These newsletters have interesting concepts that they cover.. Be it AI, the relation to quantum physics, needs and wants of musicians of audiences. If you’ve hit this by chance do have a read!!!
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15 August 2025
There’s a lot of talk of what the impact of AI on all sorts of activities, not least jazz. Live interactive jazz, as we put on regularly at the Vortex, is something that AI is not going to be able to emulate for some time, if indeed at all. Musicians are reacting, listening to each other and developing ideas together. Also, jazz is a cultural practice, and AI can’t replicate the lived experience, the social history or the sense of community. The combination of musicians creating the music and the audience reacting to, but also inspiring the musicians, are nearly impossible to replicate.
While AI may not therefore be the great “risk”, that which remains concerning for the survival of venues like the Vortex are the rising running costs, such as rent, rates and other conditions that can be quite expensive. Venues are closing because of such difficulties! Even though costs are going up, we are trying as hard as we can to keep admission charges reasonable so that we can properly compensate the musicians, as well as supporting our audience. If you aren’t already, we would really encourage you to help, either by becoming a member or by becoming part of our growing and happy group of volunteers.
This week is as clear as any about the power of live music. Starting with charismatic Heidi Vogel tonight (15). Rachael Cohen plays with NY tap dancer Liberty Styles (20). We also have the first meeting of two of our favourite guitarists, Chris Montague and Ant Law (22). But those are just a small selection of the 10 gigs that we have this week at the Vortex. Something for everyone.
15 Heidi Vogel Quartet
The voice of The Cinematic Orchestra, as well as guesting with the likes of Thundercat. She has recently headlined at the iconic Inntoene Festival in Austria. “Heidi is a great jazz singer.” (Dick Hovenga, Lost in Music, NL) Her band tonight includes the phenomenal Ivo Neame, who will also be playing on her forthcoming album to be released early in 2026.
16 Quentin Collins Quintet
Trumpeter Collins always retains his own sound. This is a gig for any jazz fan of the Jazz Messengers or similar. Includes tenor tyro Leo Richardson.
17 (Afternoon) Mopomoso International Free Improvised Music
This month our improvised music afternoon includes 14 musicians from across Europe as well as some of the best from here including Dave Tucker, Alex Ward and more. It’ll be unmissable.
17 Vortex Jam Session with Conor Murray
Bassist Murray who will lead tonight’s jam session – possibly the best in London – has been described by the Times as a “bassist who plays with energy and a firm tone”.
19 Midweek Downstairs Jam
Welcoming and relaxed, come for a drink and enjoy the music, or bring your own instrument to join in.
20 Cohen Meets Styles
A spectacular night. Alto player Rachael Cohen invites New York drummer and tap dancer Liberty Styles. Band includes BBC Young Jazz Musician Deschanel Gordon on piano.
21 Matt Anderson Quartet
Saxophonist Anderson is described by Jazzwise as having “a soulful depth to his musicality. 4 stars” (Jazzwise)
22 Chris Montague/Ant Law Quartet
A new quartet by two masterful guitarists, amongst the most exciting to have emerged here in recent years (as well as two of our own favourites) and featuring Conor Chaplin on bass and the genius drummer Mark Mondesir.
22 (Downstairs late) Downstairs Living Room – Rebecka Edlund and Immy Churchill present 11.02077
This month’s Downstairs Living Room, compèred by two of our dynamic young singers, hosts ‘11.02077’, a project by the London-based, American songwriter and musician Nina Erickson. Late night transport to and from The Vortex is easy, with many late buses and all night trains from Dalston Junction.
23 Tom Smith
Altoist Tom Smith is recognised for his innovative projects and dynamic compositions. And he has a stellar band to help, including ECM recording artist Misha Mullov-Abbado on double bass and Tom Cawley on piano.
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8 August 2025
“The genius is in some sense an improviser”, according to philosopher Professor Andy Hamilton, himself the author of books on Lee Konitz and Steve Beresford.
That makes the Vortex a hotbed of present and future geniuses, since improvisation is a cornerstone of jazz! Genius probably also involves imperfection and spontaneity. As Ted Gioia has pointed out: “To be spontaneous, improvisers take risks that result in imperfections.” What exciting prospects that bring these aspects together.
