book online

Impossible Ark presents:
Brigitte Beraha & Stan Sulzmann

 

An evening of musical experiments, original music and songs. Built around the organ trio of Ross Stanley, Rob Updegraff on guitar & Tim Giles on drums.

The trio will be joined by Brigitte Beraha on vocals and Stan Sulzmann on sax, forming different ensembles throughout the evening & performing a range of material.

 

• Fri 28 Jun | 8.30pm
•  £ 10
• Book online

Babelfish

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 classical and literary works, from Britten through E.E. Cummings to Raymond Carver.

"A great musician, Brigitte Beraha uses her voice like an instrument in the tradition of people like Flora Purim, Tania Maria and the recently aknowledged bassist/vocalist Esperanza Spalding" - Julian Joseph, Jazz Line Up, BBC Radio 3.

• Sat 29 Jun | 8.30pm
•  £ 20
• Book online

Enrico Pieranunzi Trio

Enrico Pieranunzi, one of the leading pianists, playing a rare concert in London in a trio with Enzo Zirilli (drums) and Geoff Gascoyne (bass).

"Italy's jazz piano poet" allaboutjazz.com

• Sun 30 Jun | 8.30pm
•  £ 7 adv./£9 door
• Book online

The Epstein

Oxford-based The Epstein release their second album 'Murmurations', with a very special launch show here at the Vortex. With support from Co-Pilgrim and Empty White Circles.

"The Epstein’s sound is cinematic, captivating and immersive. With intrinsically woven vocals and warm melodies that swoop and soar, this band not only builds on the recent success of British folk, but suitably adds to it as well." Music Week

"The Epstein play in another league – in a vast, desert like land of the soul." Rolling Stone, Editors Choice.

Co-Pilgrim: "Marries Jayhawks harmonies to wafting Beach Boys tunes" Q

 

July 2013

 

• Mon 1 Jul | 8.30pm
•  £11  
• Book online

Karama + Maya Youssef

As part of the Shubbak Festival of contemporary Arab culture, the Vortex presents two very different artists, both of whom take their inspiration from traditional Arabic music and meld it with a Western sensibility.

Karama

Karama, led by Moroccan Oud player Soufian Saihi take inspiration from the ecstatic Gnawa, North African and Arabic classical music as well as the diverse sounds of London streets. The music wanders through diverse sonic landscapes from Tinariwen to Alice Coltrane.

 

Maya Youssef

Syrian kanun player, Maya Youssef is a real master of this traditional instrument.

Having recently collaborated with The Elysian Quartet, her music pushes the boundaries of what the instrument can do.

Check out Maya's YouTube Channel for more performances and interviews.

Maya will be joined by percussionist Sara Fotros, a Daf musician who has worked with traditional and contemporary Persian music.

 

 

• Tue 2 Jul | 8.30pm
•  £10
• Book online

One Thousand Boats + Ranjana Ghatack

One Thousand Boats

One Thousand Boats are back again to the Vortex after time away writing and gathering more material for their debut album. The group plays simple songs which explore the fragile balance between structure and improvisation and comprises Liran Donin on bass alongside another Led Bib alumni Chris Williams (alto) as well as Eddie Hick (drums) and Robert Stillman (tenor).

Donin brings the bass to the forefront and directs the music with his abstract groove, while the folk-inspired melodies cast an intriguing new light on the quartet. They draw influences from across Sub Saharan Africa, the Middle East and travel back to 1930s folk and Country Americana, revisiting Japanese film and animation soundtracks once in a while.

Ranjana Ghatak

A collaborator with Seb Rochford and Jason Singh, the London-born vocalist Ranjana Ghatak has a strong passion for her South Asian roots; evidenced by her unique sound, which is neither 'world' nor 'fusion'.

Tonight she is excited to be playing alongside Asaf Sirkis (drums), Nick Ramm (keys) and Liran Donin (bass).

 

• Wed 3 Jul | 8.30pm
•  £10  
• Book online

Fortuna Pop presents:
Allo Darlin’

Allo Darlin' are set to delight and frustrate fans in equal measure this summer by playing four teeny tiny shows at different London venues representing the four points of the compass. The West is represented by Ginglik in Shepherd's Bush, the South by the Half Moon in Herne Hill, North by St Pancras Old Church and we're very happy to have them here in the East at the Vortex.

The London-based four-piece - led by Elizabeth Morris, with guitarist Paul Rains, Bill Botting on the bass and Michael Collins on drums - create perfect, sophisticated pop gems and know how to put on a joyous, effervescent, fun-filled live show. Achingly personal, incredibly poignant and familiar all at once, Elizabeth Morris' songwriting has deepened and developed since their debut, but they've lost none of their ability to create sophisticated, intelligent pop music with an uplifting, joyous feel.

• Thu 4 Jul | 8.30pm
•  £10  
• Book online

Julia Biel

"Her mesmerizing voice and magnetic stage presence should encourage many to follow where she leads... about to hit the big time" THE GUARDIAN

Hailed by The Independent as "the best British vocalist to emerge in an age", Julia Biel is a rare artist indeed. Singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, Julia Biel blends vocals reminiscent of the greats of jazz's golden age with a poetic yet conversational lyrical style, a uniquely sharp perspective on contemporary life and love, and a melodic and accessible, chorus-led style of song-writing.

Former Perrier Jazz Vocalist of the Year winner and Jazz Awards Rising Star nominee, her self-produced debut album Not Alone spearheaded a wave of British vocal folk/jazz and emerged amid a flurry of critical praise. Features with a host of other acts followed including Polar Bear, Hidden Orchestra, Ben Watt of Everything but the Girl and Soothsayers.

