Glasshopper welcome being undefined. However, their band leader and Glaswegian saxophonist Jonathan Chung would label their music simply as “Jazz”. The London based trio (a partnership with James Kitchman on guitar and Corrie Dick on drums) have gained wide critical acclaim for their captivating and euphoric live performances, and especially with their latest 2024 post punk/indie jazz release “I’m Not Telling You Anything”.

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 Helena Kay and Riley Stone-Lonergan, each one hosting one session on rotation.

Bassist & composer Niklas Lukassen returns to the Vortex with a quartet featuring: Will Vinson (sax), Ivo Neame (piano) & Francesco Ciniglio (drums).

Led by pianist and composer Finn Carter, the members of this group all approach improvising from the same perspective: trying to serve the music and remove the ego from improvising. With credits including Loyle Carner, Sampha, Rex Orange County and Tom Misch, these in-demand players are all technically virtuosic, but the music they create together is more than that; it is sensitive, emotive and synergistic.

Queer Jazz exists to platform, nurture and celebrate the emerging queer jazz scene. Programmed by Tina Edwards and Arowah, they have put together an exciting monthly programme of innovative LGBTQI+ artists at The Vortex Jazz Club, supported by Arts Council England.

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 Helena Kay and Riley Stone-Lonergan, each one hosting one session on rotation.

Trumpeter and composer Kenny Wheeler was a founder member of the London Jazz Orchestra, and the LJO celebrates his 95th birthday with a performance of his Long Suite 2005, written for his 75th birthday tour. Kenny’s writing remains a huge influence on the band’s composer/members and the performance will also “trumpet” new music by LJO pianist Alcyona Mick and bassist Calum Gourlay.

Acclaimed UK guitarist Nick Costley-White leads his trio featuring Dave Whitford (Billy Hart, Dave Leibman) on bass and Josh Morrison (Stacey Kent, Dave O’Higgins) on drums.

A gifted international jazz musician and steel pan virtuoso. His music is a blend of his Caribbean roots with the harmonic and improvisational complexities of jazz, creating a lively and eclectic meld all his own.

Acknowledged as one of the UK’s most versatile and creative cellists, trailblazing cellist and composer Shirley Smart returns to the Vortex wit her sextet project feat. James Arben, Alistair Martin, John Crawford, Marcus Penrose and Demi Garcia Sabat.

Our Whirlpool series continues with a gig led by pianist Tom O’Brien. Exciting music from a group of our thrilling new musicians specially selected from the Vortex! Tom O’Brien presents…

Donovan Haffner Quintet was formed by playing together at Guildhall School of Music when Donovan was just 18 years old. The band featuring Francisco Garcia De Paredes (guitar), Jay Verma (piano), Harry Pearce (double bass) & Harry Ling (drums) plays originals written by Donovan, which comprises of straight-ahead, neo-bop, and contemporary.

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 Helena Kay and Riley Stone-Lonergan, each one hosting one session on rotation.

Kris Davis is a Grammy award-winning pianist and composer described by The New York Times as a beacon for “deciding where to hear jazz on a given night.” We are thrilled to welcome her trio to the Vortex to present her new album “Run the Gauntlet”, featuring bassist Robert Hurst (known for his work with Branford Marsalis, Kenny Kirkland, Geri Allen) and drummer Johnathan Blake (know for his work with Kenny Barron, Dave Holland, Tom Harrell). Exclusive UK date.

Kris Davis is a Grammy award-winning pianist and composer described by The New York Times as a beacon for “deciding where to hear jazz on a given night.” We are thrilled to welcome her trio to the Vortex to present her new album “Run the Gauntlet”, featuring bassist Robert Hurst (known for his work with Branford Marsalis, Kenny Kirkland, Geri Allen) and drummer Johnathan Blake (know for his work with Kenny Barron, Dave Holland, Tom Harrell). Exclusive UK date.

A new collaboration between two highly experienced artists to create a new song. Musical explorations that combine their unique experiences from working with a vast array of different musicians on the international scene.

Recipients of the 2023 Peter Whittingham Jazz Award , Ferg’s Imaginary Big Band make a rare appearance in the capital and their first appearance at The Vortex. Known for their raucous live shows and bombastic arrangements, don’t miss this opportunity to see one of the UK’s most exciting jazz ensembles live!

Recipients of the 2023 Peter Whittingham Jazz Award , Ferg’s Imaginary Big Band make a rare appearance in the capital and their first appearance at The Vortex. Known for their raucous live shows and bombastic arrangements, don’t miss this opportunity to see one of the UK’s most exciting jazz ensembles live!

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 Helena Kay and Riley Stone-Lonergan, each one hosting one session on rotation.

Saxophonist and composer Trish Clowes has been described as “an improviser to be reckoned with” (Downbeat Magazine) and “one of the most agile and original jugglers of improv and adventurous composition to have appeared in the UK in recent times” (The Guardian).

Guitarist Hannes Riepler returns to the Vortex with a quartet featuring Donovan Haffner (sax), Niklas Lukassen (double bass) & Tim Giles (drums).

A debut gig of a new ensemble playing all new music penned by Simpson. Expect lots of freedom and joyous noise from a band of some of the UK’s most exciting musicians. 

Luís Vicente, Olie Brice, Mark Sanders are three resourceful and strong-minded improvisers, playing their own version of free-fiery music with an impressive organic interplay. Tonight will be their first meeting with special guest Philipp Wachsmann, one of the finest improvising violinists in the world.

out of lockdown reflection time, emerged this unique and exhilarating trio a musical collaboration between a star singer of irish music with two of the most sought after UK jazz stars.

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 Helena Kay and Riley Stone-Lonergan, each one hosting one session on rotation.

Returning to his first instrument the Alto Saxophone, Tony Kofi joins the Organisation for a celebration to alto legend Lou Donaldson, whose roots in Bebop evolved into a mastery of the Soul Jazz movement instigated by the great Jimmy Smith and championed by Blue Note founder Alfred Lion.

Our monthly late night series brings songwriters together to perform in the round, hosted by Matthew Herd. We’re hugely excited to welcome the remarkable James Brute as he returns to his East London stomping ground.

Saxophonist Julian Siegel returns to the Vortex with his quartet featuring Liam Noble (piano), Oli Hayhurst (double bass) & Gene Calderazzo (drums).

A trio of extraordinary improvisers: Tom Chant (saxophone), John Edwards (double bass) & Eddie Prévost (drums).

Talkline represents the musical collaboration between vocalist and vibraphone player Amy Hollingsworth and pianist Will Hobson.