The Vortex Jazz Club, 11 Gillett Square, London N16 8AZ | Bookings 020 7254 4097 | Email Info at Vortex

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Concessionary rates

A reduction of £2 (on the door price shown), from Monday to Thursday inclusive only, for members of:
- The National Union of Students
- Musicians Union
- unemployed

Please note that concessionary tickets can only be purchased at the door and proof of identity will be required.

Starting times

Doors open at 8pm

Gigs start at 8.30pm unless shown otherwise.

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July 2009 programme

Gigs start at 8.30pm unless otherwise shown. 

Saturday 4 | 8.30pm | £12 | Book online

Barb Jungr

Britain's premier song stylist Barb Jungr has just returned from a sellout run at New York's prestigious Cafe Carlyle for which she received rave reviews – 'Sensational' (The New York Times), 'One of the very best nightclub singers in the world' (Time Out New York).

She returns to the Vortex with a stunning July 4th, Independence Day, programme of songs taken from her six Linn Records releases – featuring material from Yip Harburg to Leonard Cohen, Cole Parter to Marc Cohn.

The Independent on Sunday put Barb in their hot 100 things in Britain, saying 'she's reached beyond cult status and is tantalisingly close to mass attention with her jazzy versions of Dylan, Elvis and Nina Simone. Check out her singing 'Like a Rolling Stone' on YouTube. Then quickly get the back catalogue for your dinner party'.

For tonight's gig she will be accompanied by pianist Jenny Carr and multi-instrumentalist, Jessica Lauren.

Sunday 5 | 8.30pm | £10 | Book online

Nikki Yeoh Solo Gemini

Pianist Nikki Yeoh has performed internationally with Courtney Pine, John Surman, Eddie Harris, Alexander O'Neill, Fred Wesley, The Roots and Cleveland Watkiss – to name but a few. Tonight's gig is a rare opportunity to catch Nikki in a solo setting.

'If she didn't love music as unpredictable and personal as jazz, Nikki Yeoh would be a household name by now" (John Fordham – The Guardian).

Monday 6 | 8.30pm | £8 | Book online

Louis Moholo - Moholo Unit - CD Launch

Eagerly awaited return of the South African master drummer and his Unit with a special cause for celebration – the launch of their new CD 'An Open Letter to My Wife Mpumi' on Ogun Records.

The all-star line-up (which we are proud to say, first came together at the Vortex), features Jason Yarde and Ntshuks Bonga (saxes), Orphy Robinson (vibes), Pule Pheto (piano) and John Edwards (bass). 

Tuesday 7 | 8.30pm | £8 | Book online

Clara Sanabras and The Real Lowdown

Recently acclaimed for her collaboration with Natacha Atlas, Clara Sanabras plays tonight with her band The Real Lowdown (Harvey Brough, Andy Hamill, Dylan Bates & Roy Dodds).

'You can imagine Clara Sanabras's new group being a big hit with Radio 2 listeners, folkies, Prommers, Jools-watchers, Womad-goers…Sanabras's vocals can change dramatically within songs, swooping from intimate lower registers to high-pitched drama, at times recalling Fairground Attraction' (John Walters – The Guardian). 

Wednesday 8 | Class 8.00pm – Music 9.15pm | £15* | Book online

Vintage Brazil Samba Night

After the success of the first dancing gig back in March, Mônica Vasconcelos and Vintage Brazil are back with a series of monthly dance evenings at the Vortex.

Inspired by her teenage years back in São Paulo, when she used to go out to see the 'mestres paulistanos' play for dancing crowds, Mônica has put together her own select group of master musicians from Brazil, England and Uruguay to play vintage Brazilian classics and some originals.

There will also be a dance class (included in the ticket price) prior to the gig. Two dance teachers will be on hand to show you the moves.

With Steve Lodder (piano and keys), Andres Lafone (bass), Guille Hill (guitar) and Marius Rodrigues (drums).

*Special offer ticket for Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 – £20

Thursday 9 | 8.30pm | £8* | Book online

Sambura

Sambura are a Brazilian group based in London which explores funk, salsa and of course Brazilian music. All four members of the group come from Brazil bringing their own 'musical luggage' reflecting the strong regional characteristics of the music.