Whether performing self-penned material, or re-inventing old classics, Julia Biel’s signature sound, edgy and smooth in equal measure, defies easy classification hovering between jazz, pop, soul and folk. With influences ranging from Massive Attack, Nina Simone, Bjork, Portishead, PJ Harvey and Rickie Lee Jones and an eagerly anticipated second album awaiting release, prepare to be moved, beguiled, soothed, transported and ultimately mesmerized.

Performing as a 3-piece at The Vortex:
Julia Biel - vocals / piano / guitar
Idris Rahman - bass
Saleem Raman - drums.

• Fri 5 Jul | 8.30pm
•  £10  
• Book online

Ana Silvera + Laura Moody

Ana Silvera

Building on resounding praise from the UK press for her debut album ‘The Aviary’ released early last year (via the Karamel Music Collective), singer-songwriter Ana Silvera is currently preparing her second full-length record and will be debuting some of these new songs exclusively for this special performance.

From playing a sell-out joint headliner with Imogen Heap at The Roundhouse, performing her BASCA nominated seven-song-cycle ‘Oracles’ at The Sage, Gateshead, to playing intimate gigs in front of a hushed, tiny, packed-out Bedroom Bar in Hoxton, Ana is a versatile, constantly inventive artist.

As well as appearing throughout the year at a variety of national and international venues, she is also developing a new work for herself and members of the Royal Ballet, to be premiered in 2014.

"Stunning.. a gorgeous album that mixes operatic and folk elements with magical storytelling" The Guardian

"Melodies that just won't leave you alone, and a voice that tugs at your heart" Late Junction, BBC Radio 3

Laura Moody

Laura Moody is a startlingly original, cello wielding, avant-singer songwriter and long-standing member of innovative string quartet Elysian Quartet. Fascinated not only with words and songwriting but also with sounds, noises and textures she eschews laptops and loop pedals to explore what is possible using only solo cello and voice to create unique, acoustic, avant-pop music. She looks to combine the two instruments with hugely diverse musical influences in interesting and often physical, even theatrical ways composing what she believes to be essentially pop songs, although nobody else ever seems to agree with this definition...

"... for enjoyable astonishment, nothing quite beats the singer-cellist Laura Moody. She plays lyrically; then as if it was a box for sound effects. She sings her own almost-pop songs, gurgles, hoots, wails, taps her throat with the bow. Yet it's all seamless, as if she, the cello and the music are a single organism." The Irish Times

• Sat 6 Jul | 8.30pm
•  £12  
• Book online

Carol Grimes

A firm favourite at the Vortex, Carol Grimes is one of the authentic London voices.

For her show tonight Carol is joined by a formidable group of players, performing songs and excursions from new CD 'CDAWN'.

Expect a special evening with old songs new songs and a story or two.

Winston Clifford, drums
Neville Malcome, double bass
Annie Whitehead, trombone
Dorian Ford, piano

 

• Sun 7 Jul | 3.30pm
•  £5  
• Book online

MOJO

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 Ellington) through to the modern (Gordon Goodwin, Michel Camilo, NYJO, Tower of Power) there is sure to be something for everyone in this big band's dynamic set !

Back once again at their favourite venue the Vortex, this is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

• Sun 7 Jul | 7.30pm
•  £9  
• Book online

Vocals @ Vortex

Open mic night hosted by Romy Summers and the Bob Stuckey Trio: Bob Stuckey (piano), Jerome Davies (bass), Cheryl Alleyne (drums)

Please arrive at 7pm if you wish to sing and speak to Romy. Policy is first come first served, but we do try and get all singers on the list.

Music starts at 7.30pm. Entrance £9 to singers and non singers. Please bring music in your key and a copy for each of the trio.

Short sets from Clare Gordon and Carol Jewel.

• Mon 8 Jul | 8.30pm
•  £9
• Book online

John Turville Trio

John Turville - Piano
Dave Whitford - Bass
Ben Reynolds - Drums

The John Turville Trio are one of the leading contemporary jazz ensembles in the UK. Their debut ‘Midas’ won the ‘Best Album’ category of the 2011 Parliamentary Jazz Awards, and their second received four and five star reviews in the press including winning MOJO’s #3 Best Jazz Album of 2012. The trio have played at most major UK venues and festivals, including Scarborough, Manchester, London, Kings Place, Ronnie Scotts, Pizza Express, and many national and European clubs and theatres. The music is distinguished by its breadth, lyricism, empathy and a deep communication among all the trio, coming from over ten years of touring and rehearsing, and it’s scope is broad, from fiery tangos and spiky rhythmic compositions reminiscent of Phronesis and Avashai Cohen to poignant ballads evoking the writing of Julian Arguelles and John Ireland.

"A startling contemporary piano trio..with a formidable identity" MOJO ****
MOJO #3 Jazz Album of The Year 2012

• Tue 9 Jul | 8.30pm
•  £10
• Book online

WorldService Project

After an intense touring period through 2011/12 that saw them take in over 10 countries around Europe and regular road trips through the UK, WorldService Project launch the release of their second album, Fire in a Pet Shop, (on Megasound) at The Vortex.

Led by pianist/composer Dave Morecroft, WorldService Project’s music is a high-octane combination of dark, playful, building passages, dissonance and complex rhythmic manipulation, drawing on the language of 20th Century Classical composers layered over boisterous grooves. Imagine a four-way cage match between Frank Zappa, Loose Tubes, Stravinsky and Meshuggah … in a Monty Python universe.

"tight, deftly structured and grittily grooving music" The Guardian

"..tricksy time signatures, bursts of light funk and loungey swing, and bouts of squally freedom, all mashed up.." Jazzwise

WorldService Project are:

Dave Morecroft – keys
Tim Ower – saxophones
Raphael Clarkson – trombone
Conor Chaplin – bass
Liam Waugh– drums

Robert Mitchell
Workshop & Concert

• Thu 11 Jul | 8.30pm
•  £10
• Book online

Popside and The Vortex present…
Darren Hayman's Occupation

Show One - Witches & Bugbears

The first show of Darren Hayman's new monthly residency at The Vortex.