If you really want to ascertain this yourself, then you should make you way to the Vortex. Even in the middle of summer we are excited by the geniuses of the future. Such as tonight’s gig by Billy Marrows’ Grande Familia Quartet, a pared down version of his acclaimed 12 piece.
Later on Saturday 9th we have another future genius, in trumpeter Alexandra Ridout, now making waves in New York and who flying in especially from Austria. Guitarist Miles Mindlin, whom we are proud to have given some of his earliest gigs, also returns from the Big Apple on 13th. We look forward to hearing how he might have absorbed the music of that key city for jazz.
Meanwhile, we also have an already accredited genius in the main club on 9th in guitarist Jim Mullen. It would take too much space to list all the awards that he’s won. But it all comes through in his playing, where he is inspired by vocalist Zoe Francis (and vice versa).
There are two other vocalists this week. Joy Ellis (14) balances her singing with her top notch piano playing. While Heidi Vogel, on 15th, is a genius of today and is unmissable, as you’ll come out having experienced alternative vocal approaches to standards, as well as Brazilian.
And for lovers of contemporary mainstream, Quentin Collins (16) returns with an all-star line up including burning tenor player Leo Richardson.
8 Billy Marrows’ Grande Familia Quartet
An intimate version of Marrows’ acclaimed 12 piece. “Melodic and distinctive. ****” (All About Jazz)
8 (Downstairs late) Dalston Song Club with Lily Lyons and Angus Bayley
Our monthly late night series hosted by laconic and charismatic Matthew Herd. Tonight we are lucky to have brilliant folk-tinged Lily Lyons, who has collaborated closely with Grammy Award-winning pianist Kevin Hays.
9
Jim Mullen and Zoe Francis Quartet
Zoe has recorded 4 albums with the legendary, mesmerising multi-award winning guitarist Jim Mullen. Their empathy is astounding, as are their individual skills. Jim himself has a career which includes going back to the legendary Morrissey-Mullen band in the 80s.
9
Vortex Lates: Alexandra Ridout/Quinton Cain/Freddie Jensen
Alexandra has become a true superstar trumpeter in New York, getting there already with the plaudits of being a BBC Young Jazz Musician winner. She arrives at the Vortex from headlining the Outreach Festival in Schwaz in Austria.
10 Vortex Jam Session with Ayo Vincent
The best jam session in London is tonight hosted by pinaist Ayo Vincent, an integral member of Julian Joseph Jazz Academy, and able to stimulate jam session participants, young and old.
13 Miles Mindlin Group
Virtuoso guitarist Mindlin has just returned from a couple of years study in New York. It will be exciting to find out what he has brought back musically!
14 Joy Ellis Quartet
“Stylish maturity of composition and playing” (Jazzwise) PIanist and singer Joy Ellis returns to perform her original music which explores her passion for jazz and improvisation.
15 Heidi Vogel
The voice of The Cinematic Orchestra, as well as guesting with the likes of Thundercat. She has recently headlined at the iconic Inntoene Festival in Austria. “Heidi is a great jazz singer.” (Dick Hovenga, Lost in Music, NL)
16 Quentin Collins Quintet
Trumpeter Collins always retains his own sound. This is a gig for any jazz fan of the Jazz Messengers or similar. Includes tenor tyro Leo Richardson
2 August 2025
As in quantum physics, jazz has a musical “superposition”. It seems to exist in two places at the same time. As a serious art music, rewarding audience concentration and hard listening. Or an entertainment music, where somehow the rhythmic groove and catchy melody suck one in to memorable hooks and responses.
It’s perhaps actually not mutually contradictory. The latter entertainment often has sophisticated skills, and art music can come from a folky, melodic tradition.
You can enjoy the music from either route, and one shouldn’t necessarily dismiss one if you prefer the other. At the Vortex, we balance both routes to create one single style!
This week is no exception. You can hear folky traditional roots at the heart of the music of Korhan Futcai on 7 – in this instance Turkish – or Elchin Shirinov tonight (Azerbaijan). How they develop this further is exciting, and crosses between the superpositions of jazz.
Of course many gigs are more one than the other. We have been lucky to hear the emotional thoughtfulness of Billy Marrows Grande Familia evolve over the past couple of years (8). So it’ll be exciting to hear its new chamber incarnation. New York past and present will also be shown: Ashley Bonfante’s reinterpretations of Ornette Coleman (6), or Noah Stoneman (2) and Alexandra Ridout (8) bringing back their London-inflected visions of the New York scene today.