'World jazz at its best. Exhilarating, uplifting, life affirming music from the planet via London' (**** The Jazz Mann.com)

*Special offer ticket for Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 – £20

Friday 10 | 8.30pm | £12 | Book online

Liane Carroll

Having picked up just about every British jazz award going in the last few years, Liane has been recognised by critics and fans alike as one of our very finest jazz singers. '...gigs featuring singers are generally hugely enjoyable, informal affairs, and in Liane Carroll, the tradition finds one of its most skilful exponents. Humourous banter slips imperceptibly into medleys of originals, material by the likes of Leonard Cohen and Tom Waits...' (Chris Parker). 

Saturday 11 | 8.30pm | £10 | Book online

Robert Mitchell's Panacea

With Influences drawing on jazz, classical, R&B and broken-beat stylings, Panacea have released two critically acclaimed albums – Voyager and Trust – and tonight they will be unveiling material to be recorded for the forthcoming third album.

The group have been nominated for Best Session (Gilles Peterson Worldwide 2006), earned Robert a Best Newcomer nomination (BBC Jazz Awards 2002) and won the BBC Jazz Innovation Award (as part of the F-ire Collective 2004).

They have performed at North Sea Jazz (2006) and the Vienne Jazz Festival (2008) amongst many others.

Robert Mitchell (keys), Deborah Jordan (vocals), Tom Mason (basses) and Shaney Forbes (drums).

With support from...

Dan Whieldon

Winner of the Nottingham National Jazz Piano Competition 2008, Dan studied classical piano in Birmingham but soon moved into a jazz direction taking lessons with Liam Noble and Hans Koller followed by a masters in Jazz at the Brussels Royal Conservatoire.

He’s very active on the jazz scene having accompanied amongst others, Bobby Wellins, Art Themen, Alan Barnes, Simon Spillett, Tim Garland, Gilad Atzmon, Steve Waterman, Jiggs Whigham, Tina May and Lee Gibson. A pianist with a bright future and one to watch.

Sunday 12 | 8.30pm | £9 | Book online

Elan Mehler & Adam McBride-Smith

Called 'disorienting and fascinating' by MOJO magazine and a 'refreshingly slow answer to our trashy nanosecond pop culture' by Time Out London, Elan Mehler, the pianist and star discovery of Radio 1’s Gilles Peterson, has recently released 'After Suite', his second album on Brownswood Recordings.

The 'After Suite' is a follow up to the Brooklyn native’s critically acclaimed debut, 'Scheme For Thought'. 'If it might have seemed rather too breathless to have hailed a debut as a masterpiece, the temptation cannot be resisted second time out. The After Suite is a masterpiece with a capital M' (AllAboutJazz).

While working together on The After Suite, Elan Mehler and singer/composer Adam McBride-Smith discovered a rich vein of musical material in the melding of their compositional styles and this will be their premier performance in London.

Monday 13 | 8.30pm | £8 | Book online

Greg Lyons

A rare chance to catch British nomad saxophonist Greg Lyons in the UK, presenting the band he is currently recording a CD with. This will be the only UK appearance of this band featuring his London rhythm section of Dudley Phillips (bass) and Nic France (drums), with the guitar of John Parricelli, plus the outstanding French pianist Pierre de Bethmann, flying in specifically for this gig and the recording.

The material they will be presenting features mostly originals of Greg’s from a funk/Latin bag with a few odd meters here and there, lots of melodic and groove strength with some great soloists. 'A treat for the whole barnyard!'

Tuesday 14 | 8.30pm | £9 | Book online

Ingrid Laubrock & Liam Noble

Exploring the common ground between spontaneous improvisations and song forms, saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock and pianist Liam Noble bring both lyrical warmth to the former and a fluid logic to the music of Monk, Mingus, Konitz and others.

Two experienced and creative musicians with attitude, lyricism and expression, ready to walk on a tightrope if necessary…

Wednesday 15 | 8.30pm | £8 | Book online

The Illuminations

A group of extraordinary musicians who draw inspiration from the darkest crevices and the brightest corners of the human psyche. Their music is by turns beautiful, disturbing and playful. Matt Bowmer (vocals, rhythm guitar), Chris Tutton (vocals, lead guitar), Ewan King (vocals, piano, violin, accordion), James Cave (vocals, bass, cello) + guests on drums, trumpet and backing vocals.