Two sets based around the Essex Witch Trials during the English Civil War. One set of songs from Darren's acclaimed album "The Violence" and a second of English Civil War songs taken from its sister album "Bugbears" which is out on Fika Recordings 15/07/13.

Tickets are £10 and seating is limited so book early to guarantee yourself a spot and ticket holders will get a poster designed by Darren for each show.

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:

"I love gigs. I hate gigs.

I want to play live and I love what shows can be, but I’ve found myself frequently stifled by the limitations of my career. I can’t play the plush, seated venues and I can’t experiment with a string section or play 20 minute opuses.

My music was born in the sticky floored rock venue. I like the sticky floored rock venue but I have had a hankering for something different recently. My own taste has veered towards free improv and jazz and although it’s hard to imagine that music influencing my own I do love the culture of live music in this genre.

Long sets, sometimes two, comfortable venues and a reverence and respect for the event and the moment; less talking, less cameras, more dynamics, less microphones.

I wondered if these would let an indie rock interloper amongst their ranks. My show at the Vortex back in last November was successful enough to make me think of playing a monthly residency there.

The idea is that each show is themed. I don’t want to go the whole predictable route of playing complete albums, but rather group types of songs together for different evenings. Experiment, sometimes play two sets, sometimes have unlikely guests. I will be playing with members of my bands from throughout my career as well as old friends like the Wave Pictures and Allo Darlin.

The Venue is a beautiful venue. I’m trying to do something different; something, smaller, prettier. I hope you can come."

www.hefnet.com | @DarrenHayman | @ThePopside

• Fri 12 Jul | 8.30pm
•  £10  
• Book online

Trio Manouche

Come and enjoy the party with Trio Manouche, one of the UK’s leading gypsy swing ensembles. They'll be playing inspired re-worked classics of Django Reinhardt in addition to highly acclaimed original material penned by their band leader Simon Harris, bringing a unique and contemporary twist to this ever popular genre.

• Sun 14 Jul | 8.30pm
•  £9
• Book online

Mike Hobart’s Urban Jazz Collective

Mike Hobart is an experienced and soulful saxophonist who has played with the likes of Esther Phillips and Maceo Parker. His first inspirations were the flowing freedoms of Miles Davis’1960s quintet and the soulful blues of Ray Charles, but a lot has happened since then.

Urban Jazz puts it all together, adds new beats and keeps it swinging hard. Texas tenor shouts over Latin funk, modal jazz bursts out of new-school R’n’B and hip hop lends the legacy of Ellington and Monk urgency.

Line-up:
Chris Lee - Trumpet/effects
Mike Hobart - Tenor sax
Raffy Bushman - Keyboards
Sven Atterton - Bass Guitar
Boukie KaBoukie - Drums/Percussion

"Mike Hobart's Urban Jazz Collective are having fun, blowing because they love it. Highlights are the swaggering Blue Note jazz of Fathead and the up-lifting Nardis, with Mike letting rip Pharoah-style." Jez Nelson

• Mon 15 Jul | 8.30pm
•  £10  
• Book online

Black Women In The Arts present Bashiyra 'The Voice'

Part of The Dalston People’s Festival, Black Women in the Arts present: Bashiyra ‘The Voice' with guest support, Onita Boone (Germany) and introducing Xenia (UK).

Tonight sees a special acoustic pre-album launch (sophomore album ‘Independent’) presented by Black Women In The Arts. A multi-award winning singer, songwriter, producer and arranger, Bashiyra has shared a stage with the likes of Patti La Belle and Diana Ross. With an eclectic repertoire spanning reggae, dance, neo-soul, funk and jazz, Bashiyra has an ability to captivate, move and entertain her audiences. Tonight she is joined by Wayne Brown on piano (Ruby Turner/Earth Wind and Fire).

This event is part of The Dalston People’s Festival, a week-long programme of political and cultural events.

• Tue 16 Jul | 8.30pm
•  £10
• Book online

Pinski Zoo

Back to roam free in the grounds of the Vortex, Pinski Zoo’s hybrid musical creature stomps with emotion and musical intensity, which is variously described as 'Free FunkJazz', 'Jazz Howl', even 'Punk Jazz'. A unique sound in the boom of the dynamic UK jazz scene, with a cult-like following - linked with leftfield and harmolodic music of Ornette - Pinski Zoo are rare; true UK jazz originals, an unusual mixture of explosively dynamic jazz with a crafted, practiced, identifiable group sound, bristling with sonic tension.

Jan Kopinski - saxes
Steve Iliffe - keys
Karl Bingham - bass
Stefan Kopinski - bass
Patrick Illingworth - drums

A truly original contemporary jazz outfit; almost impossible to categorize. They swing from virtuosic jazz to gritty funk with freedom and movement, veering into leftfleld territory and returning with snappy anthem-like tunes. Unpredictable and exciting, their unique style has praise from critics at home and abroad.

"Pinski Zoo deserves mega-stardom because it not only funked your socks off but foresaw future developments in jazz fusion" John Fordham, The Guardian

"Pinski Zoo ... Organic, no-surrender, spiritually uplifting music..." AllAbout jazz

 

• Wed 17 Jul | 8.30pm
•  £10
• Book online

Huw Warren / John Parricelli Quartet

Huw Warren has been one of most innovative pianists and composers on the UK scene for over 20 years; freely crossing styles and genres whilst retaining an individual voice. Having recently made his ECM debut with Quercus he returns to the Vortex with long term collaborator and wonderful guitarist John Parricelli. John and Huw were responsible for many great evenings at the Old Vortex (as leaders of the Vortex Quartet) and share a love of lyrical contemporary Jazz, deep grooves, and witty off- kilter compositions. They are joined by another long term collaborator, Dudley Phillips on bass and promising young drum talent Zoot Warren.

