Recently crowned ‘Instrumentalist of the Year’ at the 2025 Parliamentary Jazz Awards, Rob Luft is undeniably one of the most exciting jazz guitarists in Europe of his generation. Hailing from London, this award-winning young virtuoso has garnered consistent comparisons to legends such as Bill Frisell, John Abercrombie & Pat Metheny.
Ahead of his quartet gig on 30 October, Rob has handpicked three shows from our upcoming programme that you should go to…
CROW CULTURE – MON 16 November
“I grew up playing with Will Glaser in the rhythm sections of different bands from my late teens onwards, and I have always adored how he approaches the instrument… it’s free-wheeling, it’s powerful & the groove is very deep! Alongside the twin-guitars of James Kitchman & Tara Cunningham, I think this will be a really interesting gig & a perfect fit for the London Jazz Festival programme at The Vortex”
THE DOWNSTAIRS LIVING PRESENTS: SONGS OF JONI MITCHELL WITH REBECKA EDLUND AND IMMY CHURCHILL – FRI 20 NOVEMBER
“Rebecka Edlund is one of my absolute favourite young vocalists making waves on the London scene right now. Her approach to blending folksong with jazz elements is so unique, and I have no doubts that her & Immy paying homage Joni Mitchell’s music will be absolutely breathtaking”
JAMES ALLSOPP GROUP – SAT 21 November
“I have a strong connection with several of the musicians in this super-group that goes back years! James & Chris Batch were two incredibly important teachers for me when I studied at the Royal Academy of Music from 2012-2016 & Dave Storey was one of my fellow students there at the same time! I love James’ wide-open approach to improvisation, and the sonic combination in the frontline of his tenor sound with Chris’s beautiful trumpet playing will make for an exquisite gig”
You can grab tickets to see these shows via our website at www.vortexjazz.co.uk
AND don’t miss out on Rob Luft’s upcoming gig at the Vortex on 30 October with his quartet