Thursday 16 | 8.30pm | £8 | Book online

Evan Parker Trio

Saxophonist Evan Parker’s regular free improvisation residency with bassist John Edwards and drummer Tony Marsh. ‘In solo appearances, Parker generally sticks to soprano, but in a trio setting he operates on tenor – buzzing, surging, scribbling and occasionally whispering. Edwards scrabbles and booms and at odd moments produces percussive slaps from his bass, but it is Marsh who binds the whole together...’
(Chris Parker).

Friday 17 | 8.30pm | £9 | Book online

Speakers Corner Quartet

Biscuit (flute), Kwake (drums), Kahlil (cello) and Jerelle (contrabass) present their unique view of the universe.

The quartet started out as house band at the infamous hip hop/spoken word open mic night 'speakers corner' in Brixton. The members of the band are firm believers in the mental, physical and spiritual power of music and their stated aim is "to relay truth, wisdom and energy to the listener and allow inspiration to flower in the belief that universal transcendence can and will take place."

United Vibrations

Originally labeled a 'ska, funk band', the quartet – Kareem (electric bass), Ahmad (trombone), Yusef (drums) and Wayne (sax) – have since jointly (with Speakers Corner Quartet) pioneered the genre, '12-tone'.

12-tone is a unique dance music that draws on the rhythms of the world to form a highly infectious sound that has no boundaries – combining the intelligence of jazz with the rawness of punk.

"12-tone reflects the high tempo, multi-cultural frenzy of London, the home of all the bands members. We spread the message of ONE LOVE, and PEACE with our music and actions. We have been heavily influenced by Ravi Shankar, MF Doom, Olivier Messiaen, Fela Kuti, Sun Ra and Bob Marley and the Wailers.'"

Saturday 18 | 8.30pm | £12 | Book online

Ian Shaw

The UK’s premier male vocalist, doing what he does best: singing solo (or with hand-picked accompanists, such as guitarist Dave Preston), drink in hand, in a relaxed, intimate setting. The onstage patter, enlightening, witty, occasionally wickedly scurrilous, would be worth the price of admission alone, but Shaw is also a superb performer of both other people’s songs and his own, intimate snapshots.

Sunday 19 | 8.30pm | £7/4 | Book online

Mopomoso

This months’ Mopomoso comprises three duos and a trio that highlight the various ways in which small groups exhibit not only the detailed minutiae of close interaction but also the power and excitement of much larger bands.

Nusch Werchowska / Guylaine Cosseron

Nusch Werchowska began classical piano studies at the University of Grenoble but graduated towards jazz and free improvisation working extensively with dancers and collaborating with Barre Phillips, Le Quan Ninh and Bertrand Guaget.

She is joined by vocalist Guylaine Cosseron, a singer equally at home in jazz, popular, contemporary and improvised music.

Kay Grant / Oren Marshall / Gail Brand

Vocalist Kay Grant’s trio features two of the UK's leading players.

Pioneering tuba player Oren Marshall has worked with a wide range of musicians from Moondog to Derek Bailey. Trombonist Gail Brand has a deservedly high reputation as a band leader, composer and improviser. '...one of the most passionate and dynamic musicians alive' (Time Out).

Martin Hackett / Pat Thomas

Having spent a considerable time on the continent, Martin Hackett’s intelligent and inventive approach to electronic keyboards is perhaps not as well known to local audiences as it should be, so we are delighted to be able to present him here.

He has teamed up with the extraordinary Pat Thomas, a gifted and original musician who never fails to delight, in a duo that promises to both caress and shake the sonic spectrum in equal measure.

Tanja Feichtmair / John Russell

Tanja Feichtmair (saxophone) and John Russell (guitar) have been playing both as a duo and in larger groups in Europe for a number of years after first meeting at the annual Ulrichsberg festival in Austria.

Tanja has also played with amongst others Damon Smith, Anthony Braxton’s tri-centric ensemble, and percussionists Gino Robair and Roger Turner. A fiery and inventive improviser, Tania is also a gifted composer and the duo with Russell leaves no stone unturned in a dynamic journey of warmth, humour and musicality.

Monday 20 | 8.30pm | £8 | Book online

Dave Jones Trio

Pianist/composer Dave Jones is joined by Ashley John-Long (bass) and Gethin Jones (drums) for the London launch of the Dave Jones Trio ‘Impetus’ CD.