Huw Warren - Piano
John Parricelli - Guitar
Dudley Phillips - Bass
Zoot Warren - Drums

"One of the UK’s truly independent spirits" The Guardian

• Thu 18 Jul | 8.30pm
•  £10
• Book online

Evan Parker

Monthly Vortex residency with master of free improvisation, Evan Parker.

This month Evan will play with John Edwards and John Russell.

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 for more.

"If you've ever been tempted by free improvisation, Parker is your gateway drug." Stewart Lee

• Fri 19 Jul | 8.30pm
•  £5  
• Book online

Annie Whitehead World Music Workshop

Back for their annual Vortex Workshop. An exciting blend of music from twenty horns, featuring jazz, african and latin grooves, under the leadership of trombone virtuoso Annie Whitehead and supported by the phenomenal bass and drums of Jennifer Maidman and Mark Huggett.

The Workshop is a regular rehearsal group and performances in the past year include The Queen Elizabeth Hall, The 100 Club, The Whitstable Oyster Festival and, of course, The Vortex.

Repertoire includes works by Dudu Pukwana, Chris MacGregor, Charles Mingus, Duke Ellington, West Nkosi, Zakes Nkozi, Herbie Hancock, Theolonious Monk, Barbara Snow, Diane McLoughlin, Pee Wee Ellis, Jaco Pastorius, John Bennett, Mzwakhe Mbuli and Maceo Parker, and Workshop members Peter Clark and Ric Morgan.

• Sat 20 Jul | 8.30pm
•  £10  
• Book online

Joyful Noise presents Yomi Bashiru and Naija Grooves

Legendary Nigerian drummer/percussionist Yomi Bashiru brings his Naija Grooves to London for their first show in 6 years. Yomi Bashiru’s precise drumming has been used to great effect by the likes of King Wasiu Ayinde, Kollington Ayinla, Queen Salawa Abeni and The Yoruba Women Choir. A key player in taking Fuji music from its local interest into international concert filling music.

Yomi Bashiru and the 7-piece Naija Grooves create infectious groves from the fusion of Fuji, Juju and Afrobeat rhythms. Their music is driven by the rich eloquence of the talking drums. The music glides and slides from heavy funk of Afrobeat to folkloric rhythms of Fuji. Expect heavy duty rhythms from one of Africa’s greatest drummers.

• Sun 21 Jul | 8.30pm
•  £8 / £6 conc.
• Book online

Mopomoso

Another amazing bill from Mopomoso, continuing to bring you the very best from the world of free improvisation.

The evening starts with the lyrical improvisations of Jim Dvorak and Mark Hewins, followed by a return visit from our own DaveTucker’s highly charged and entertaining Scatter which, in Thomas, Minton and Turner, sees the guitarist in company with three of the UK’s finest players. The final set of the evening features the rare treat of Nicols / Russell / Zabelka, here to launch their debut CD, ‘Trio Blurb’ released on Extraplatte. Engaging music and highly recommended!

Jim Dvorak (trumpet) / Mark Hewins (guitar) duo
  +
'Scatter' - Dave Tucker (guitar) / Pat Thomas (keyboards) / Phil Minton (voice) / Roger Turner (percussion)
  +
'Trio Blurb' - Maggie Nicols (voice) / John Russell (guitar) / Mia Zabelka (violin)

• Tue 23 Jul | 8.30pm
•  £9
• Book online

Rob Terry Trio

Rob Terry (piano), Paul Jefferies (double bass), Charlie Stratford (kit).
robterrytrio.com

This fresh, exciting trio features Rob Terry’s very original and stylish compositional work - a superb mix of modern jazz with strong nods to the harmony and sensitivities of the classical world. His playing veers from the strongly muscular to beautifully sensitive and is dynamic enough to keep even the toughest of critics keenly aware that there is a lot being said through his finely crafted arrangements, which brim with memorable melody and harmonic surprise.

A performance & composition graduate from University of Birmingham and one of the rising stars of jazz in the 90’s, Rob took time out to perform with a plethora of artists including Eartha Kitt, Gloria Gaynor, Dave Stewart, Marc Almond and Lulu. In subsequent years, Rob has returned to his study of composition and developed a style mixing elements of western ‘Classical’ music with jazz. More recently, in addition to creating and performing with his own trio, Rob has appeared and recorded with Stewart Curtis’ K-Groove band, Koby Israelite’s band, the Sophie Garner Jazz Project amd Neil Stacey’s Kimbara Brothers. He has performed at a huge range of venues, singnificantly including the Royal Albert Hall, the Vortex, the 606 club and Ronnie Scotts.

"a sparkling and original interpretation of the piano trio, combining grace with a subtle edge, bringing together influences from Ramsey Lewis to Jarrett to Chopin, within a wrapper of deeply creative compositions, a delight" – Pete Watson, Artist Director – Ealing Jazz Festival

• Wed 24 Jul | 8.30pm
•  £10
• Book online

Gypsy and Eastern European Night
Tatcho Drom

Continuing our monthly Gypsy & Eastern European influenced music season.

Led by fiddle virtuoso Gundula Gruen, Tatcho Drom draw their inspiration from the passionate music and performance of the Romany Gypsies. Exploring the musical heritage of Eastern Europe and the Balkans, Tatcho Drom create fresh arrangements and innovative compositions which are fused with elements of classical, world and jazz. The outcome is a unique and multi-faceted repertoire for attentive listeners. And simply a damn good time for everyone else! Gundula's performances are always full of warmth and joy and reveal a deep love and knowledge of this genre of music. Beautiful music and infectious fun!

