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February programme

Gigs start at 8.30pm unless otherwise shown
Full details and online booking available now

 Indicates no members' discounts

• Sat 4 | 8.30pm
•  £12
• Book online

Ian Shaw

Named 'Best Jazz Vocalist' at the BBC Jazz Awards in both 2004 and 2007, Ian Shaw is one of the UK's finest male singers and his provocative and edgy style has made him a popular name at home and in the States. A natural-born entertainer beloved of Vortex audiences, his performances are intimate, informal affairs, notable for humorous interludes and waspish asides, all of which serve to enhance rather than detract from the excellence of his music.

• Sun 5 | Doors 7.00pm Start 7.30pm
•  £9
• Book online

Vocals@Vortex

Open-mic night hosted by Romy Summers with Bob Stuckey (piano), Cheryl Alleyne (drums) and Jerome Davies (bass).

NB – if you would like to sing please arrive at 7.00pm and speak to Romy. Bring music in your key for each of the trio if possible.

Arthur Kaletzky

A jazz enthusiast from an early age, Arthur has been singing and scatting jazz for some years. His biggest influences are Jon Hendricks, Karrin Allyson, Johnny Hartman, Paul Robeson, Yves Montand, Eddie Vinson,
Eddie Jefferson, Bill Evans and Stan Getz.

Carole Phillips

Carole's repertoire includes many of the familiar standards and lesser known gems and she has a fondness for a tune that raises a smile. 

• Mon 6 | 8.30pm
•  £8
• Book online

Mik Artistik

Take a look at the surreal punk, funk, electric comedy phenomenon that is Mik Artistik's Ego Trip. His stage persona ranges from amiable host to a wild-eyed lunatic, leaping into the audience to humour and scare almost at the same time.

A mysterious and shadowy figure in the smoky boozers of Leeds these past ten years, performance artist, proper artist and prankster Mik Artistik is rarely forgotten once encountered.

His show is chock full of surrealism, mystery, back handed poignancy and just plain daftness, or familiar melodies given Mik's own inimitable makeovers.

Performing alongside Mik in his own branded 'Rock 'n Roll Stand-up' are Jonny Flockton (guitar) and Benson Walker (bass).

"Mixing punk, funk and a whole host of familiar songs, Mik's lyrical dexterity and sense of fun makes any gig add up to a manic collision between John Shuttleworth, John Cooper Clarke and Johnny Vegas" (www.bbc.co.uk)

• Tue 7 | 8.30pm
•  £10
• Book online

Blow the Fuse double bill

Picnic

Led by guitarist Deirdre Cartwright with trombonist Annie Whitehead, Alison Rayner (double bass) and Winston Clifford (drums), Picnic play inspirational, upbeat jazz with South African and Latin influences.

Plus

Yazz Ahmed Quartet

Yazz Ahmed (trumpet and flugelhorn), has played alongside many internationally acclaimed jazz musicians, including Toshiko Akiyoshi, Rufus Reid, Laurence Cottle, and Sir John Dankworth.

With Lewis Wright (vibraphone), Dave Manington (bass guitar and loop station), Corrina Silvester (percussion), she will be performing music from her debut album ‘Finding My Way Home’ – compositions and improvisations exploring the music of her Arabic heritage, contrasted with British jazz from the 1950s which she was introduced to by her grandfather, jazz trumpeter, Terry Brown.

• Wed 8 | 8.30pm
•  £8
• Book online

Josh Arcoleo

'Beginnings' album launch

Tenor saxophonist Josh Arcoleo is an exceptional musician with an authoritative and commanding sound. Having studied with James Brown alumnus Pee Wee Ellis, and claiming Ellis’ one time tutor Sonny Rollins and the great Joe Henderson as influences, it is no surprise that Arcoleo has adopted a strong and wide sound.

Tonight Arcoleo launches his debut album, 'Beginnings' released on Edition Records with Ivo Neame (piano), Calum Gorlay (double bass) and James Maddren (drums).

Beginnings is one of the most complete debut albums to emerge in a long time – immediately modern and assured, yet the entire tradition of jazz’s first instrument flows through it. 

• Thur 9 | 8.30pm
•  £11
• Book online

Muntu Valdo

Muntu Valdo’s music is rooted in the blues, mixing African traditions with modernity and technical mastery. His solo set juxtaposes his raw, passionate voice and emotive melodies with an ingenious use of loops, samples and effects.

