Or indeed “good jazz”? Is it about the technical, the financial or about the emotional? It’s a question that is constantly returned to. Have the criteria changed over the past…

Originally from London, Alto Saxophonist/Composer Will Vinson moved to New York City in 1999 and has remained there ever since. Since his arrival, he has performed, toured and/or recorded with Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Ari Hoenig, Linda May Han Oh, Chris Potter, Kurt Elling, Lage Lund, Aaron Parks, and many others.

Originally from London, Alto Saxophonist/Composer Will Vinson moved to New York City in 1999 and has remained there ever since. Since his arrival, he has performed, toured and/or recorded with Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Ari Hoenig, Linda May Han Oh, Chris Potter, Kurt Elling, Lage Lund, Aaron Parks, and many others.

The Billy Marrows Band brings together several of the UK’s most exciting improvisers to explore Billy’s unique contemporary jazz compositions. Expect to hear infectious grooves and melodies, and captivating improvisations, with atmospheres ranging from joyous to reflective. Join the band on this night as they record a live EP ‘Dancing on Bentwood Chairs’.

The Billy Marrows Band brings together several of the UK’s most exciting improvisers to explore Billy’s unique contemporary jazz compositions. Expect to hear infectious grooves and melodies, and captivating improvisations, with atmospheres ranging from joyous to reflective. Join the band on this night as they record a live EP ‘Dancing on Bentwood Chairs’.

Alto-sax master Tony Kofi fronts this loving celebration of the jazz giant Julian ‘Cannonball’ Adderley. With Andy Davies (trumpet) Alex Webb (piano), Andrew Cleyndert (bass) and Alfonso Vitale (drums) the group traces the explosive music of Cannonball Adderley from his first session as leader in 1955 through work with Miles Davis to the soul-jazz of the 1960s.

Alto-sax master Tony Kofi fronts this loving celebration of the jazz giant Julian ‘Cannonball’ Adderley. With Andy Davies (trumpet) Alex Webb (piano), Andrew Cleyndert (bass) and Alfonso Vitale (drums) the group traces the explosive music of Cannonball Adderley from his first session as leader in 1955 through work with Miles Davis to the soul-jazz of the 1960s.

Trio HLK is the union of three distinct, forward thinking musical personalities: Rich Harrold (piano), Ant Law (guitar) and Rich Kass (drums). They are delighted to return to their London home for the first time in a few years to perform some new pieces.

Trio HLK is the union of three distinct, forward thinking musical personalities: Rich Harrold (piano), Ant Law (guitar) and Rich Kass (drums). They are delighted to return to their London home for the first time in a few years to perform some new pieces.

The 17-piece MOJO Big Band makes a return to the Vortex for a festive afternoon of modern big band tunes. They’ll be joined by singer Catherine Lima, with an exciting repertoire of Gordon Goodwin’s Christmas Carols, Jaco Pastorius, Pat Metheny with a few surprises amongst many classics. Book ahead to avoid disappointment!

We are incredibly excited to be restarting jam sessions at the Vortex Jazz Club. Free for participating musicians and Vortex members!

Pianist Alex Webb leads this group with a front-line of two of the UK’s greatest jazz improvisers: tenor saxophonist Denys Baptiste and guitarist Nigel Price.  Together they celebrate ‘jukebox jazz’ – the bluesy, swinging jazz of the 1950s and 60s, with a repertoire of pieces from Wes Montgomery, Kenny Burrell, Ahmad Jamal and others, as well as more recent works from Charlie Haden’s Quartet West.

Pianist Alex Webb leads this group with a front-line of two of the UK’s greatest jazz improvisers: tenor saxophonist Denys Baptiste and guitarist Nigel Price.  Together they celebrate ‘jukebox jazz’ – the bluesy, swinging jazz of the 1950s and 60s, with a repertoire of pieces from Wes Montgomery, Kenny Burrell, Ahmad Jamal and others, as well as more recent works from Charlie Haden’s Quartet West.

Emma Johnson’s Gravy Boat is a contemporary, cinematic jazz quintet led by Leeds based saxophonist and composer Emma Johnson.

Emma Johnson’s Gravy Boat is a contemporary, cinematic jazz quintet led by Leeds based saxophonist and composer Emma Johnson.