1 August
Elchin Shirinov Quartet
Pianist Elchin “has developed a sound and approach all his own”. (Larry Grenadier). He is now settled in London following 5 years touring with bassist Avishai Cohen. Originals blended with music from the Middle East including the stirring trumpet of James Copus.
2 Noah Stoneman Trio
Back in the UK after 2 years in New York, pianist Stoneman plays new music written over the last year while there. Surprising, dynamic and direct.
2 (Late Downstairs)
Amigos Del Groove: The Summer Groove
Another night of carefree dancing in the heart of Dalston, swaying to all styles that keep up the groove.
3 Vortex Jam Session with Huw V Williams
Our weekly jam, possiby the best in London, hosted tonight by Huw V Williams, one of the most in-demand bassists around.
5 (Downstairs)
Midweek Downstairs Jam
Welcoming and relaxed, come for a drink, enjoy the music, or bring your instrument to join in during the second half.
6 (Downstairs early)
Butcher/Wastell/Marino Trio
A trio built around percussionists Mark Wastell and Luigi Marino, including the world-renowned John Butcher. “Invites the listeners to immerse themselves in their deep and delicate, mysterious and imaginative resonances.” (Eyal Hareuveni, Salt Peanuts)
6
Ashley Bonfante Quintet Plays Ornette
Ashley Bonfante, one of our Whirlpool curators chosen for his creative and imaginative attitude, brings his own quintet to investigate the music of the supreme musician Ornette Coleman.
7 (Downstairs early)
Joe Herbert – “Deeply” Album Launch
Rooted firmly in the energy of the London scene, guitarist Joe Herbert’s trio is spontaneous, unpredictable and driven by feel.
7
Korhan Futaci with Mark Sanders, Esat Ekincioğlu, Charlotte Keeffe
A prominent figure in Turkey’s alternative music scene and now a London resident, Futaci fuses traditional Turkish music with free improvisations. His recent performance at Garana Festival in Romania was described as a “thrill” in UK Jazz News.
8
Billy Marrows’ Grande Familia Quartet
An intimate version of Marrows’ acclaimed 12 piece. “Melodic and distinctive. ****” (All About Jazz)
9
Jim Mullen and Zoe Francis Quartet
Zoe has recorded 4 albums with the legendary, mesmerising multi-award winning guitarist Jim Mullen. Their empathy is astounding, as are their individual skills. Jim himself has a career which includes going back to the legendary Morrissey-Mullen band in the 80s.
9
Vortex Lates: Alexandra Ridout/Quinton Cain/Freddie Jensen
Alexandra has become a true superstar trumpeter in New York, getting there already with the plaudits of being a BBC Young Jazz Musician winner. She arrives at the Vortex from headlining the Outreach Festival in Schwaz in Austria.
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25 July 2025
Our audiences and fans are important to us. So, this week, on 28 July, we celebrate Shirley Thompson, who, with her long-standing partner John Jack, was a stalwart fan of the London jazz scene for nearly 50 years and latterly particularly at the Vortex. John himself was the greatest unsung hero of London jazz, as the proprietor of Cadillac Records, and before that started so many careers as the manager of Ronnie Scott’s Old Place in the mid-sixties.
Appropriately, it coincides with a release by Ogun Records, by Larry Stabbins and two musicians with whom we were so proud to have performed regularly at the club, during their lives (Keith Tippett and Louis Moholo-Moholo). Larry’s partners on 28th are the true latest carriers of the flame, Alexander Hawkins and Mark Sanders. Hazel Miller of Ogun so often worked with John Jack. An added connection indeed.
Here is a link to a film that we made about John Jack, shortly before he died, based around an interview with Oliver Weindling at the club. https://www.vortexjazz.co.uk/2018/07/16/john-jack-i-improvised-2/
The Vortex remains one of the only London venues that regularly celebrates the newest from London but also from elsewhere in Europe. Such as the visit by Ben Van Gelder, in the band of Berlin bassist iklas Lukassen (on 25th) and the gig by Azerbaijan pianist Elchin Shirinov (1 August). It’s nice to have Dave Marchant and Rick Bolton, two grand(ish) old men of the scene, at the club to launch their new album together (with guest, the fabulous drummer Paul Clarvis) (30). Noah Stoneman returns from a period studying in New York (2 August). We’re curious as to how his attitudes and music may have evolved over that time.
