In the promotional video for the latest EFG London Jazz Festival, Shabaka, when asked for his recommendations of what to attend, replies: “ANYTHING AT THE VORTEX.”
Our active programme of 16 gigs is sometimes submerged by the number of larger alternatives. But it certainly shows the ongoing imagination of the London scene. It includes exciting new projects by Rick Simpson (15), Gary Crosby (21), Sam Newbould (20) and Alice Leggett (17), the last two both visiting from Amsterdam and involving Polish pianist Joanna Duda (16). For the full programme check out our website.
This weekend gives us an extraordinary pair of saxophonists, both incredible but very different. Tonight we have Tim Berne, one of the most influential of the New York downtown scene, Followed on Saturday 25, by the stylish former Jazz Messenger Jean Toussaint, who brings intensity, imagination and joy.
In fact, it’s quite a saxophone heavy week, with such a diversity from across styles and ages. And two in particular to enjoy are Harben Kay (26), launching a new album; and Asha Parkinson (30), who is also able to bring together such a wide range of cultural influences. While Josephine Davies is a special guest of the German youth big band from Jazzhaus in Freiburg (2 November).
24; Tim Berne/Tom Rainey/Gregg Belisle-Chi.
Tim Berne is one of the trailblazers of the New York/Brooklyn scene and always brings new perspectives. He performs with a special power like no other and he carries all of us with him. An unmissable experience.
25 (Downstairs afternoon) Junior Jazz Workshop with Nick Costley-White
An afternoon aimed at keen and advancing jazz students aged 12-19, with free admission and run by guitarist and educator Nick Costley-White, Tom Farmer and Josh Morrison. Open to all with at least an intermediate ability.
25 Jean Toussaint – JT4
Tenor sax maestro Jean Toussaint returns and it’ll be a special joy for him to have one of the true greats of British jazz drummers, Mark Mondesir, in his band. A breathtaking evening ahead.
25 (Downstairs late) FUUG
Pleasing to welcome the return of Dave Morecroft, who made such an impact with his band World Service Project. “Transports audience members through a ritualistic atmosphere to a parallel universe.”
26 Harben Kay – The World I Live In
Past Scottish Jazz Award winner, this is Harben’s latest and, in terms of concept, perhaps their most ambitious. “Fortunately Kay’s writing, playing and band-leading mean the listener is willing to follow wherever Kay’s wings will take them.” (Patrick Hatfield, UK Jazz News)
29 (Downstairs early)
Filippo Ieraci Trio
An evening of modern jazz with a distinctive voice from one of Italy’s new generation of jazz guitatarists, blending the language of jazz with the raw energy of rock and pop.
29 Ineza Quartet – Album launch
We have always loved how Ineza has shown such great personality as part of Alex Webb’s bands. Now she flies solo, with launch of her new album IBUKA, which includes neo-soul and folk influences in her imaginative singing.
30 Asha Parkinson’s Kalpadruma Sextet
Weaving together jazz with Mediterranean, Arabic and chamber music traditions, this is a night to travel and immerse with one of the smartest musicians around! And it’s a great lineup including vocals of Rebecka Wdlund.
30 Smyth/Edwards/Sanders
Pianist Paul G Smyth, one of Ireland’s leading improvisers was an integral member of Mopomoso for over a decade and founded the Weekertoft label with John Russell. Tonight he celebrates his trio with the incomparable John Edwards and Mark Sanders.
31 October Shabaka Hutchings & Pat Thomas
SOLD OUT An exciting new pairing play from their latest duo album recorded at the Vortex.
1 November (Downstairs afternoon) Junior Jazz Workshop with Nick Costley-White
An afternoon aimed at keen and advancing jazz students aged 12-19, with free admission. Run by guitarist and educator Nick Costley-White, Tom Farmer and Josh Morrison. Open to all with at least an intermediate ability.
1 November Larry Bartley/Bruno Heinen/Winston Clifford
Larry Bartley brings his supergroup to the club, in an all-too-rare visit as leader. Originals by all band members, it’s a trio that can move from ska through rock steady to straight ahead jazz.
2 (Afternoon) The London Jazz Orchestra with Jazzhaus Jugendochester and Josephine Davies
The LJO Is delighted to welcome, for its first visit to the UK this brilliant youth big band from Freiburg, Germany, directed by Will Bartlett with guest soloist Josephine Davies. Together with a set from LJO, this will be an afternoon to remember.