Another chance to hear this exciting blend of music from twenty horns, featuring jazz, African and Latin grooves, under the leadership of saxophonist Ian Bumstead and supported by the phenomenal bass and drums of Alison Rayner and Mark Huggett.

Another chance to hear this exciting blend of music from twenty horns, featuring jazz, African and Latin grooves, under the leadership of saxophonist Ian Bumstead and supported by the phenomenal bass and drums of Alison Rayner and Mark Huggett.

British saxophonist and composer Denys Baptiste presents The Late Trane, a strong statement, reimagining the late period music of John Coltrane with a stellar band featuring Nikki Yeoh (piano and keyboards), Larry Bartley (bass) and Rod Young (drums).

British saxophonist and composer Denys Baptiste presents The Late Trane, a strong statement, reimagining the late period music of John Coltrane with a stellar band featuring Nikki Yeoh (piano and keyboards), Larry Bartley (bass) and Rod Young (drums).

Playing a mixture of Stan’s original tunes and cunning reworkings of standards, the band puts a contemporary spin on the jazz tradition.

Eternal Triangle play the music of Trevor Watts, compositions originally inspired by rhythmic structures from Africa and South America as well as jazz and European musical forms.

Eternal Triangle play the music of Trevor Watts, compositions originally inspired by rhythmic structures from Africa and South America as well as jazz and European musical forms.

It is safe to say, then, that when it comes to playing companions, Etheridge’s judgement is second to none. In vocalist Vimala Rowe, he has not only found a partner of rare ability but a talent that perfectly compliments his explorative nature.

It is safe to say, then, that when it comes to playing companions, Etheridge’s judgement is second to none. In vocalist Vimala Rowe, he has not only found a partner of rare ability but a talent that perfectly compliments his explorative nature.

Playing the music of Betty Carter / Sarah Vaughan.

Playing the music of Betty Carter / Sarah Vaughan.

London Born South African singer songwriter pianist returns to the club with a new presentation of songs from her solo release ‘MOFO’ as well as premiering interpretations/compositions from Eugene Skeef’s poetry.

London Born South African singer songwriter pianist returns to the club with a new presentation of songs from her solo release ‘MOFO’ as well as premiering interpretations/compositions from Eugene Skeef’s poetry.

We are delighted to be able to welcome back Ian Shaw for a very special New Year’s Eve performance. Join us for an intimate exuberant party with Britain’s finest jazz vocalist, producer and songsmith, performing a set of appropriately festive songs.

Unpredictable at The Vortex 2021/22 presents experimental music, free improvisation, film, and art sessions.

Unpredictable at The Vortex 2021/22 presents experimental music, free improvisation, film, and art sessions.

Trumpeter, Composer & Arranger Duncan Fraser brings his Septet back to the Vortex, featuring some acclaimed young players on the London scene.

Trumpeter, Composer & Arranger Duncan Fraser brings his Septet back to the Vortex, featuring some acclaimed young players on the London scene.

Ms Maurice brings her melange of influences from organic grooves infused with 70s jazz and a touch of West African sonic seasoning.

Ms Maurice brings her melange of influences from organic grooves infused with 70s jazz and a touch of West African sonic seasoning.

Featuring some of London’s leading musicians and improvisers and new music written specially for the band. A unique group in the London Jazz scene.

Featuring some of London’s leading musicians and improvisers and new music written specially for the band. A unique group in the London Jazz scene.

This a new venture bringing together long time collaborators James Allsopp and Dave Storey with Norwegian bassist Magne Thormodsæter.

Line-up: James Allsopp – Tenor saxophone Dave Storey – Drums Magne Thormodsæter – Double bass   About This a new venture bringing together long time collaborators James Allsopp and Dave…

The Chris Maddock Quartet aims to explore combining elements of the classic organ-based rhythm section with a range of modern influences.

The Chris Maddock Quartet aims to explore combining elements of the classic organ-based rhythm section with a range of modern influences.

Tom will be joined by the formidable David Ferris and Jonathan Silk for an incredibly feel good set of music.

Tom will be joined by the formidable David Ferris and Jonathan Silk for an incredibly feel good set of music.