He has played with some of the great names of African music including Ali Farka Touré and Manu Dibango, toured with Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Congolese superstars Staff Benda Bilili, and collaborated with the likes of alt-folk singer Alasdair Roberts and Damon Albarn’s Africa Express.

Muntu’s debut album Gods & Devils was described by NME as “a rapturous record that shudders with joy and passion.”

"The crowd were treated to Muntu Valdo's guitar magic. Sauntering on stage with a springy step, softly picking at his guitar and blowing in his harmonica, he resembled a youthful, latter-day Bob Dylan. But his music is from a different stream. Using a box of tricks to double-track his guitar and voice live, he added layers of sound to create full-textured, soft songs about peace, love and Cameroonian witchcraft that charmed the audience” (Financial Times).

Kadialy Kouyate

Kadialy Kouyate performs original music inspired by the West African griot repertoire. Born into the great line of Kouyate griots in Southern Senegal, Kadialy first made a name for himself in the UK with both his solo performances and success with steel pan player Fimber Bravo.

Kadialy’s new ensemble features an outstanding group of London-based musicians. With their upcoming album Teriya and successful performances at the Southbank Centre, the Shambala Festival and the London African Music Festival, Kadialy Kouyate is a star to watch.

“Senegalese kora virtuoso/singer Kadialy Kouyate showcases his fleet-fingered skills on this mesmerizing instrument, complementing it with his hauntingly, darkly beautiful voice, to create a Toumani Diabate-meets-Youssou N’Dour sound" (Time Out).

• Fri 10 | 8.30pm
•  £6 adv. £8 door
• Book online

Supa Fine Night

Live soul and jazz hosted by DJ Speedy who also provides jazz, soul, funk & nu soul grooves & beats.

Ant Law Quartet

London-based jazz guitarist Ant Law has toured internationally with the “Thriller Live!” show, Leon Ware, Steve Brookstein and Camille O’Sullivan (with whom he recorded a live CD at the Royal Festival Hall). He also plays modern jazz in the Paul Riley Quintet.

Ant Law (guitar), Jim Funnell (piano), Calum Gourlay (bass) and James Maddren (drums).

Shanice Smith

A student at The BRIT School Performing Arts and Technology School, Shanice is a gospel singer who accompanies herself on guitar and piano.

Albert Ball's Flying Aces

Early ragtime, jazz and blues, French and German polkas and chansons, dance numbers and laments, popular song, music hall rabble-rousers and sentimental ballads, in the manner of the original Great War era band.

Led by Nicholas D. Ball (drums/vocals), Simon Marsh (saxophone/clarinet), Miss Ellie Smith (trombone/spoons), Matthew Redman (banjo/guitar), Jonathan Butterfield (pianoforte) and Richard Evans (sousaphone).

• Sat 11 | 8.30pm
•  £12
• Book online

Christine Tobin sings Cohen

A Thousand Kisses Deep

A concert of Leonard Cohen songs with a sprinkling of other classics from BBC award-winning vocalist Christine Tobin, guitarist Phil Robson and double bassist Dave Whitford.

Leonard Cohen is considered to be one of the greatest songwriters of the 20th century and Christine Tobin is acknowledged both here and on the international scene as one of the finest interpreters of his work.

As the Guardian's John L. Walters writes, "Christine is inspiring on her own material. But she is in a class of her own singing Leonard Cohen". Her "24 carat voice" and captivating arrangements are spellbinding, ploughing the depths and expressing the poetry of his lyrics with unalloyed soulfulness.

As well as the title song of the concert the programme will include favourites such as Everybody Knows, Tower Of Song, Dance Me To The End of Love, Hey That's No Way To Say Goodbye and many more. Lose yourself in the stories of these great songs brought to life by this world class trio.

"Sexy, gutsy, bluesy and beautiful". (Lionel Schriver, Orange prize-winning author of 'We Need To Talk About Kevin'). 

• Sun 12 | 8.30pm
•  £10
• Book online

Michael Chapman

With more than 40 years of touring the world under his belt, Michael is something of an acoustic guitar legend, particularly with younger players, who are amazed by his blend of folk, roots and Americana playing. His is an intricate and fascinating guitar style, appreciated by all guitarists.

