“Music is a legal performance-enhancing drug.” Thus wrote Professor Daisy Fancourt recently in the Guardian. Perhaps this is a reason why attending live music at the Vortex can be so uplifting. So, this newsletter is a reminder that you should consider coming to gigs as means of personal pick-me-up. Notwithstanding the other social benefits, such as the social and shared experience. It makes a place like the Vortex more than just a luxury! As Fancourt wrote later in the same article, “The arts can activate the same reward networks in the brain as food and sex.”
The next week’s gigs focus particularly on the newer dynamic scene in London. A highlight will be the rising star Emma Rawicz (23), who has really been making waves throughout the jazz scene worldwide, due to the imagination and positivity that she creates through her music and performance. We also have two members of the often-submerged engine room of the band – bass and drums – coming to the fore. Drummer Corrie Dick, most recently feted for his duo Norman and Corrie, celebrates a decade since his first album, Impossible Things (24). And then two bassists in particular: Huw V Williams with his trio Di-Cysgodion (22) and Misha Mullov-Abbado, in duo with trumpeter James Davison (20). Meanwhile saxophonist Reiss Ellis-Beckles combines the energy of New York with the multiculturalism of London, ahead of the happening nu-jazz group Happy Garden (21).
16 (Downstairs Early) Downstairs Living Room: Rebecka Edlund & Nat Philipps
A new season of our downstairs season overlapping jazz and other genres starts with a duo of vocalist Rebecka Edlund & saxophonist Nat Philipps. Expect a fascinating range of jazz, folk and beyond.
16 (Upstairs) Four Card Molly
Led by drummer Will Cleasby, known for work with the likes of Wynton Marsalis and Kurt Elling this quartet is a tribute to the great drummer Elvin Jones
17 Orlando Le Fleming Trio
Bassist Le Fleming has anchored some of the top musicians on both sides of the Atlantic, including the likes of Branford Marsalis, Billy Cobham and Mark Turner. Tonight is the premiere of a new trio including drummer James MAddren and pianist Tom Cawley
18 (Downstairs afternoon) Mopomoso: International Free Improvised Music
Our monthly smorgasbord of improvised music, which has been running at the Vortex for nearly 20 years. This month there are three duos including saxophonist John Butcher and violinist Sylvia Hallett.
18 Vortex Jam with Sean Gibbs
Trumpeter Sean Gibbs leads tonight’s jam, possibly the best in London. And such good value, being free to musicians and members. Just one of the many benefits of Vortex membership, as well as reserved seating and reduced tickets.
20 James Davison & Misha Mullov-Abbado: “Moon Beats” Album launch
A fascinating trumpet-bass duo by two friends who have been making music of highest quality for about 20 years. Somehow give the music a depth that makes a duo sound like a full band.
21 (Downstairs early) Reiss Ellis Beckes
Dynamic saxophonist leading a band of the top young Turks, including former BBC Young Jazz Musician Deschanel Gordon. The energy and imagination of this band is always uplifting.
21 (Upstairs) Happy Garden
A band of the dynamic nu-jazz scene. Inspired by the natural world including Afro rhythms and more to create immersive sonic landscapes.
22 Di-Cysgodion
Bassist Huw V Williams leads a fascinating line up including two guitars and drums, reminiscent of the Ches Smith’s band which played a couple of months ago, though different in attitude.
23 Emma Rawicz Quartet (2 shows)
Emma is one of the most dynamic young saxophonists in Europe today, who honed a lot of her early experience at the Vortex. “A thrilling, multi-coloured, chromium-plated rollercoaster of a ride.” (Eddie Myer, Jazzwise)
24 Corrie Dick Impossible Things
Celebrating 10 years, drummer Corrie Dick, at the heart of so many of the best young bands around reunites this lineup, a supergroup including Alice Zawadzki, Laura Jurd and Calum Gourlay.
24 Preview Screening: Nathaniel Dye: Against The Odds
An invitation only screening of this film by Cath Longbottom who did a glorious film about Howard Riley.
24 (Evening) Jam Session with Rick Simpson
Our jam session this week is led by the irrepressible pianist Rick Simpson