25 Karim Saber Quintet
It’s always a joy to savour the quintet of guitarist Saber, a combination of youthful energy and exceptional maturity. Anticipating the music of his sophomore album. “One of the rising stars of UK jazz.” (Jazzmann)
25 (Downstairs Late) The Downstairs Living Room: Edlund/Rietkerk/Nichols
Come to our late night weekend gig! Enter the lavish living room and enjoy the music by three of London’s new generation of improvisers getting together to delve into forgotten folk tunes. Swedish songbird Rebecka Edlund, Dutch award-winning saxophonist Kasper Rietkerk and drummer Sam Nicholls (who is already performing with the likes of Hans Koller and Tom Challenger), just back from a barn-storming series of shows at Inntoene Festival in Austria. A bargain at just £6! With great late night train and transport connections.
26 (2 shows) Niklas Lukassen with Ben van Gelder, Ivo Neame & Francesco Ciniglio
Bassist Lukassen brings three star figures of European jazz together ahead of the release of his debut album. Van Gelder himself on alto creates “dense, crystalline textures” (Jazzwise), and Ciniglio on drums exudes raw energy. While Ivo Neame brings subtle thoughtfulness to help hold it all together. Unmissable!
27 Vortex Jam Session with Sean Gibbs
Who better to host London’s premier jam session that the effervescent trumpeter Sean Gibbs? His playing “spans emotion, moving from melancholy to joyous”. (UK Jazz News)
28 Larry Stabbins and Ogun Records Tribute To Shirley Thompson
Three of our truly great improvisers, with Alexander Hawkins and Mark Sanders alongside the genius saxophonist Larry Stabbins, celebrate the release of a new Ogun production as a tribute to our great supporter Shirley Thompson. A “must attend” for so many reasons!
30 David Marchant & Rick Bolton – “It’s About Time” with special guest Paul Clarvis
Two musicians who have been truly influential to other musicians, along with irrepressible Paul Clarvis show us all why, with the release of their new album, they are so respected.
31Vaughan Hawthorne-Nelson Quartet featuring Robert Mitchell, Larry Bartley & Mark Mondesir
With the release of his seventh album of original compositions, we have the rare opportunity to hear a band of musicians who are all leaders in their own right. To list their playing credits, alongside those of Vaughan (which itself includes Bobby Watson and Branford Marsalis), ranging from INgrid Laubrock to John McLaughlin, shows how exciting this night will be.
1 Elchin Shirinov Quartet
Pianist Elchin “has developed a sound and approach all his own”. (Larry Grenadier). He is now settled in London following 5 years touring with bassist Avishai Cohen. Originals blended with music from the Middle East including the stirring trumpet of James Copus.
2 Noah Stoneman Trio
Back in the UK after 2 years in New York, pianist Stoneman will premier new music written over the last year over there. Surprising, dynamic and direct.
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18 July 2025
The Vortex was shortlisted as one of three Hackney grassroots music venues to be upgraded as part of an initiative to make Hackney the first audio inclusive borough. The work now having been done, those of you in our community who are sensitive to noise can comfortably enjoy our space and our live music events.
This is thanks to Marion Marincat, a noise-sensitive Hackney resident, and his company Sownd Affects. (Check sowndaffects.com for more information.) The upgrade has been funded by the Arts Council England and facilitated by Oscar Acoustics.
If you’re noise sensitive, know someone who is, or just curious to experience the changes that have been made, The first of a series of live, unplugged acoustic gigs, that we’ll be hosting throughout the year will be by Dunajska Kapelye on 21st.
We are lucky to have some top notch musicians from elsewhere in Europe join us this week. Dutch saxophonist Ben van Gelder returns to play in the band of Niklas Lukassen (26), and bassist Magne Thormodsæter joins the London supergroup of James Allsopp, Laura Jurd and Dave Storey (24). Olie Brice’s gigs are always special, and the launch of his new album, including Alexander Hawkins and Rachel Musson will be intriguing as it will merge the melodic and the free (18). Followed on 19 by a band where two of our favourite musicians, Bruno Heinen and Tom Challenger reinterpret the music as diverse as that of Abdullah Ibrahim and Leonard Bernstein. Sun Ra provides the stimulus for Loz Speyer’s Inner Space (23). While we have, in Karim Saber, a guitarist who balances imagination and ability to communicate to his audience (25). A week, for the Vortex, as good as it gets. We look forward to seeing you.