Michael is also a fine lyricist with carefully observed material that is and universal enough to appeal to the melancholic in all of us. Nodding as much to Big Bill Broonzy's blues as Bob Dylan’s singer songwriter ballads, Michael's evocative material has been covered widely by many diverse performers.

“This man is so laid back that he makes JJ Cale sound like he's on helium."

• Mon 13 | 8.30pm
•  £5 (no concs)
• Book online

Jennifer Williams & band
performing RH Factor (Roy Hargrove)

This line up of up-and-coming jazz students at the Guildhall School of Music, put on a night of funk & fusion.

Led by vocalist Jennifer Williams, they will be playing some of the favorites made famous by Roy Hargrove and his group The RH Factor, full of soulful melodies, memorable riffs and strong grooves.

The band includes Jo Wallfish (backing vocals), James Rose (keys/piano), Gili Lopez (electric bass), James Nall (drums), Caspar Sutton-Jones (tenor saxophone) and Henry Spencer (trumpet).

Plus

Caspar Sutton-Jones (tenor saxophone), Fabio De Oliveira (drums), Rob Brockway (synths) and Gili Lopez (electric bass), play a set of acclaimed tunes by the Yellowjackets.

• Tue 14 | 8.30pm
•  £13
• Book online

Valentine's Night with Barb Jungr

Barb Jungr celebrates Valentine's day at the Vortex with a selection of the most beautiful love songs in the English language. From Porter to Presley, Dylan, Cohen, Mitchell and more, Britain's premier song stylist will sing the romance into 2012.

Just voted 'The Best Cabaret Act of 2011' by Time Out New York, "The extraordinary English singer didn’t just cover Bob Dylan’s songs; she uncovered and discovered them with exuberant musical insight."

Barb's Valentine at The Vortex is an annual treat, and as always Barb is accompanied by the superb pianist Jenny Carr.

"Jungr never follows the obvious route: the subtle criss-crossing of jazz, folk and rock influences may well give purists nightmares. The lyrics glow even brighter, however, and the musicianship is never less than first rate" (The Times).

• Wed 15 | 8.30pm
•  £10
• Book online

Phronesis

A rare chance to catch “one of the most exciting bands on the planet today” (Jazzwise), at the London venue they call their 'home', before they embark on a spring tour of Spain, France, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.

Since their last appearance at the Vortex, the charismatic Scandinavian / British trio has received an outstanding reception on their first tour of North America, including Ottawa and Montreal Jazz Festivals and the legendary Jazz Standard club in New York.

Danish bass-player Jasper Høiby, British pianist Ivo Neame and Swedish drummer Anton Eger perform lyrical originals by all three members of the band, juggling intricate rhythmic ideas, compelling grooves and improvisational virtuosity.

• Thur 16
•  
•  

Closed for a private function

Partager Jazz & Improvised Music Festival

• Sun 19 | 4.00pm
•  £8
• Book online

London Jazz Orchestra – 'New Vortex Sessions'

Continuing their 21st season of monthly Vortex gigs.

The LJO, directed by Scott Stroman, is "as fine a band as you can find anywhere" (Independent), and these up-close-and-personal sessions have become a fixture on the London scene.

Expect to hear great writing and great soloing from a band that includes many of London's top soloists and writers, including Martin Speake, Josephine Davies, Pete Hurt, Henry Lowther, Noel Langley, Robbie Robson, Trevor Lines, Pete Beachill, Alec Dankworth, Paul Clarvis...plus newly discovered talent.

• Sun 19 | 8.30pm
•  £8
• Book online

Mopomoso – the very best in free improvisation

Celebrating the club's 21st anniversary year, Mopomoso presents a concert featuring some of the finest players in Europe today.

Nina De Heney & Lisa Ullen

The highly-accomplished and critically acclaimed Swedish duo, Nina De Heney (bass) and Lisa Ullen (piano), make their UK debut.

‘Tonal creations carved out of raw sound material, sometimes familiar, often quite new to the ear, yet each full of wonder, full of surprise and fragile beauty’.

Gianni Mimmo & Harri Sjoestrom

Two masters of the soprano saxophone share a lyrical and melodic understanding second to none.

En route to promote the CD 'Live in Bauchhund', this is their only UK appearance and not to be missed. Pure inventiveness!

