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.
Tue 19 April 2022
Vortex discussion 96 – Being afraid
‘Be afraid, be very afraid’. The tagline from The Fly can extend to jazz and improvised music quite easily. Audiences frightened by having to put their foot through the door…
Sun 17 April 2022
Vortex Jam Session hosted by Helena Kay
A bi-monthly session on Sunday evenings, hosted by four of London’s finest: drummer Jas Kayser, pianist Rick Simpson and tenor saxophonists Helena Kay and Riley Stone-Lonergan, each one hosting one session on rotation.
Sat 16 April 2022
Barry Green Quartet (2nd show)
A reunion for Barry and Helena to develop and explore unique jazz repertoire and standards. A melting pot of Barry and Helena’s exploration of the New York and Dutch jazz scenes.
Barry Green Quartet (1st show)
A reunion for Barry and Helena to develop and explore unique jazz repertoire and standards. A melting pot of Barry and Helena’s exploration of the New York and Dutch jazz scenes.
Fri 15 April 2022
Rachael Cohen Trio (2nd Show)
Rachael Cohen presents her international Trio featuring Joe Downard on double bass and New York drummer Jason Brown.
Rachael Cohen Trio (1st Show)
Rachael Cohen presents her international Trio featuring Joe Downard on double bass and New York drummer Jason Brown.
Thu 14 April 2022
Harry Christelis & Pedro Velasco – ‘SCRIBBLING’ Album Launch’ (2nd show)
Harry Christelis and Pedro Velasco form a guitar duo that explores and challenges the boundaries of improvised music. They recorded their first album, ‘Scribbling’, in December 2020. The result is a truly distinct album that challenges the ideas of what a guitar duo should sound like. ‘Scribbling’ (Ubuntu Music) will be available worldwide in March 2022 on Vinyl/CD/Digital.
Harry Christelis & Pedro Velasco – ‘SCRIBBLING’ Album Launch’ (1st show)
Harry Christelis and Pedro Velasco form a guitar duo that explores and challenges the boundaries of improvised music. They recorded their first album, ‘Scribbling’, in December 2020. The result is a truly distinct album that challenges the ideas of what a guitar duo should sound like. ‘Scribbling’ (Ubuntu Music) will be available worldwide in March 2022 on Vinyl/CD/Digital.
Wed 13 April 2022
Phemo Quartet Performs Anti-Revelation (2nd show)
Formed in 2019 by Iranian composer and pianist, Ashkan Layegh, in London, Phemo aims is to explore freedom through a highly-detailed composition. Its current line up includes Academy graduate, Sam Norris (Alto Saxophone), Guildhall graduate Harry Ling (Drums), and Academy classical guitarist, Gonçalo Maia Caetano (Bass).
Phemo Quartet Performs Anti-Revelation (1st show)
Formed in 2019 by Iranian composer and pianist, Ashkan Layegh, in London, Phemo aims is to explore freedom through a highly-detailed composition. Its current line up includes Academy graduate, Sam Norris (Alto Saxophone), Guildhall graduate Harry Ling (Drums), and Academy classical guitarist, Gonçalo Maia Caetano (Bass).
Sun 10 April 2022
A Standard Afternoon
Enjoy an afternoon drink with live music from London-based instrumentalists and singers performing jazz standards.
Sat 09 April 2022
A Hologram Maze (2nd show)
A Hologram Maze is led by pianist/composer David Austin Grey and features brand new music played by five of the UK’s finest improvising musicians, all close friends, bringing the music a deep sense of understanding and common purpose.
A Hologram Maze (1st show)
A Hologram Maze is led by pianist/composer David Austin Grey and features brand new music played by five of the UK’s finest improvising musicians, all close friends, bringing the music a deep sense of understanding and common purpose.
Fri 08 April 2022
Twins: Scott Stroman & Martin Speake
Martin Speake (UK) and Scott Stroman (USA) were born on the same day, half a world apart. Guitarist Colin Oxley and bassist Larry Bartley join them as their lively “Twins” band returns to celebrate their birthdays.
Thu 07 April 2022
James Kitchman Quartet (Album release party – 2nd Show)
Featuring a cast of London’s finest improvisers: pianist Bruno Heinen (Denys Baptiste); bassist Tom McCredie (Elliot Galvin); and drummer Shane Forbes (Empirical).
James Kitchman Quartet (Album release party – 1st Show)
featuring a cast of London’s finest improvisers: pianist Bruno Heinen (Denys Baptiste); bassist Tom McCredie (Elliot Galvin); and drummer Shane Forbes (Empirical).