18 Olie Brice Quartet
A stellar band brings to life bassist Olie’s new album “All It Was”. Including Alexander Hawkins on piano and Rachel Musson on tenor, some of the most individual voices around.
19 (Afternoon Downstairs) Vortex Collective Presents: Future Standards and Downstairs Jam
Reimagining jazz repertoire for the 21st century. Followed by a relaxed jam session.
19 (Evening) Bruno Heinen/Tom Challenger Quartet
Heinen, described by the Guardian as “eclectic, eccentric and unobtrusively erudite”, joins forces with ECM artist Challenger to play arrangements of Abdullah Ibrahim, Leonard Bernstein and fiery originals.
20 (Afternoon) Mopomoso. International Free Improvised Music Session
Now running for 30 years, our monthly investigation of free improv music is a triple bill including John Butcher on saxophones and Charlotte Keeffe. A great way to start an exploration of this side of creative music.
20 (Evening) Vortex Jam Session with Olly Chalk
The Vortex jam sessions on Sunday are one of the best in town. Led by Olly Chalk who starts with a set with his band. Described as ‘ferocious and original’ and a ‘virtuoso with a compelling and unique musical vision’.
21 Vortex Unplugged: Dunajska Kapelye
Led by the irrepressible Piotr Jordan, this is a band that will give a night of unforgettable East European folk and klezmer.
23 Inner Space Plays The Music of Sun Ra
The music of Outer Space played by the music of Inner Space, Loz Speyer’s super group! Which includes Dee Byrne and former BBC Young Jazz Musician winner Xhosa Cole.
24 (Downstairs early) Sokkyo
Prominent individual sounds by some of our imaginative stars of the future. A jazz-infused powerhouse.
24 (Upstairs) Allsopp/Jurd/Storey/Thormodsæter
A premiere! Three award-winning musicians, who are amongst our favourites here at the Vortex (James Allsopp, Dave Storey, Laura Jurd) invite Norwegian special guest Magne Thormodsæter on double bass. It will draw on their wide range of musical experience and their strong empathetic approach.
25 Karim Saber Quintet
It’s always a joy to savour the quintet of guitarist Saber, a combination of youthful energy and exceptional maturity. Anticipating the music of his sophomore album. “One of the rising stars of UK jazz.” (Jazzmann)
26 (2 shows) Niklas Lukassen with Ben van Gelder, Ivo Neame & Francesco Ciniglio
Bassist Lukassen brings three star figures of European jazz together ahead of the release of his debut album. Van Gelder himself on alto creates “dense, crystalline textures” (Jazzwise), and Ciniglio on drums exudes raw energy. While Ivo Neame brings subtle thoughtfulness to help hold it all together. Unmissable!
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11 July 2025
“We never close.” The Windmill Theatre’s motto applies to the Vortex too! We continue to maintain a full programme of gigs through the summer months. Of course it’s possible to venture out to some great festivals all over Europe to hear jazz and other musics, in some stunning locations, such as the Dolomites (for Suedtirol Jazz), and even on farms (such as Inntoene in Austria). But (too) many club venues close their doors for July and August. Yet there are visitors to London curious to find good gigs, or Londoners who still want to come the club.
But there’s little to beat the chance to focus on the details and imagination inherent in jazz at the Vortex, with excellent acoustics, and close up to the musicians. It’s a great way to be transported mentally and sometimes challenged, or to escape from the stresses all around us. Maybe not all our performers are famous, but we want you to trust our judgement in diverse programming, which qualitatively matches the best of any venue.
This week is no exception. Starting with the Grammy-winning Lekan Babalola tonight. Many musicians return regularly showing off their newest projects, such as imaginative bass player Olie Brice, whose band includes the wonderful Alexander Hawkins (18), the new trio of Janette Mason (17), as well as “stars of the future”Jakub Klimiuk (just before Janette on 17) and Jonathan Enser of Nubiyan Twist (16). Nathaniel Facey and Shane Forbes of Empirical will bring a new perspective on John Coltrane’s “Interstellar Space” (12), while Bruno Heinen and Tom Challenger will reinterpret the likes of Abdullah Ibrahim and Leonard Bernstein (19).