John Butcher, Dominic Lash & John Russell

Back from a year in New York, Dominic Lash (bass) rejoins John Butcher (sax) and John Russell (guitar) to continue the work of this fine trio. Drawing on all sonic aspects, their music is an immediate and multi-faceted journey of surprise.

• Mon 20 | 8.30pm
•  £10
• Book online

Cuong Vu, Bob van Luijt & Yonga Sun

Cuong Vu is widely recognized by jazz critics as a leader of a generation of innovative musicians. A truly unique musical voice, Cuong has lent his trumpet playing talents to a wide range of artists including Pat Metheny, Laurie Anderson, David Bowie, Dave Douglas, Myra Melford, Cibo Matto, and Mitchell Froom.

Cuong was invited to do a tour in Europe with bass guitarist Bob van Luijt and drummer Yonga Sun.

Bob van Luijt has toured and worked with musicians including Eric Vloeimans, Jasper van ’t Hof, Sebastiaan Cornelissen, Jacob ter Velduis (JacobTV), Bryan Baker and others.

Drummer Yonga Sun is the winner of the prize for "Best Soloist" at the North Sea Jazz festival and has worked with a number of great musicians.

• Tue 21 | 8.30pm
•  £12/£6 students
• Book online

Perfect Houseplants

Perfect Houseplants – Huw Warren (piano), Mark Lockheart (saxes), Dudley Phillips (bass) and Martin France (drums) – was formed in 1992 and has released six albums to critical acclaim, including collaborations with The Orlando Consort and recorder player Pamela Thorby.

They play original music drawn from diverse traditions, giving their music ‘a distinctive British sound ’ (Downbeat).

All of the members have released solo albums, and this is their first London gig for some time, playing a lot of new music, and some old favourites.
‘This band is perilously close to becoming a national treasure’ (Mojo).

• Wed 22 | 8.30pm
•  £10
• Book online

Gypsy / East European Night

Daphna Sadeh – 'Born in Parallel'

We are happy to welcome back the fabulous Daphna Sadeh who will be performing her new composition 'Born In Parallel' which fuses World music, jazz and Baroque.

Comprising both jazz and Middle Eastern musicians, Stewart Curtis (flute, soprano sax), Soufian-Saihi (oud), Hilary Michael (Baroque violin), Mark Bassey (trombone) and Guy Schalom (percussion), and led by Daphna (double bass), this promises to be a rich and rewarding evening.

• Thur 23 | 8.30pm
•  £10
• Book online

Evan Parker Quartet

A programme of jazz-inflected free improvisation with saxophonist Evan Parker, Percy Pursglove (trumpet), Adam Linson (bass) and Tony Marsh (drums).

"Parker's snake-like sax explores the infinite possibilities of free improvisation with circular breathing, harmonics, chords, and unbroken rhythmic note patterns – all incredibly exciting and engaging live, even to the improv layman" (Time Out).

• Fri 24 | 8.30pm
•  £6 adv / £8 door
• Book online

Ghetto Lounge – Seeds of Creation

'Hackney Vibes' album launch

Founded by Seddik Zebiri, Seeds of Creation draw on the lead man’s Algerian roots, well-travelled background and experience.

Seeds of Creation brew an excellent blend of traditional Berber music fused with blues, jazz and raw psychadelic sounds that will transport you deep into the heart of the Sahara.

Of course you mustn’t forget the dance floor opening straight afterwards for some serious dancing to Arabic, Afro-Blues Fusion sounds. So rest up…you’ll need the energy!

• Sat 25 | 8.30pm
•  £12
• Book online

The Great Wee Band

With guest Stan Sulzmann

Tonight’s appearance of the Great Wee Band – Henry Lowther (trumpet and flugelhorn), Jim Mullen (guitar), Stu Butterfield (drums) and Dave Green (bass) – with guest Stan Sulzmann, is to launch their new CD, 'Light Blue'.

Their last CD, 'The Sound Of Music', was chosen by four critics in 2010 as their CD of the year and Light Blue has already received rave reviews prior to its release.

"Warm, relaxed, subtle and unfailingly melodic, their combined sound is irresistible" (Dave Gelly – The Observer).

• Sun 26 | Doors 3.30 start 4.00pm
•  £5
• Book online

NYJO at the Vortex

The first night of a new residency – The National Youth Jazz Orchestra is one of Britain’s longest running and most successful ensembles for young people, playing big band jazz and offering a unique learning experience for under 25’s.