'…Jones is a vigorous but elegant pianist, never flashy or glib, but none the less fluent and inventive for that; his ballads are suitably lyrical, his tone glowing and burnished, and his more up-tempo material draws suitably powerful solos from him. All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable album from a sensitive but vibrant band' (Chris Parker)

plus...

South Trio

The South Trio are a modern piano/bass/beats act with a lot of energy – hence the title of their debut album, ‘Sugar Rush’! Led by William South (credits include composing the music for hit TV show‘Hustle’ among other shows and films as well as leading globally successful jazz ‘n breaks band Heavyshift) on piano with rising star Eddie Hick (Gilad Atzmon, Omar Puente, Tomorrow’s Warriors) on drums and teenage urban bass groover Ashley Molloy South holding down the groove. Already getting airplay on Jazz FM through Mike Chadwick and features in Jazzwise the band are returning following a sell out show in April.

Tuesday 21 | 8.30pm | £9 | Book online

Gypsy / East European Night

Dunajska Kapelye

Piotr Jordan (violin), Viktor Obsust (double bass) and Jez Cook (guitar). More sublime strings and stirring Balkan tunes from this magical trio.

'Can't help but leave you with a big stupid grin on your face' (Metro). 'For unassuming virtuosity, Dunajska Kapelye are hard to beat' (Chris Parker).

Wednesday 22 | 8.30pm | £8 | Book online

Westcott & Rodway

Guitarist Adam Westcott, accompanied by pianist Will Rodway, produce an innovative blend of melodic flamenco and improvised piano.

Adam Westcott has always been immersed in the music of Nirvana, Jeff Buckley and Muse, but it was his time in Spain that really opened his eyes to the potential of the acoustic guitar. Will Rodway grew up on an eclectic diet of 'old-skool' hip-hop, jazz and rock music, swaying from one genre to the other.

Their debut album, 'All In Good Time', is the perfect document of their current musical explorations, displaying their fine technique and skill in composition.

Thursday 23 | 8.30pm | £8 | Book online

Mishka Adams Laro Nights

Featuring Kadialy Kouyate

Singer Mishka Adams’ monthly residency at the Vortex continues! Senegalese Kora virtuoso/singer Kadialy Kouyate leads an acoustic quartet – Fred Thomas (d/bass), Lucy Railton (cello), and Ben Bryant (percussion) – showcasing his fleet-fingered skills on this mesmerising instrument, to create a sound akin to Toumani Diabate meets Youssou N’Dour.

The Mishka Adams Band, featuring Jon Scott (drums), Andrew Woolf (sax), Esben Tjalve (piano) and Tom Farmer (bass), play a set of lyrical original music and there will be some collaboration between the artists to look forward to.

Friday 24 | 8.30pm | £5 | Book online

The Annie Whitehead World Music Workshop
Big Band

Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to experience some of the most exciting big band music from around the world... and all in one joyful evening!

Under the direction of trombone virtuoso and composer Annie Whitehead, this workshop big band forms part of the outreach programme of the Vortex Jazz Club.

The line-up has been playing for over five years and rehearses weekly throughout term time. They are supported by an exceptional rhythm section including Jennifer Maidman (bass), Mark Huggett (drums), Caroline Rowlinson (percussion) and Trevor Wells (guitar).

The group will perform works from Africa, Cuba & the Carribean, America and the UK, by composers as diverse as Ellington, Don Drummond, Dudu Pukwana and Herbie Hancock. They will also premiere a new work by our own Peter Clark and two new arrangements by Paul Bartholomew of Mbawula.

Early booking is advised. Enjoy!

'Jazz pick of the week: Classic American, South African and UK jazz, played by 20-horn workshop band led by lyrical trombonist Whitehead' (Guardian Guide).

Saturday 25 | 8.30pm | £12 | Book online

John Etheridge Quartet

Guitarist 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".

A prodigiously gifted and creative player, John's 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, Soft Machine, John Williams, Dizzie Gillespie, Nigel Kennedy, Pat Metheny, Barney Kessel and countless others.

High-voltage, contemporary music with an edge featuring saxophonist Julian Siegel, Dudley Phillips (bass) and Mark Fletcher (drums).