Gundula Gruen - violin & vocals,
Pete Thomas - accordion/vocals,
Tom Wagner - percussion/vocals,
Daniel Kellett - cello,
Jeremy Halliwell - guitar

Match & Fuse Festival

Thu 25 - Fri 26 Jul

• Sat 27 Jul | 8.30pm
•  £12
• Book online

John Etheridge

John Etheridge rightly enjoys a glowing reputation throughout the jazz world and beyond and has been described by Pat Metheny as, "One of the best guitarists in the world".

He is a prodigiously gifted and creative player whose approach to music can only be described as 'eclectic' as he refuses to accommodate or even acknowledge artificial musical boundaries. His range is well illustrated by his years of touring and recording with the iconic Stephane Grappelli while simultaneously doing likewise with the legendary jazz-fusion group, The Soft Machine.

John is equally at home on acoustic and electric guitar and his willingness to engage with so many styles is matched by his ability to excel in any of them. He has played with John Williams, Yehudi Menuhin, Dizzie Gillespie, Herb Ellis, Mundell Lowe, Nigel Kennedy, Pat Metheny, Birelli Lagrene, Barney Kessel, Vic Juris and countless others.

• Sun 28 Jul | 3.30pm
•  £7
• Book online

Dan Messore’s View From The Tower

"View From The Tower" is a series of concerts exploring British jazz composers. An adventure into some of the great compositions from our fair shores.

Led by guitarist Dan Messore, this excellent line up will be performing an ever growing pad of arrangements. A bodacious mix of material featuring compositions from... Iain Ballamy, Gwilym Simcock, Huw Warren, Gareth Lockrane, Trish Clowes, Steve Waterman, Dave Hamblett, Julian Argulles, Phil Robson, among others...with new arrangements being added each instalment.

With:
Dan Messore - Guitar
Mike Chillingworth - Sax
Elliot Galvin - Piano
Trish Clowes - Sax
Dave Hamblett - Drums
Nick Malcolm – Trumpet

• Sun 28 Jul | 8.30pm
•  £10
• Book online

Sam Crowe Quartet featuring Will Vinson

Two strikingly individual musicians come together for an exclusive performance. As a performer, Sam Crowe has performed and recorded with some of the most highly regarded jazz musicians in the UK and US and his critically acclaimed debut album, Synaesthesia, out earlier this year, garnered high praise.

Alto saxophonist & composer Will Vinson moved to New York City from London in 1999, and has remained there ever since. His international reputation as a leader and sideman has led him to be described by the Evening Standard as "the thinking man's alto saxophonist... Britain's Greg Osby".

"Crowe’s writing is complex but accessible and he exhibits a fierce musical intellect." The Jazzmann

• Mon 29 Jul | 8.30pm
•  £9
• Book online

Will Butterworth Quartet

Will Butterworth - Piano
Seb Pipe - Alto Sax
Nick Pini - Bass
Peter Ibbetson - Drums

"A precociously talented young modern jazz pianist who plays with spacious and fractious beauty. A rising Brit Jazz piano star." Time out

"A brilliant young pianist… Stunning displays of virtuosity…a remarkable talent." Ian Mann – The Jazz Mann

"One of the scene’s rising stars, Will Butterworth’s thoughtful and creative piano playing has earned him considerable respect and admiration on the local scene. A really exciting musical prospect Will is unquestionably in the vanguard of UK modern jazz performers. One of the most talented young players on the scene." Steve Ruby 606

"A really great young pianist." Bill Bruford

"Music of considerable interest… One of the more original young prospects on today’s scene." Jazzwise

• Tue 30 Jul | 8.30pm
•  £9
• Book online

Paul Dunmall / Pat Thomas / Mark Sanders

Paul Dunmall put this formidable trio together to make a recording in Birmingham which will shortly be released on FMR. All three players are of international acclaim so it will be a incredible night of music making!

PAUL DUNMALL

For thirty years Paul Dunmall has carved out a reputation for himself and is now widely recognised as one of the most uncompromising and talented reed players on the International jazz/improvised music scene. Whether playing in small groups or big bands his musical sensitivity and imagination combined with a powerful sound make him one of the most distinctive improvisers playing today.

PAT THOMAS

Pat Thomas studied classical piano from aged 8 and started playing jazz from the age of 16. He has since gone on to develop an utterly unique style - embracing improvisation, jazz and new music. He has played with Derek Bailey in Company Week (1990/91) and in the trio AND (with Noble), with Tony Oxley’s Quartet and Celebration Orchestra and in Duo with Lol Coxhill.

"An imperious charisma that’s immediately amplified when he starts to play." The Jazzmann

MARK SANDERS

Mark has played with many renowned musicians from around the world including Evan Parker, Peter Brotzmann, Derek Bailey, Myra Melford, Paul Rogers, Henry Grimes, Roswell Rudd, Okkyung Lee, Barry Guy, Tim Berne, Otomo Yoshihide, Luc Ex, Ken Vandermark, Sidsel Endresen and Jean Francois Pauvrois, in duo and quartets with Wadada Leo Smith and trios with Charles Gayle with Sirone and William Parker.

• Wed 31 Jul | 8.30pm
•  £8
• Book online

Mark Holub & Irene Kepl
+ Mallet X: Orphy Robinson & Anthony Kerr

Mark Holub & Irene Kepl

A brand new improvised duo featuring Led Bib drummer Mark Holub and acclaimed Austrian violinist Irene Kepl. With their unusual instrumentation Holub and Kepl move through frenetic free improv, to wistful melodies, to pummelling grooves.

