Earlier this year, the Vortex received further international recognition when it was named one of the 45 best jazz venues by Downbeat magazine in the world outside the USA—a prestigious accolade that underscores its global cultural impact. This honour highlights the club’s role in showcasing innovative music and supporting a thriving, diverse community of musicians and listeners.
Added to our being included in the Metro grassroots music map it makes us more proud than ever to be a vibrant cornerstone of the UK’s live music scene.
With a strong commitment to nurturing both emerging talent and internationally acclaimed artists, the venue has thus earned its place as one of the most respected independent jazz clubs in Europe.
So, whether you’re a lifelong jazz fan or a curious newcomer, the Vortex offers a unique, welcoming space to experience music at its most spontaneous and soulful. Our intimate setting allows audiences to connect deeply with the performances, creating unforgettable live experiences that are hard to find elsewhere.
By supporting the Vortex, you’re not only enjoying world-class performances—you’re also helping to keep London’s rich jazz heritage alive and thriving.
The next week really proves why the club remains so popular, starting with mesmerising vocalist Heidi Vogel (23). It includes a few of our best pianists, both as leaders (such as BBC Young Jazz Musician winner Deschanel Gordon (24), Olly Chalk (24 late), and Kezia Abuoma (31 late)), or as sidemen (such as Liam Noble with Heidi Vogel (23), Sam Leak with Glenn Charles (28)). Especially exciting will be the gig on Saturday 31 by Byron Wallen, with special guest Tom Challenger, dedicated to his mentor and friend Andrew Hill, with some of his students from Trinity Laban.
23 Heidi Vogel Quartet
Heidi is building a great reputation as one of the best interpreters of standards, Brazilian and Cuban songs. With a stellar group including pianist Liam Noble.
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 for 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.
25 (Afternoon): Mopomoso
The return of our session showcasing cutting-edge improvisation and experimental music. This month includes Musical Mudlarks: Adrian Northover (soprano) Phil Minton (voice) Adam Bohman (amplified objects) + Kay Grant (voice), Daniel Thompson (guitar), Ian McLachlan (trombone) + Mike Walter (saxophones), Gabriel Keen (piano) + Paul Pignon (saxophone synth)
Sunday, May 25th (Evening): The Vortex Jam Session with Jas Kayser
The dynamic drummer Jas Kayser will lead tonight’s jam, arguably the best in London, providing a space for musicians to collaborate and create spontaneously. Just £5 but free for musicians and members.
28 The Glenn Charles Trio
A drummer whose compositions are rich in harmony and imagination, and awareness of some of the recent greats such as John Taylor and Aaron Parks. Featuring the exceptional talents of Sam Leak on piano and James Owston on bass
Thursday, May 29th (Early): Whirlpool Presents: Julian Woods
Our monthly Whirlpool series presents some of the most imaginative new music being put together by a group of specially selected curators. Tonight is the turn of Julian Woods, offering a unique and immersive sonic experience influenced by the likes of John Cage.
Thursday, May 29th (Evening): Caroline Kraabel and Bex Burch with Saadet Türköz, Olga Ksendzovska and Mark Sanders.
A fascinating mix of open-minded and imaginative musicians creating diverse musical landscapes, from West Africa to Turkey and beyond. A pleasure to have Bex, who burst on the scene with Vula Viel, back at the club,
Friday, May 30th (Evening): Jim Rattigan Quintet.
Led by the virtuosic French horn player and composer, the quintet features some of the UK’s finest jazz musicians. “In Rattigan’s hand, the horn proves versatile both in tonal palette and dynamics.” (All About Jazz)
Friday, May 30th (Late): Bone Folder and HEXN.
Vortex Lates concludes the week with a double bill of experimental sounds from Bone Folder and HEXN. Expect a cross between drone and ambient with imaginative improvising and special textures.
31 Byron Wallen Quartet with Tom Challenger – Remembering Andrew Hill
Byron was a member of Andrew Hill’s band in its latter days, so understands this music intimately and how to communicate it and make it sound appropriate for 2025. “Having conceived the repertoire and brought the musicians together, he played like the music was in his blood, injecting energy and fire whenever he stepped forward.” (UK Jazz News)
31 (Downstairs late) Kezia Abuoma
Young pianist Kezia Abuoma draws inspiration from greats like McCoy Tyner and Herbie Hancock. She’s a mesmerising personality and really a name to watch. “Hotly emerging.” (Jazzwise)