Sunday 26 | 8.30pm | £8 | Book online

Strigalev / Ramm Quartet

Modern jazz from edgy modern Russian saxophonist Strigalev and F-IRE Collective alumni Nick Ramm, a keyboardist best known for his work with The Cinematic Orchestra and Seb Rochford’s Fulborn Teversham with Gene Calderazzo (drums) and bass (tbc). Playing music from the current CD, 'off the cut'. ‘(Strigalev)...a composer of unpretentious, immediately accessible, bright but funky tunes, and – most importantly for his live act – an irrepressible soloist’ (Chris Parker).

Monday 27 | 8.30pm | £8 | Book online

Jonathan Bratoëff album launch

Celebrating the release of 'Chapters' (on F-IRE Records) – the fourth album of F-IRE Collective member Jonathan Bratoëff, featuring drummer Chris Vatalaro.

The first set of the evening will be a duo with Chris Vatalaro and the second set features the Quintet – Jonathan Bratoëff (guitar), Andre Canniere (trumpet), Gideon Brazil (tenor sax), Tom Mason (bass) and Chris Vatalaro (drums).

Chapters is a series of short, listenable, reflective pieces, some of which are relaxed interpretations from the classic jazz repertoire, and some electro-acoustic improvisations.

Tuesday 28 | 8.30pm | £8 | Book online

Benjamin Taubkin

Brazilian master pianist Benjamin Taubkin makes his UK debut at the Vortex, fusing themes from Brazilian music, embracing both traditional and modern expressions and world music influences.

'Playing in a tender, understated style that spoke from the heart. "Vibraçoes" was gracefully ecstatic; Jobim Morro Nao's "Morro Tem Vez", a lyric, gentle samba, was light but rich; "Sabia Voou" evoked the attentive birds outside of Benjamim's window in São Paulo; and 'Consolação' went so deeply into the cone that I forgot I was supposed to be paying attention' (All About Jazz).

Wednesday 29 | 8.30pm | £8 advance – £10 door | Book online

One of our favourite bands play a special secret show for their fans and Vortex regulars in the run up to the release of their second album this October.

Famed for their unique, melodic sound and catchy hooks their beautiful music is based around an unusual instrument, and we are delighted to welcome them back for this their first London show for a while.

Please call the club on 020 7254 4097 for further information.

Thursday 30 | 8.30pm | £9 | Book online

The Township Comets featuring Pinise Saul

The Township Comets are a newly formed group playing the searing, joyous music of South African saxophonist Dudu Pukwana, a towering figure in township jazz and the European free scene.

Chris Batchelor and Adam Glasser played with Pukwana in the '80's, and the Comets features vocalist Pinise Saul, star of classic Zila records 'Life In Bracknell and Willisau' and 'Zila 86'. Expect a rousing and spirited night in the Zila tradition.

Pinise Saul (vocals), Chris Batchelor (trumpet), Jason Yarde (saxophone), Harry Brown (trombone), Adam Glasser (piano), Tom Mason (bass) and Gene Calderazzo (drums).

Plus support from

Darius Brubeck

During the 1970s pianist/composer Darius Brubeck led his own groups, played with Don McLean, Larry Coryell and toured the world with 'Two Generations of Brubeck' and 'The New Brubeck Quartet' (Dave, Darius, Chris and Dan Brubeck). For 15 years Darius and 'Afro Cool Concept' (a band with South Africa’s premier alto saxophonist, Barney Rachabane and drummer Lulu Gontsana)' performed all over Southern Africa and beyond.

'The first music that Darius Brubeck became familiar with was jazz, which is not surprising given the family he was born into. Brubeck studied the music and played it along with his father Dave and his brothers Chris and Dan as well as his own groups. Brubeck, however, did not confine himself to that one form; he expanded his repertoire with several styles including Indian and African music, rock and folk. Moreover, he played electronic piano and the synthesizer...' (AllAboutJazz).

Friday 31 | 8.30pm | £10 | Book online

Heidi Vogel

Bossa nova meets jazz and soulful blues in a combination of original music and classic Brazilian songs by Antonio Carlos Jobim, sung in the original Portuguese.

Lead vocalist with The Cinematic Orchestra, Heidi has toured and appeared in festivals such as The North Sea Jazz Festival, Blue Note Jazz Festival, FujiRock in Japan, Coachella, The Big Chill, and has also performed with artists such as The Brand New Heavies, Isaac Hayes and Carl Anderson.

The band features Ivo Neame (piano), Jasper Hoiby (bass), Shaney Forbes (drums) and Gustavo Marques (guitar) plus appearances from special guests.

 

 

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