Wed 06 April 2022
The Ben Somers Quartet
Saxophonist, double bassist, singer & composer Ben Somers brings his quartet to the Vortex featuring: Ron Updegraff (guitar), Steve Watts (double bass) and Tim Giles (drums).
Tue 05 April 2022
Vortex discussion 94 – Being heard
Of course, we now have live gigs back. But has the recorded sector moving to streaming changed how to perceive recording? And have the ways in which musicians behave at…
Thu 31 March 2022
Challenger / Hawkins / Sanders (2nd show)
Tom Challenger (Saxophone) joins forces in an improvising trio with Alex Hawkins (Piano) and Mark Sanders (Drums). Having released an LP ‘Imasche’ in 2021, the trio bring their collective experience to create music that veers from blistering free jazz, to sonic explorations that test the limits of their instruments.
Challenger / Hawkins / Sanders (1st show)
Tom Challenger (Saxophone) joins forces in an improvising trio with Alex Hawkins (Piano) and Mark Sanders (Drums). Having released an LP ‘Imasche’ in 2021, the trio bring their collective experience to create music that veers from blistering free jazz, to sonic explorations that test the limits of their instruments.
Wed 30 March 2022
Loz Speyer’s Inner Space (2nd show)
Loz Speyer’s Inner Space return *live* to the Vortex Jazz Club, with an exciting new line up featuring: Loz Speyer (trumpet, flugelhorn), Dee Byrne (alto sax), Xhosa Cole (tenor sax), Olie Brice (double bass) and Gary Willcox (drums).
Loz Speyer’s Inner Space (1st show)
Loz Speyer’s Inner Space return *live* to the Vortex Jazz Club, with an exciting new line up featuring: Loz Speyer (trumpet, flugelhorn), Dee Byrne (alto sax), Xhosa Cole (tenor sax), Olie Brice (double bass) and Gary Willcox (drums).
Tue 29 March 2022
Vortex discussion 93 – Should music be ‘played’ or ‘performed’?
Does one ‘play’ or ‘perform’ music? The psychologist Donald Winnicott wrote: “Play more than anything else makes the individual feel that life is worth living.” But does that potentially lower…
Sun 27 March 2022
Celebrating Wayne Shorter
An evening of music from the great Wayne Shorter focussing on his solo albums and time with with Art Blakey and Miles Davis.
Mopomoso Live / March
Another Mopomoso Sunday afternoon not to be missed – book your tickets now!
Sat 26 March 2022
BAFOTOYA – Jean Toussaint / Jason Yarde / Larry Bartley / Shaney Forbes (2nd Show)
The band is comprised of some of the UK’s most formidable musicians: Jean Toussaint & Jason Yarde (saxophones), Larry Bartley (double bass) & Shaney Forbes (drums). Each member composes the nucleus of the band’s music, whilst the magic of their sound truly takes form in the process of improvisation during performance.
BAFOTOYA – Jean Toussaint / Jason Yarde / Larry Bartley / Shaney Forbes (1st Show)
The band is comprised of some of the UK’s most formidable musicians: Jean Toussaint & Jason Yarde (saxophones), Larry Bartley (double bass) & Shaney Forbes (drums). Each member composes the nucleus of the band’s music, whilst the magic of their sound truly takes form in the process of improvisation during performance.
A Standard Afternoon
Enjoy an afternoon drink with live music from London-based instrumentalists and singers performing jazz standards.
Fri 25 March 2022
Sarah Gillespie (2nd show)
Sarah Gillespie performs with her full band described by Jazzwise as ‘young, jazz heavies’ including: Kit Downes (piano), James Maddren (drums), Chris Montague (guitar) and Conor Chaplin (bass).
Sarah Gillespie (1st show)
Sarah Gillespie performs with her full band described by Jazzwise as ‘young, jazz heavies’ including: Kit Downes (piano), James Maddren (drums), Chris Montague (guitar) and Conor Chaplin (bass).
Thu 24 March 2022
Joy Ellis – Peaceful Place Album Launch (2nd Show)
Jazz pianist, singer and composer Joy Ellis introduces her 3rd album ‘Peaceful Place’, recorded at the end of May 2021. Feat Amy Baldwin on double bass and Adam Osmianski on drums.
Joy Ellis – Peaceful Place Album Launch (1st Show)
Jazz pianist, singer and composer Joy Ellis introduces her 3rd album ‘Peaceful Place’, recorded at the end of May 2021. Feat Amy Baldwin on double bass and Adam Osmianski on drums.