Alumni include Guy Barker, Dennis Rollins, Julian Arguelles, Amy Winehouse and Tom Cawley – which gives an idea of why Johnnie Dankworth is famously quoted as saying ‘forget the word youth, this is one of the best bands you will ever hear’.

As a major supporter of British jazz composers through regular commissions including that of Paul Hart, Julian Joseph,Tim Garland, Nikki Iles and Jason Yarde, the orchestra’s repertoire features new and innovative works by band members, such as Callum Au and Chris Whiter, alongside favourite standards that make up ‘The Great American Songbook’ and ‘The Great British Songbook’. A legacy that has seen NYJO put down over 40 recordings to date.

2012 looks to be a ground-breaking year for NYJO with significant changes taking effect in programming, artistic policy and recruitment for NYJO 1, the main gigging band.

Tonight the orchestra will perform a contemporary programme, featuring small groups of NYJO players and concluding every session with a jam featuring some of the finest players on the London scene.

• Sun 26 | 8.30pm
•  £7 adv / £8 door
• Book online

Seaming To

Performing the first set, Seaming has contributed her unique vocals to music with Robert Wyatt, Jean Claude Vannier, Leila, Homelife, Graham Massey, Herbaliser and Cinematic Orchestra.

With rich, lush orchestral and cinematic writing, blending classical instruments with the electronic, she will be performing works from her forthcoming album and a new work commissioned by the Chinese Arts Centre, entitled 'Songs for My Grandmother'.

For this new project she will be joined by her mother, the classical pianist Enloc Wu, and together they will perform songs portraying the lives of three generations, using vintage electronics, clarinet, 18th Century celeste and analog synths.

'Songs' has been commissioned by Chinese Arts Centre and supported by the PRS Foundation.

“When she sings, puts the rest of the band in the shade. A tiny woman with a pixie haircut and euphoric smile, To only has to open her mouth for her astounding, operatic voice to float out…Her singing is beautiful enough to make you wish the rest of the musicians would drop out of their groove for a moment” (The Guardian).

Leon Michener & Mark Sanders

Leon Michener is a London-based improvising pianist and composer whose work spans many idioms and genres. He will be joined in a duo by Mark Sanders in a set that features original compositions and deconstructions of selected Chopin Etudes and improvisations on material especially composed for the event by contemporary classical composers.

"Leon Michener has created something totally original" (The Observer).

Partager Jazz & Improvised Music Festival

• Tue 28 | 8.30pm
•  £8
• Book online

Township Comets

The Comets play the searing, joyous music of saxophonist Dudu Pukwana, a towering figure in township jazz and the European free scene.

"I heard the Township Comets playing Dudu Pukwana's music, and Chris McGregor's legacy, and that was fantastic too. It was really like hearing those wonderful bands with Dudu in all over again" (John Fordham).

• Wed 29 | Doors 7.30pm start 8.00pm
•  £7.50
• Book online

Rue Royale

Like an early 20th-century Elliott from ET (minus the BMX basket/alien), a be-suited man flies through the sky on his bone-shaker bicycle. He’s clutching two clothes lines of flags that spell out ‘Guide To An Escape’.

The cartoon cover art of Rue Royale’s second album perfectly sums up the Anglo-American outfit’s self-propelled adventure.

Driven in every sense of the word, Ruth and Brooklyn Dekker have amassed 80,000 miles on the road in Europe alone since the release of their first eponymously-titled LP in 2008.

Meanwhile, without the backing of a label or manager, between tours the couple has rustled up a cottage industry at their cozy Nottingham home.

Together they’ve printed, snipped, sewed and stuffed 7,500 Rue Royale CDs, including 500 pre-orders for ‘Guide To An Escape’ – carving out a tunnel in the tarmac to their local Post Office.

Dog Ears

The solo project of Mat Baynton of Special Benny, Matt recently released a debut EP 'So It Goes'.

 

Next month

March

Coming soon

Details of gigs coming up soon

Special events

Details of special gigs coming up later in the year

Download February

Email list

Monday 6 February

Mik Artistik

 Details and booking

Thursday 9 February

Muntu Valdo

 Details and booking

Sunday 12 February

Michael Chapman

 Details and booking

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