Shirley Smart’s Sextet draws on a background of 10 years living in Jerusalem and working with the overlapping worlds of jazz, Arabic, Turkish and North African music. Her music draws upon this rich tapestry of influences to create an evening of vibrant melodies, grooves, swing and lively improvisation.

Storytelling lies at the very heart of Nishla Smith’s music making, and since the release of her critically lauded debut album, the evolving circumstances of her own life have provided the inspiration for the stories that lie at the heart of this new collection.

Focussing on the exuberance of art, using craft to search for, to briefly capture, and to express the sheer beauty and terror of being alive, Nathaniel Catchpole, Jamie Coleman, N O Moore, Dominic Lash and Eddie Prévost join forces.

A weekly session on Sunday evenings, hosted by four of London’s finest: guitarist Nick Costley-White, Trumpeter Sean Gibbs, pianist Rick Simpson and tenor saxophonists and Riley Stone-Lonergan, each one hosting one session on rotation.

Jazz influenced, rock induced 9-piece brass band Young Pilgrims have found themselves drawing fans from across Europe and beyond with their intense live performances

The Fabienne Ambuehl Quartet returns to the Vortex after their sold-out album launch at the club, celebrating the release of Thrive (2025). Expect an evening of poetic, lyrical jazz, where vivid rhythm and improvisation meet folk-inspired melodies.

This new project takes as its starting point the music of Thelonious Monk, Bill Frisell and Paul Motian, exploring the intersection of these artists’ idiosyncratic styles and their take on American musical forms like jazz, blues and folk.

Doors 7:45 PM, Music 8:30 PM – 2 set(s) of music About Trumpeter, composer, and arranger Sam Eastmond is known for his large ensemble work with John Zorn, he is…

London’s longest jazz residency kicks off its 35th year, as the LJO preview two new recordings to be released in 2025, featuring music by trumpet legend Henry Lowther and director Scott Stroman.

Award-winning saxophonist and composer Ed Jones returns to the quartet format that first established his presence on the UK jazz scene over 30 years ago.

Doors 7:45 PM, Music 8:30 PM – 2 set(s) of music     Line-up:   Leo Richardson – Saxophone Rick Simpson – Piano Dave Whitford – Double bass Joel Waters…

Bringing in the New Year a day late has become a tradition at the Vortex since 2009. A welcome relief from the hustle and stress of most NYE parties – this one just wants you to relax, enjoy the music and ease yourself into the New Year with good company and normal prices!

We are delighted to welcome back the multi-award winning Ian Shaw for his traditional New Year’s Eve performance.

Beat the twixt Xmas/New Year blues with guitar legend John Etheridge and the Blue Spirits . Guaranteed to take you on soulful journey through Blues/Jazz and beyond encompassing all Etheridge’s well known eclecticism. Powered along by Pete Whittaker (organ) and George Double (drums).

Pianist, composer, and writer Ethan Iverson was a founding member of The Bad Plus, a game-changing collective with Reid Anderson and David King. The New York Times called TBP “Better than anyone at melding the sensibilities of post-60’s jazz and indie rock.”

Following Hurricane Melissa which hit the coast of Jamaica on the 28th October this year, the Vortex Jazz Club will be hosting a concert on the 23rd December raising funds those affected.

A weekly session on Sunday evenings, the jams will be hosted by some of London’s finest: drummer Jas Kayser, pianist Rick Simpson, guitarist Nick Costley-White, trumpeter Sean Gibbs and tenor saxophonists Harben Kay and Riley Stone-Lonergan (+ sometimes a few guest leaders) each one hosting one session on rotation.

Come and join the fun! It’s the Mopomoso Solstice Party!!!

a gig full of around 40 brilliant musicians, performing short 5 – 7 minute sets put together in new formations.

Trombonist Annie Whitehead is a key part of the UK jazz scene having worked with Chris McGregor’s Brotherhood of Breath, John Stevens, Dudu Pukwana, Evan Parker, Paul Dunmall Octet and more.

Marlon the Pannist is a multi-award-winning steelpan musician, arranger, and educator from South East London. A three-time UK Pan Clash Champion Soloist (2018, 2019, 2021), Marlon is recognised as one of the UK’s leading voices in contemporary steelpan performance.

The Trinity Laban Jazz Orchestra conducted by Calum Gourlay returns to the Vortex with the extraordinary boundary-pushing improviser and exuberant large-scale composer Percy Pursglove, in a UK premiere of his latest ensemble work, originally commissioned by the Hamburg-based NDR big band.

The Trinity Laban Jazz Orchestra conducted by Calum Gourlay returns to the Vortex with the extraordinary boundary-pushing improviser and exuberant large-scale composer Percy Pursglove, in a UK premiere of his latest ensemble work, originally commissioned by the Hamburg-based NDR big band.

Queer jazz will be finishing the year in style with a special Christmas Party Jam to celebrate a very queer year!

With the Julian Siegel Quartet, the BBC Jazz Award winning saxophonist and composer Julian Siegel can be heard alongside some of this generation’s most distinctive voices, creating an in-demand Quartet on the UK and European Jazz scene.

A weekly session on Sunday evenings, the jams will be hosted by some of London’s finest: drummer Jas Kayser, pianist Rick Simpson, guitarist Nick Costley-White, trumpeter Sean Gibbs and tenor saxophonists Harben Kay and Riley Stone-Lonergan (+ sometimes a few guest leaders) each one hosting one session on rotation.

Expect an evening of improvised music from a trio made up of three of the U.K’s most interesting improvisors.

Arun Thava is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose music captures the childlike wonder in all of us. With his direct lyricism and infectious melodies, Arun’s songs leave listeners feeling warm and understood.

First gig of Pete Wareham’s new band.

London-based German violinist and singer Johanna Burnheart carves her own niche with a distinctive blend of modal jazz and electronic soundscapes. Deeply influenced by the Berlin techno and house scene as well as modal jazz, Johanna’s music exists at the point where improvisation meets hypnotic rhythm.

Sarost is a trio comprising Mark Sanders Percussion, Paul Rogers Custom 7 String Bass and Larry Stabbins Saxophones, Bass Clarinet and Flutes.

A weekly session on Sunday evenings, the jams will be hosted by some of London’s finest: drummer Jas Kayser, pianist Rick Simpson, guitarist Nick Costley-White, trumpeter Sean Gibbs and tenor saxophonists Harben Kay and Riley Stone-Lonergan (+ sometimes a few guest leaders) each one hosting one session on rotation.

Have you ever experienced a superb big band at close quarters? Directed by Scott Stroman, the LJO’s monthly Sessions are the place to experience powerful soloists and great new writing at close quarters. The LJO was born with the club, together creating what is now London’s longest jazz residency.

This musical partnership was formed in New York City in 2017 between the highly acclaimed US saxophonist Jed Levy (Jaki Byard, Jack McDuff/, Mike Clark, Tom Harrell etc) and multi-award-winning UK born guitarist Phil Robson (Mark Turner, David Liebman, Billy Hart, Partisans, etc), who was living in NYC at the time.