Wed 23 March 2022
Caius Williams Quintet (2nd show)
Caius Williams is a London-based double bassist and composer. For his debut show at The Vortex, he will be joined by Tara Cunningham (guitar), Tom Challenger (saxophone), Simeon May (tenor sax & bass clarinet) and Dom Hall (drums).
Caius Williams Quintet (1st show)
Caius Williams is a London-based double bassist and composer. For his debut show at The Vortex, he will be joined by Tara Cunningham (guitar), Tom Challenger (saxophone), Simeon May (tenor sax & bass clarinet) and Dom Hall (drums).
Tue 22 March 2022
TSOJTC presents: Immy Churchill’s Tales from the Undertow (2nd show)
A quartet inspired by the folk tradition of storytelling through music, Tales From The Undertow is an exciting new project involving Anatole Muster (accordion), singer Immy Churchill (vocals), pianist Scottie Thompson (piano) and Matthew Berrill (clarinet).
TSOJTC presents: Immy Churchill’s Tales from the Undertow (1st show)
A quartet inspired by the folk tradition of storytelling through music, Tales From The Undertow is an exciting new project involving Anatole Muster (accordion), singer Immy Churchill (vocals), pianist Scottie Thompson (piano) and Matthew Berrill (clarinet).
Vortex discussion 92. Improvisation – chaotic or cosmic?
The ancient Greek word “chaos” means a chasm or void, and its opposite is “cosmos”, meaning the exquisite design of the world. Where does improvisation sit in this spectrum? How…
Sun 20 March 2022
Vortex Jam Session hosted by Helena Kay
A bi-monthly session on Sunday evenings, hosted by four of London’s finest: drummer Jas Kayser, pianist Rick Simpson and tenor saxophonists Helena Kay and Riley Stone-Lonergan, each one hosting one session on rotation.
Sat 19 March 2022
Georgia Mancio Quartet (2nd show)
Multi award-winning jazz vocalist, lyricist and producer, Georgia Mancio returns to the Vortex with a band featuring Kate Williams (piano), Julie Walkington (bass) and Dave Ohm (drums)
Georgia Mancio Quartet (1st show)
Multi award-winning jazz vocalist, lyricist and producer, Georgia Mancio returns to the Vortex with a band featuring Kate Williams (piano), Julie Walkington (bass) and Dave Ohm (drums)
Fri 18 March 2022
Jean Toussaint’s “Nazaire” (2nd show)
The 2022 edition of saxophonist Jean Toussaint’s band “Nazaire” featuring Andrew McCormack (piano), Mutale Chashi (bass), Shane Forbes (drums).
Jean Toussaint’s “Nazaire” (1st show)
The 2022 edition of saxophonist Jean Toussaint’s band “Nazaire” featuring Andrew McCormack (piano), Mutale Chashi (bass), Shane Forbes (drums).
Thu 17 March 2022
Unpredictable Thursdays – Spring (2nd show)
Unpredictable Thursdays at The Vortex 2022 presents experimental music, free improvisation, film, and art sessions. Every season we will present an unpredictable line-up!
Unpredictable Thursdays – Spring (1st show)
Unpredictable Thursdays at The Vortex 2022 presents experimental music, free improvisation, film, and art sessions. Every season we will present an unpredictable line-up!
Wed 16 March 2022
Max Luthert Trio (2nd show)
As one of the premier bassists of his generation in the UK, Max Luthert is known for his distinctive bass sound, approach to improvisation and is quickly generating a name for himself as a composer and band leader. Tonight, he brings his trio to the Vortex feat. Matt Robinson on piano and Jon Scott on drums.
Max Luthert Trio (1st show)
As one of the premier bassists of his generation in the UK, Max Luthert is known for his distinctive bass sound, approach to improvisation and is quickly generating a name for himself as a composer and band leader. Tonight, he brings his trio to the Vortex feat. Matt Robinson on piano and Jon Scott on drums.
Tue 15 March 2022
Vortex discussion 91 – do politics and jazz mix?
The latest Ukraine war seems to have put the arts world in a quandary. For example, orchestras cancelling Russian music from programmes and musicians being pushed out. Is this right?…
Sat 12 March 2022
Martin Speake / Hans Koller / Anders Christensen / Anders Mogensen – Universal Connection (2nd show)
Universal Connection, the international quartet of Martin Speake, Hans Koller, Anders Christensen, and Anders Mogensen. A testament to the vibrancy, beauty, and imagination of jazz old and new.
Martin Speake / Hans Koller / Anders Christensen / Anders Mogensen – Universal Connection (1st show)
Universal Connection, the international quartet of Martin Speake, Hans Koller, Anders Christensen, and Anders Mogensen. A testament to the vibrancy, beauty, and imagination of jazz old and new.