Amazingly for a venue that puts on over 300 concerts a year, The Vortex survives with just a small team of highly committed paid staff.
This week we finally say “au revoir” to Pauline who has been running all the organisational and marketing activity for the past six years, and has moved back to France. We are hugely grateful for all that she has done.
But we are happy that there will be a near seamless change, as we continue with just one full time and two part time staff: Daniel, involved at the club for nearly a decade most recently just one day as one of our programming team with the energetic Kim, is now moving to full time, adding to his programming activity. He’ll be assisted by Chloe, who was one of our night managers. We certainly feel confident with them both on board that we can survive and evolve in the best possible way.
But the club also needs its volunteers and unpaid night managers. This then helps reduce the main staff’s workload, keeps the costs of the club down, and prices reasonable for audiences.
We are always on the lookout for new volunteers. It’s a marvellous way to be part of our community beyond just hearing the music. A really diverse bunch already and also a good way to have even more contact with the musicians. So feel free to sign up.
A highlight this week will be the special gig by Enji, a Mongolian singer living in Munich on 8th. Her recent performances have all been drawing superlatives. This week is one where we are lucky enough to have an amazing range of saxophonists in particular, both in style and age! With younger stars of the future, such as Reiss Ellis Beckles (11th) through to some of our true greats, including George Crowley and Riley Stone-Lonergan tonight (3rd), Jason Yarde and Jake McMurchie as part of Out Front (9th), Steve Williamson, making a rare appearance on 10th, and Pete Hurt, as a member of LJO (5th), where some of his compositions will be featured.
.
Looking ahead!
On 23 October, we’ll have the best of New York, with the extraordinary trio of Tim Berne with drummer Tom Rainey and guitarist Gregg Beslisle-Chi. Altoist Berne has been one of the most influential musicians of the New York downtown scene for nearly 40 years, and we are proud that he regards The Vortex as one of his all-time favourite venues. Book before it’s too late.
3 Crowley/Stone-Lonergan/Hayhurst/Giles
Unfortunately, the Tom Barford gig originally scheduled has been postponed. To replace it we are lucky enough to have two of our favourite saxophonists, Riley Stone-Lonergan and George Crowley, “locking horns”. Two saxophonists have often worked so closely together to create memorable collaborations, such as Ben Webster and Coleman Hawkins or Cannonball Adderley and John Coltrane (admirably interpreted by Tony Kofi and Denys Baptiste a couple of weeks ago). The musicians will play off each other with joy and imagination.
4 (Downstairs early) Local and Live in Hackney presents The Erhan Öztürk Trio
Some of the best music comes out of the Hackney local community. Such as Erhan, who has evolved to be one of the best guitarists in our vibrant Gypsy jazz scene.
4 (Upstairs) Danny Piers Trio with special guest Steve Williamson
“A remarkable pianist and musical creative who played with an attractive energetic spirit and depth. (Julian Joseph OBE). Tonight he is joined by jazz titan Steve Williamson, one of the greatest exponents of the tenor sax, here – or indeed everywhere. Unmissable. Not for nothing was Steve’s first album, back in 1988, produced on Verve by Steve Coleman. He’s still innovating today.
4 (Downstairs late) Amigos del Groove: The Fall Groove
A late night of carefree dancing, with records only. These are becoming essential late night hangs, with easy access throughout London with the all night weekend trains from Dalston Junction, connecting to night buses and Tube.
5 (Afternoon) London Jazz Orchestra Vortex Sessions
The LJO sessions have continued at the Vortex for over 30 years, always adding new repertoire written from within its ranks. Today there will hopefully be new material from vocalist Brigitte Beraha and trumpeter Miguel Gorodi as well as from older members Pete Hurt and Henry Lowther.
5 (Evening) Vortex Jam Session with Riley Stone-Lonergan
Probably the best jam session in town, tonight led by the effervescent and supportive Riley. Free for members and performers. And just £6 for others.
8 Enji
Mongolian singer Enji captivates with her blend of jazz and haunting Oriental tradition, sung with passion. “As she navigates themes of belonging and identity, Enji reveals herself to be not just a commanding vocalist but a songwriter of depth and deep meaning.” (Jazzwise) “Enji’s vocal atmospherics came through, as well as her vibrant personality.” (UK Jazz News)
9 (Downstairs early) Nel Begley – Small Flame
Performing live, the music from her debut album “Small Flame”. “Begley’s singular poise and versatile voice mesmerised the audience.” (Jazz Journal)
9 (Upstairs) Out Front – Album Launch
An improvisatory super group, launching their debut album with original music inspired by two of the great “inside-out” composers, Booker Little and Andrew Hill and named after one of Little’s iconic albums. Including the likes of Dave Smith, Jason Yarde, Nick Malcolm and Jake McMurchie. A perfect balance of melody and free improvisation.
10 Bruno Heinen Trio
Pianist Bruno’s imagination is boundless, and he is known for making accessible jazz versions of the music of Stockhausen and Bartok amongst others. Tonight he is joined in a new lineup by Mercury-nominated Tom Herbert on bass (The Invisible and Polar Bear) and Gene Calderazzo (known for his work with Julian Siegel, Partisans and Pharaoh Sanders).
11 Reiss Ellis Beckles
Beckles fuses the best of cutting edge London and New York, where he remained for a couple of years. Tonight he has a new band including the wondrous Billy Marrows on guitar, who himself has led memorable performances at the Vortex.