We look forward to seeing you soon. Or certainly pass on the message about the club to your friends, if, for example, they’re visiting London. We love to welcome new members of our audience and maybe convert some people to enjoy this music
11 Lekan Babalola and The Sacred Fun Quartet
Twice Grammy winner Babalola has a special talent in reinterpreting ancient music through African Diaspora influences, with personnel representing different genres, cultures and generations! “Bringing music steeped in ancient West African Yoruba tradition to life in a truly inspiring performance.” (The Jazz Mann)
11(Downstairs late) Dalston Song Club with The How And the Hum.
Matthew Herd’s personal monthly selection continues with The Howl and the Hum, aka Sam Griffiths. Sam Griffiths has returned to solo performance after a period with the band The Howl.
12 John Coltrane’s Interstellar Space
As part of the De Beauvoir Jazz Festival, we are excited to have this special reimnterpretation of John Coltrane’s seminal album. Nathaniel Facey on alto saxophone and Shaney Forbes on drums are two long-standing partners in Empiricall Together they will make this music lift off!
13 Vortex Jam Session with Sam Braysher
What is arguably the best jam session in London. Tonight led by saxophonist Sam Braysher, described as “delightful and surprising” (Dave Gelly, Observer), who plays the opening set with his band.
15 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.
16 Queer Jazz: Matters Unknown with Sonia Killman (support)
Tonight our monthly night hosts the debut project of Jonathan Enser, brass contributor of Nubian Twist, with a mouthwatering band including top trumpeter Emma Jean Thackray.
17 (Downstairs early) Jakub Klimiuk Quintet
Ahead of a residency at the prestigious Inntoene Festival in Austria, Jakub brings his band to the Vortex. “A rare mix of New York edginess and Scandinavian avant-jazz impressionism” (The Guardian). Featuring alto saxophone Kasper Rietkerk, recently winner of prizes both in the UK and Netherlands.
17 (Upstairs) Janette Mason – ReWired
Janette Mason’s new piano trio ReWired is a personal selection of the tunes that have meant most to her. “The balance in an experienced piano trio like this can persuade one – if only briefly – that all can be right with the world” Sebastian Scotney UK JAZZ NEWS
18 Olie Brice Quartet
A stellar band brings to life Olie’s new album “All It Was”. Including Alexander Hawkins on piano and Rachel Musson on tenor, some of the most individual voices around.
19 (Afternoon Downstairs) Vortex Collective Presents: Future Standards and Downstairs Jam
Reimagining jazz repertoire for the 21st century. Followed by a relaxed jam session.
19 (Evening) Bruno Heinen/Tom Challenger Quartet
Heinen, described by the Guardian as “eclectic, eccentric and unobtrusively erudite”, joins forces with ECM artist Challenger to play arrangements of Abdullah Ibrahim, Leonard Bernstein and fiery originals.
20 (Afternoon) Mopomoso. International Free Improvised Music Session
Now running for 30 years, our monthly investigation of free improv music is a triple bill including John Butcher on saxophones and Charlotte Keeffe. A great way to start an exploration of this side of creative music.
4 July 2025
The Vortex delivers a combination of ‘need’ and ‘want’ for musicians and audiences. Jazz musicians NEED audiences to make them play better as someone to communicate with. Similarly, if audiences are to be attracted to a venue such as the Vortex, they need good music and musicians to entice them.
Meanwhile, knowing that Vortex audience members behave and listens, the musicians WANT to play at the club, as it’s a space where they’re motivated to do their best and come up with special results. Hence also why the Vortex is used so often by musicians for live recording and videos.
So support from audiences is vital, and not taken for granted. Furthermore, admission income helps the musicians as well as the club to survive and thrive. Audience enthusiasm gives better gigs.
The quality of this week makes clear that there are opportunities to come to the Vortex and put this into practice. Such as the focused improvising of Argentinian saxophonist Camila Nebbia, in a quartet including Colin Webster on Friday 4th, who will be playing just before harpist Alina Bzhezhinska shows off her new project.