The duo was formed shortly after Holub's arrival in Vienna and from the start it was a special musical meeting of two sympathetic voices. This rare chance to see them in London is not to be missed.

Mallet X

Two forward looking tuned percussionists - Orphy Robinson & Anthony Kerr - embracing new cutting edge technologies using Xylosynths, the newest innovation in tuned percussion, to create spontaneous original soundscapes and compositions.

 

August 2013

 

• Thu 1 Aug | 8.30pm
•  £8
• Book online

Le Juki + Hoatzin

Le Juki

Le Juki launch new album 'Capillaries'.

Le Juki are a Junk - Beat - Folk trio. Referencing classic soul/blues, grime and psych folk, blending lush harmonies and progressive song structures with a child-like simplicity. Their combination of virtuosity, musical primitivism, and adventurous approach to composition, is both familiar yet totally unique.

The three members come from heavily contrasting musical terrains; Kassia Zermon, aka Bunty, an experimental vocal loop artist; Lee Westwood, Brighton’s virtuosic guitarist and composer; Jules Arthur, classically trained viola/piano player and synth obsessor.

Hoatzin

Support is from Hoatzin. Long-standing friends and collaborators Jim Willis (vocals, guitar), Colin Somervell (bass) and Kit Jolliffe (drums) bring disparate influences and a little instrumental panache to bear on some brooding, twisting and melodious songs of confusion, disappointment, reason and hope.

• Fri 2 Aug | 8.30pm
•  £12  
• Book online

Ife Tolentino, Julian Siegel and Liam Noble

Celebrating the launch of new album, Você Passou Aqui (You Were Here), which was recorded in Iceland with some of the finest Icelandic musicians. Tonight celebrates the UK release of the album, with some truly fantastic musicians including one of the UK's most in demand sax players, Julian Siegel, and pianist/composer Liam Noble.

Ife Tolentino has played with John Parricelli, Ingrid Laubrock, Liam Noble, Julian Siegel, Paul Jayasinha, Paul Clarvis, Steve Lodder and many more.

• Sat 3 Aug | 8.30pm
•  £15
• Book online

Stan Tracey Trio

Jazz legend Stan Tracey's quirky, percussive piano style and his off-kilter compositions owe much to Thelonius Monk and are always compelling live. He's a rarity in British jazz, being one of the few instantly recognisable voices on the circuit, not to mention one of the country's all-time greatest jazz band leaders.

• Sun 4 Aug | 7.30pm
•  £9  
• Book online

Vocals @ Vortex

Open mic night hosted by Romy Summers and the Bob Stuckey Trio: Bob Stuckey (piano), Jerome Davies (bass), Cheryl Alleyne (drums)

Please arrive at 7pm if you wish to sing and speak to Romy. Policy is first come first served, but we do try and get all singers on the list.

Music starts at 7.30pm. Entrance £9 to singers and non singers. Please bring music in your key and a copy for each of the trio.

Short sets from Alma Lansiquot and another to be confirmed.

• Tue 6 Aug | 8.30pm
•  £9
• Book online

Martin Speake / Kit Downes / James Maddren / Calum Gourlay + Martin Speake / Douglas Finch

This evening's concert features two new collaborations from alto saxophonist Martin Speake.

The first set will be a completely improvised duo performance from Martin and classical pianist Canadian Douglas Finch. They met whilst teaching together at Trinity Laban in a project called Corridor's Of Improvisation. Douglas was head of keyboard from 1999-2007 and continues to teach piano and composition there. He has composed many works including piano pieces, string quartets and other chamber music. Alongside his composing he has collaborated with improvisors such as Naji Hakim, Eddie Prévost, Cindy Oswin and Peter Sheppard-Skaerved.

The second set will feature Martin's compositions performed by a new quartet with pianist Kit Downes, Calum Gourlay, James Maddren. Although they have played together many times individually in different projects this will be the first performance of the four of them together and will feature music from Martin's recent cd release 'Always A First Time' (Pumpkin).

"Speake is a strikingly talented improviser with a seemingly bottomless well of inspiration." - Encyclopedia of Popular Music

"Douglas Finch...one of the most amazing talents I've heard in years." Stuart Hamilton, Toronto Globe and Mail

"Kit Downes is the most impressive jazz pianist from England since John Taylor." - Hamburger Abendblatt

• Wed 7 Aug | 8.30pm
•  £10
• Book online

Jim Rattigan / Liam Noble/ Dylan Bates + Sophie Ramsay

Jim Rattigan, widely thought of as the UK's foremost jazz french horn player will be joined by Liam Noble on piano, Dylan Bates on violin and poet Sophie Ramsay for an evening of improvisation and spoken word. Performed by a combination of instruments you would expect in classical music but never in jazz, this is something of a special event.

The first set will comprise of improvisations on original compositions. The second set will be "Reverberance" by Jim Rattigan. A new work set to two poems by Sophie Ramsay.

"Rattigan...a brilliant and versatile jazz soloist on french horn and an interesting and questing composer/arranger" Ian Carr – Rough Guide To Jazz

"Noble is a supreme motivic improviser in the manor of of Thelonious Monk,Ornette Colman, Sonny Rollins and latterly, Brad Mehldau" John Fordham the Guardian

"Bates is one of the most exciting figures on the jazz scene...." Tom Barlow Jazzwise

"Sophie magically transports the audience..." Wil Mossop, Three Weeks

Jim Rattigan has performed all over the world as a jazz soloist and band member of various groups. These include the Michael Brecker Quindectet, Charlie Haden/Carla Bley Liberation Music Orchestra, McCoy Tyner Big Band, Django Bates Delightful Precipice ,The Creative Jazz Orchestra with Kenny Wheeler, Britten Sinfonia with Brad Mehldau, Mike Gibbs ensemble, The Hans Koller group, Simon Purcell Octet, Guy Barker Big Band, Julian Arguelles Ensemble, Mark Lockhearts' Scratch Band and with artists such as Bill Frisell, Steve Swallow, Bob Brookmeyer.

