We feel proud of how so much of the UK jazz scene has benefited from the openness of the club, such as when we think about, for example, the London Jazz Orchestra, which has just started its latest season. We have given early opportunities to many groups who have gone on to be Mercury Prize nominated, such as Kit Downes, who is back at the club on Wednesday 17th, Shabaka with Sons of Kemet, Polar Bear and Led Bib. And that goes on today, with the likes of our Whirlpool project, the new one of which is about to begin.
Part of being a grassroots music venue is more than just catering to the communities of jazz musicians and lovers of the music. It’s also about its links to others in our area.
So The Vortex has, for the past 20 years since moving from Stoke Newington, had a vital part of the development of Dalston as an area and, with a base in Gillett Square, we are proud of it has encouraged the arrival of other venues. Dalston is now an important music hub such as Cafe Oto and SJQ, which itself backs on to the Vortex from Bradbury Street.
Social activities and the focus on jazz have a cost, and there is no ‘official’ income stream to help us! By day, the club is used for rehearsals and Dalston-related activities. Our volunteers, who help run the bar every night, and members, are essential. While £10 a month gives a whole series of benefits in terms of reduced admission prices and similar, that regular income really helps us to plan better and cover our core costs: of rent, staff and so on.
We are perhaps the closest equivalent in London to the Brooklyn club scene. And that’ll be shown on 23rd when we welcome cellist Tomeka Reid and guitarist Mary Halvorson, two MacArthur Genius fellows – the highest US award that can be awarded to individuals in all art forms, not just jazz. It’s a unique UK performance and is one of our gigs of the year.
The next week is mouth watering in range and quality. It confirms why it’s almost essential in these times the Vortex continues to have a role to play in keeping us inspired and energised. The weekend kicks off with a special guitarist celebration: Elliot Frost with Billy Marrows on Friday, followed by John Etheridge on Saturday. Kit Downes is surrounded by a young generation supergroup on 17th. Next weekend is led in by one of our “new generation” inspirational drummers, Sacha Harlan (18th), followed by some of our true local greats: Tony Kofi and Denys Baptiste (19th) and the ever-youthful veteran trumpeter Henry Lowther’s Still Waters on 20th.
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12 (Downstairs early) Dalston Song Club with Ella Clayton
Our monthly series curated by the low-key ironic singer-saxophonist Matthew Herd. Today’s guest is Ella Clayton. A spellbinding voice known for her storytelling. In 2023, she was handpicked by Geoge Ezra to perform at Latitude Festival. Come and find out why!
12 (Upstairs) Elliot Frost/Billy Marrows Quartet
Elliot Frost and Billy Marrows showing off their skills with a mix of contemporary standards by the likes of Paul Motian and Keith Jarrett as well as originals.
13 John Etheridge Blue Spirits Trio
The inimitable John Etheridge playing one of his favourite venues. And you really hear it. With one of the best organ trios around, since he has Ross Stanley and George Double. It’s just like being in his front room.
13 (Downstairs late) Huw V Williams Trio
Huw V Williams never ceases to surprise and lead us on a journey, ranging from standards through to free improvised sections. And with Reuben Goldmark and Andrew Lisle he has two willing accomplices!
14 Private Party
Sorry. No jam session this week.
16 Midweek Downstairs Jam
Our relaxed evening. Come for a drink or bring your instrument to join for the second set.
17 (Downstairs early) Downes/Cunningham/Challenger/Williams/Lisle
Kit Downes is back, surrounded with old friends (Tom Challenger, Andrew Lisle) and new (Tara Cunningham and Caius Williams). They all will inspire each other – and ourselves as audience.
17 September Queer Jazz: Xhosa Cole with The Repeat Beat Poet
Xhosa Cole, BBC Young Jazz Musician in 2018, never ceases to amaze when he comes to the Vortex, whether playing Monk, where he has been a great success around Europe, or with tap dancer Liberty Styles. Tonight he’s there with The Repeat Beat Poet.
18 Sacha Harlan Quartet
“Sacha displays an original voice far beyond his years” wrote Dave King of the Bad Plus. And it’s great that this young drummer will show off his new writing tonight in a quartet with the great Tom Challenger and his young colleagues Caius Williams and Tom O’Brien.
19 Legacy. Coltrane/Cannonball with Tony Kofi and Denys Baptiste
What a mouthwatering prospect! Two of our true great saxophonists who never give less than 100%, digging into one of the great collaborations of the late 50s. This is a new project as these two friends spar and laugh. It will be unforgettable.
20 (Downstairs afternoon) The Vortex Collective
Emerging from our Future Standards community, the quintet led by pianist Cheng Xie play originals blending a diverse range of styles and influences.
20 Henry Lowther Still Waters
Henry Lowther plays as precise trumpet today as when he was a poll winner in the Melody Maker awards in the 60s. This band too has been playing together for 20 years. They’re a band of friends who revel in playing together, and we certainly can hear it.
20 (Downstairs late) Zak Scerri Trio
Guitarist Scerri, originally from Australia, has the perfect credentials for a late night Saturday. A bit alternative in the way that he’ll play standards and his own material. A wonderful intensity. And it’s so easy to get to and from Dalston at night, with night trains and buses.