In Tuesday’s edition of the Metro newspaper there’s a map of London Grassroots music, including bands, styles, label and venues, based around the tube map. The Vortex is one of just 30 venues selected for the article. Given the size of London, and the number of venues that they could have chosen, it’s a great privilege for us, and surely reflects the importance of the club! And, by the way, it’s the only jazz venue.
The quality of music at the club is as high as it ever was. (A reason why it was chosen?) So, if you haven’t been recently, we’d recommend you return for a visit. Of course, you can help the club further by becoming a member or volunteer!
The next week’s gigs prove this great diversity. One of our true greats, Julian Siegel, brings his long-standing quartet to the club on Friday 16th. He’s followed on Saturday by one of New York’s great pianists, David Berkman, as a guest player with the up-and-coming Reiss Ellis-Beckles. More than just a “musicians’ musician”!
The week is then completed next Saturday (24th) by two of our own pianist “stars of the future”: BBC Young Jazz Musician Deschanel Gordon followed downstairs by Olly Chalk, who is taking the instrument into a 21st century orbit! And in between, there’s music for most tastes. A visit from the energetic drummer Sean Noonan (21st) for lovers of experimental contemporary jazz, followed on the same night by the London Django Collective’s tribute to Django Reinhardt (21st), as well as world music from Kourosh Kanani and Matt Davies (22nd). And not to forget, for lovers of vocal standards, the inimitable Heidi Vogel on 23rd.
16 Julian Siegel Quartet
A great band led by BBC Prize-winning saxophonist Julian Siegel. He’s a player who sets the standards for others to follow and most of the best young players here have been inspired by him. The long-standing band includes Liam Noble on piano, Oli Hayhurst on bass and Gene Calderazzo on drums.
16 Vortex Lates: Matt Hurley Quartet
A newly formed ensemble from London based guitarist and composer Matt Hurley, that aims to combine delicately written melodic themes, ambient drones and open group improvisations.
17 Reiss Ellis-Beckles Quartet featuring David Berkman
“Rising star alto saxist Reiss Ellis Beckles’ debut doesn’t disappoint.” (Marlbank) This special performance will also highlight the acclaimed New York pianist David Berkman as the featured artist for the evening. “A musician who has commitment and poise and modesty.” (New York Times)
17 (Downstairs late) Amigos del Groove
The first of many nights of carefree dancing in the heart of Dalston, swaying to anything from global beat, funk, or electronica as long as it keeps up to the groove. And don’t forget that it’s easy to come to the club all night at the weekend, due to the Windrush Line from Dalston Junction running all night.
18 Vortex Jam Session with Nick Costley-White
The Vortex jam sessions on Sundays are arguably the best in town. With top quality leadership such as tonight from charismatic guitarist Nick Costley-White, who starts the evening a set from his own band. Great value at just £5, or free for musicians and members.
20 (Downstairs) Midweek Downstairs Jam
Welcoming and relaxed, come for a drink, sit back and enjoy the music, or bring your horns, sticks and strings to join in during the second set.
21 (Downstairs early) The Noonan Trio: Inherit A Memory (Album release)
High energy drummer Sean Noonan brings unpredictable but energetic musicians to express his imagination: Matt Bourne and Michael Bardon. It’ll be a special night for a group which “sounds like if The Bad Plus went bohemian or avant garde.” (Jazz Weekly)
21 London Django Collective
Showing us the great tradition of Django Reinhardt and manouche at its best with this band led by Matt Holborn.
22 (Downstairs early) Kourosh Kanani and Matt Davies
Drawing on the music from all around the Middle East and beyond, including Iran, India, Armenia to create a musical tapestry from our imaginative guides.
22 Tom McCredie Quartet
Known to many for his work as bassist with Rob Luft, Elliot Galvin and Keith Tippett, bassist Tom McCredie tonight leads a group in a concert of very personal and poignant originals.
23 Heidi Vogel Quartet
Heidi is building a great reputation as one of the best interpreters of standards, Brazilian and Cuban songs. Tonight she is joined by Sam Crowe on piano, known for his production and performance work with the likes of Liane La Havas, Little Simz, Goldie and more.
24 (Downstairs afternoon) Vortex Collective Presents: Future Standards & Downstairs Jam
Reimagining jazz repertoire for the 21st century. Come and listen, or bring your instrument to join in the second set.
24 Deschanel Gordon
Former BBC Young Jazz Musician, Deschanel brings together his encyclopedic knowledge of jazz with his Jamaican heritage and the music around him, in his home borough of Hackney. “The piano man to watch.” (UK Jazz News)
24 (Downstairs late) Olly Chalk
Following Deschanel, we are lucky to have another exciting young pianist from the London scene. Expect off-the-beaten-track Great American Songbook standards merged with Chalk’s originals.