• Thu 8 Aug | 8.30pm
•  £10  
• Book online

Popside and The Vortex present…
Darren Hayman's Occupation

Show Two - Sun, Sea and Lidos

The second show of Darren Hayman’s new monthly (every second Thursday) residency at The Vortex.

A set featuring songs from Darren Hayman’s Great British Holiday EPs and also instrumental pieces from his more recent album "Lido".

Tickets are £10 and seating is limited so book early to guarantee yourself a spot and ticket holders will get a poster designed by Darren for each show.

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:

"I love gigs. I hate gigs.

I want to play live and I love what shows can be, but I’ve found myself frequently stifled by the limitations of my career. I can’t play the plush, seated venues and I can’t experiment with a string section or play 20 minute opuses.

My music was born in the sticky floored rock venue. I like the sticky floored rock venue but I have had a hankering for something different recently. My own taste has veered towards free improv and jazz and although it’s hard to imagine that music influencing my own I do love the culture of live music in this genre.

Long sets, sometimes two, comfortable venues and a reverence and respect for the event and the moment; less talking, less cameras, more dynamics, less microphones.

I wondered if these would let an indie rock interloper amongst their ranks. My show at the Vortex back in last November was successful enough to make me think of playing a monthly residency there.

The idea is that each show is themed. I don’t want to go the whole predictable route of playing complete albums, but rather group types of songs together for different evenings. Experiment, sometimes play two sets, sometimes have unlikely guests. I will be playing with members of my bands from throughout my career as well as old friends like the Wave Pictures and Allo Darlin.

The Venue is a beautiful venue. I’m trying to do something different; something, smaller, prettier. I hope you can come."

www.hefnet.com | @DarrenHayman | @ThePopside

• Wed 14 Aug | 7.30pm
•  £8  
• Book online

Penny Rimbaud's Last Amendment

Penny Rimbaud's Last Amendment continue their a bi-monthly residency with evenings of poetry, jazz and visuals. Predictable only in their unpredictability: improvisational journeys challenging the confines of morality, mores, law and regulation, religion, nation, gods, demons, human conceits and all the hopes and fears that they are designed to induce.

Featuring the now established band of Penny Rimbaud/voice, Louise Elliott/sax & flute, Kate Shortt/cello, Jennifer Maidman/guitars, with regular appearances from Eve Libertine, Chas Weber and invited guests.

 

Keith Tippett
3-night residency

Thu 15 - Sat 17 Aug

• Thu 22 Aug | 8.30pm
•  £10
• Book online

Evan Parker

Monthly Vortex residency with 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 for more.

"If you've ever been tempted by free improvisation, Parker is your gateway drug." Stewart Lee

 

 

• Sat 31 Aug | 8.30pm
•  £12  
• Book online

Ian Shaw

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." Bruce Lindsay, All About Jazz

 

 

September 2013

 

• Sun 1 Sep | 3.30pm
•  £5  
• Book online

MOJO

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 Ellington) through to the modern (Gordon Goodwin, Michel Camilo, NYJO, Tower of Power) there is sure to be something for everyone in this big band's dynamic set !

Back once again at their favourite venue the Vortex, this is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

• Mon 16 Sep | 8.30pm
•  £9
• Book online

Asaf Sirkis Trio

Kicking off a UK tour in support of new album 'Shepherd's Stories', this Vortex show promises to be really very special.

"Since arriving in London from Israel at the end of the end of the '90s, Asaf Sirkis has earned a reputation as one of the world's premier drummers" Ian Patterson, All About Jazz

"Asaf Sirkis sounding creatively freer and more dramatically inventive than ever on drums". John Fordham, The Guardian

"Sirkis is not only an inventive drummer but also a composer of rigour, wit and surprising delicacy" Chris Ingham, Mojo Magazine

Asaf Sirkis - Drums
Yaron Stavi - Bass
Tassos Spiliotopoulos - Guitar

 

• Mon 30 Sep | 8.30pm
•  £10
• Book online

Francois Bourassa Quartet + Stories

François Bourassa, composer and pianist, leads one of Canada’s most active recording and touring jazz ensembles. Being an international example for Canada’s contemporary jazz scene, the Francois Bourassa Quartet has received several prestigious Canadian prizes including the Juno, Felix and Opus awards and the Oscar Peterson Award at the Montreal International Jazz Festival.

On their 8th album, Idiosyncrasie (Effendi), the musicians explore the connection of contemporary jazz and 20th century music inspired by the harmonic concepts of composers such as Berg, Schoenberg and Webern. Here Bourassa and crew have found "...new levels of mystery, whimsy and passion, with more angles and space in its sound and an ever-deepening telepathy among its members." Bob Blumenthal, April 2011

"Killer, passionate playing from everybody" Exclaim Magazine, Canada

"A passionate musical architecture, including beautiful progressions, amazing rhythm changes... a pianist and composer totally inhabited by his music… a remarkable album that surprises from beginning to the end, in every way" JazzMan, France

Support comes from Simon Roth’s group Stories.

 

October 2013

 

• Wed 2 Oct | 8.30pm
•  £ 10  
• Book online

Match&Fuse presents WorldService Project + OZMA

Match&Fuse presents WorldService Project + OZMA

WorldService Project

After tearing paths all across Europe and the United States in 2013, WorldService Project are quickly becoming one of the rising star bands of the UK. Led by pianist/composer Dave Morecroft, WSP’s music speaks through dark, playful building passages, winding through dissonance, complex rhythmic manipulation and downright silliness. Other times it draws on the language of 20th Century Classical composers layered over boisterous grooves more commonly found in albums by heavy rock artists. In essence, imagine a (loud!) four-way cage match between Frank Zappa, Loose Tubes, Stravinsky and Meshuggah. The result is high-octane experimental but accessible music with a smile on its face.