Our gigs particularly show off what a wide range can be included in the term ‘jazz’. Be it the folk-inspired UFO of recorder player Tom Ridout, launching a new album on 10th, and the African-European fusion of Lekan Babalola’s band on 11th. And it’ll feel special to catch drummer Sacha Harlan’s Contexture late on 5th: he’s a really exciting prospect. And easy to get to with the all night trains and buses from Dalston.
This week there are two ‘birthday’ gigs. The LJO ends its season with a tribute to the unique pianist, the late Pete Saberton, who would have been 75 (6th afternoon). Then, on Saturday 5th, there’s the 70th birthday celebration of beguiling trombonist Annie Whitehead, showing her full diversity, from funky South African-inspired through to the accessibly minimalism of Penguin Cafe Orchestra.
4 (Downstairs early) Camila Nebbia/Colin Webster/Andrew Lisle/Caius Williams
A thrilling opportunity to hear internationally in-demand saxophonist Camila Nebbia, following gigs in Bolzano in Italy and Kongsberg in Norway this week alone, with some of our most inspiring young improvisers. Described by Jazz PT magazine as “an essential saxophonist of our time”, altoist Nebbia “makes a change from the tweeness and false nostalgia that often dominates.” (Marlbank)
4 (Upstairs) Alina Bzhezhinska “Whispers of Rain”
Harpist Alina’s new project where she takes the opportunity to reimagine the harp through the use of electronics and live sound design. She includes, as so often, Tony Kofi on saxophones. “Powerful, moving, take-your-breath-away playing.” (Downbeat)
5 July Annie Whitehead’s Big Birthday Bash
Trombonist Annie is one of the true greats of the instrument, and we feel so happy that she comes to celebrate her 70th birthday in style with her 4tet and The Orchestra That Fell To Earth. Magical and unique, it’ll feature members of the original Penguin Cafe Orchestra, of which Annie was a member for over 20 years.
5 Vortex Lates Downstairs: Sacha Harlan’s Contexture
As part of our dynamic late night series, we are pleased to have a new project led by drummer Sacha Harlan, already known to us at the Vortex from his collaborations with Byron Wallen and Hans Koller. Interdependence and allowing expression of individuality are the key ingredients.
And it’s easy to get to and from the Vortex late at the weekend, with all night trains from Dalston Junction, as well as buses.
6 (Afternoon) LJO Saberton 75th Birthday Gig
Pete Saberton was an integral member of the London Jazz Orchestra, with a unique writing and playing style admired by the likes of John Taylor. He would have been 75 now. So to celebrate his music is a great way to end the 24-25 LJO season.
6 (Evening) Vortex Jam Session with Riley-Stone Lonergan
The effervescent Riley leads what is probably the best jam session in London. And such good value as it’s free for musicians and members.
9 (Downstairs early) Gloria Yehilevsky’s G M?R with Jason Yarde
We are lucky to already have so many amazing vibes players in London. To which we can now add Gloria Yehilevsky. And it’ll be such a thrill to have the unique sound and approach of saxophonist Jason Yarde to give it a lift.
9 Tom Ridout’s UFO – First Contact Album Launch
UFO here stands for Unidentified Folk Outfit! And no one can play and improvise on this instrument like Tom Ridout. The new album was even recorded at the Vortex.
10 (Downstairs early) Pope/Garner/Byrne/Roth
A North-South collaborative supergroup. Inspired by Newcastle bassist John Pope who has invited some of London’s finest to join him, most notably Dee Byrne and Simon Roth.
10 (Upstairs) Germana Stella La Sorsa and Tom Ollendroff: After Hours
Celebrating the beauty of simplicity with vocalist Germana and superstar guitarist Tom.
11 Lekan Babalola and The Sacred Fun Quartet
Twice Grammy winner Babalola has a special talent in reinterpreting ancient music through African Diapora influences, with personnel representing different genres, cultures and generations! “Bringing music steeped in ancient West African Yoruba tradition to life in a truly inspiring performance.” (The Jazz Mann)
12 John Coltrane’s Interstellar Space
As part of the De Beauvoir Jazz Festival, we are excited to have this special reinterpretation of John Coltrane’s seminal album. Nathaniel Facey on alto saxophone and Shaney Forbes on drums are two-long standing partners in Empirical and they will no doubt use their empathy to lift off this music!