WSP are Dave Morecroft - keys, Tim Ower - sax, Raph Clarkson - trombone, Conor Chaplin - bass, Liam Waugh - drums

"…tight, deftly structured and grittily grooving music…" John Fordham, The Guardian

OZMA

Riffs, counterpoints, explosions of sound... OZMA’s post jazz develops itself by drawing a precise art line, researching sensitive potentials and producing evocative energy. Living spaces of freedom, interactions, narrative developments and climates of fun... a whole program for a singular jazz show!

David Florsch - saxophones
Adrien Dennefeld - guitar
Edouard Séro-Guillaume - bass
Stéphane Scharlé - drums

• Sun 6 Oct | 3.30pm
•  £8
• Book online

E17 Large Ensemble + Solstice

An afternoon of new music from two of London's most exciting large ensembles.

E17 Large Ensemble

The flagship E17 jazz large ensemble is a fantastically exciting band which was formed in Autumn 2009 to play new music specifically written for the band by pianist Liam Noble, as well as compositions by local musicians. The band has performed at the London Jazz Festival and will be playing new original music written by Hans Koller this season.

Brigitte Beraha – Voice
Carlos Lopez-Real – Alto Sax / Clarinet
Tori Freestone – Tenor Sax / Flute
Rachel Musson – Tenor Sax / Flute
Josh kemp – Tenor Sax
Adam Bishop – Baritone Sax / Bass Clarinet
Joe Auckland – Trumpet
Robbie Robson – Trumpet
Gavin Broom – Trumpet
John Turville – Piano
Jez Franks – Guitar
Dave Manington – Bass
Nick Smalley – Drums

More info at e17jazz.com

Solstice

Members of Solstice write and play each other's pieces, influenced by the likes of Hermeto Pascoal, Pierre de Bethman, Brian Blade and Django Bates.

John Turville - Piano
Dave Manington - Bass
Brigitte Beraha - Vocals
Jez Franks - Guitar
Tori Freestone - Saxes/Flutes
George Hart - Drums

• Tue 29 Oct | 8.30pm
•  £ 9
• Book online

Nick Malcolm Quartet

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.

Nick Malcolm – Trumpet
Alexander Hawkins – Piano
Olie Brice – Bass
Mark Whitlam - Drums

"...some of the most promising musicians on the UK's new improv scene..." Londonjazz

"deserves to establish Nick Malcolm as a significant presence on the UK jazz scene..." Jazzmann

 

November 2013

 

• Sun 3 Nov | 3.30pm
•  £5  
• Book online

MOJO

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 Ellington) through to the modern (Gordon Goodwin, Michel Camilo, NYJO, Tower of Power) there is sure to be something for everyone in this big band's dynamic set !

Back once again at their favourite venue the Vortex, this is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

• Fri 8 Nov | 8.30pm
•  £ 12.50  
• Book online

Brother Face
[Liam Noble/Dave Whitford/Dave Wickins/Shabaka Hutchings/Chris Batchelor]

Liam Noble's new group expands the 'Brubeck' trio (with Dave Whitford and Dave Wickins) into a five piece, adding Chris Batchelor on trumpet and Shabaka Hutchings on clarinet and tenor.

The compositions steer a course between the avant garde and Tin Pan Alley, with influences from Prokofiev to Ed Blackwell to PJ Harvey, and the improvisational freedom within each piece means every performance aspires to be different.

"(Noble)…sets himself dauntingly high standards, then achieves them." Jon Turney, London Jazz Blog

"An ideal blend of tight focus and wide–ranging freedom" Ivan Hewett, The Daily Telegraph

 

December 2013

 

• Tue 3 Dec | 8.30pm
•  £ 10
• Book online

Frode Gjerstad / Paal Nilssen-Love / Jon Rune Strøm

Paal Nilssen-Love - drums
Jon Rune Strøm - bass
Frode Gjerstad - sax, clarinets

Paal and Frode grew up in Stavanger and have played together since Paal was 15 years old. Their first duo recording was released earlier this year: 180 gram vinyl on the Tyyfus label from Finland. This long lasting musical partnership is augmented by Jon Rune Strøm, who plays with many up and coming groups from Oslo.

Frode first became known to an international audience through his work with John Stevens and Johnny Dyani. Since then he has recorded with Borah Bergman, Bobby Bradford, William Parker, Hamid Drake, Peter Brotzmann and more.

Paal has played with some of the most amazing musicians: Brotzmann, Mats Gustavsson, Ken Vandermark, Evan Parker, Pat Metheny, Joe McPhee, etc and he is now traveling the world with the very best.

Jon Rune Strøm is one of the new leading bass voices of Norwegian jazz and improv. Known as an extreme high energy free player with extraordinary stamina, he's leant his bass muscle to both straight ahead jazz projects as well as free improvised settings such as Frode Gjerstad's trio with drummer Paal Nilssen-Love. Jon Rune is also working with other known improvisers including Mats Gustafsson, Ken Vandermark, Steve Swell and Raymond Strid.

• Mon 9 Dec | 8.30pm
•  £ 9
• Book online

Dominic Lash Quartet

This the London album launch show, celebrating the release of debut album, Opabinia, on the Babel label.

This quartet was started by Lash to play his original compositions, which move from intense free jazz to intricate compositions and hushed ballads – drawing inspiration in the process from musicians such as Anthony Braxton, Steve Lacy, William Parker and much more.

Dominic Lash - bass
Alexander Hawkins - piano
Javier Carmona - drums
Ricardo Tejero - reeds