Berlin-based saxophonist Phillip Dornbusch joins three of the most exciting and engaging musicians in the UK for a special one-off concert. Both sets will be completely improvised.

A searing mix of jazz, soul, Brazilian and electronic sounds, Wandering Wires are establishing themselves as one of the most exciting bands emerging from the UK jazz scene, making their return to the Vortex after a sell-out debut before the pandemic.

A searing mix of jazz, soul, Brazilian and electronic sounds, Wandering Wires are establishing themselves as one of the most exciting bands emerging from the UK jazz scene, making their return to the Vortex after a sell-out debut before the pandemic.

‘The trio of Huw V Williams on bass with Devin Gray on drums and George Crowley on reeds is perfection… it’s a sweet balance of loose and tight, gently modernistic in its language and rolling out a fantastic vibe.’ London Jazz News

‘The trio of Huw V Williams on bass with Devin Gray on drums and George Crowley on reeds is perfection… it’s a sweet balance of loose and tight, gently modernistic in its language and rolling out a fantastic vibe.’ London Jazz News

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.

Line-up: Andrew Woolf – Tenor Saxophone Joe Auckland – Trumpet Rob Updegraff – Electric guitar Dave Manington – Double Bass Simon Roth – Drums About Song Unsung is saxophonist Andrew…

Line-up: Andrew Woolf – Tenor Saxophone Joe Auckland – Trumpet Rob Updegraff – Electric guitar Dave Manington – Double Bass Simon Roth – Drums About Song Unsung is saxophonist Andrew…

Music as “soul music” is sometimes dismissed as hackneyed and meaningless. But certainly great music has personality and emotion, often that of the artists performing in jazz. But is there…

In Zone-B, Steve Buckley and Chris Batchelor have joined forces with the world class rhythm section of Rob Luft, Tom Herbert and Gene Calderazzo to present fiery and soulful original music inspired by the range and depth of the musical experiences they have enjoyed together.

In Zone-B, Steve Buckley and Chris Batchelor have joined forces with the world class rhythm section of Rob Luft, Tom Herbert and Gene Calderazzo to present fiery and soulful original music inspired by the range and depth of the musical experiences they have enjoyed together.

The Sam Norris Quartet [SNQ] is award-winning alto saxophonist Sam Norris’ primary creative project. The ensemble features bassist Harry Pearce (deputising for Will Sach), pianist Jay Verma and drummer Harry Ling and uses Sam’s compositions and standard tunes as vehicles for exploratory improvisation.

The Sam Norris Quartet [SNQ] is award-winning alto saxophonist Sam Norris’ primary creative project. The ensemble features bassist Harry Pearce (deputising for Will Sach), pianist Jay Verma and drummer Harry Ling and uses Sam’s compositions and standard tunes as vehicles for exploratory improvisation.

Phil is currently based between Ireland and NYC. He is internationally regarded as a versatile and creative player who appears in all kinds of diverse settings. Phil is also a celebrated composer and band leader.

Phil is currently based between Ireland and NYC. He is internationally regarded as a versatile and creative player who appears in all kinds of diverse settings. Phil is also a celebrated composer and band leader.

This week’s discussion reconsiders the role of livestreaming now that we seem to be re-emerging from the period of lockdown. Hosted by Vortex director Oliver Weindling and open to all.

Hannes Riepler – guitar / Tom Challenger – saxophone / Oli Hayhurst – bass & Jon Scott – drums

Hannes Riepler – guitar / Tom Challenger – saxophone / Oli Hayhurst – bass & Jon Scott – drums

Line-up James Kitchman – guitar Bruno Heinen – piano   About Musical synergy was evident from the first two notes of Thelonious Monk’s ‘Bemsha Swing’ that were played by guitarist…

Line-up James Kitchman – guitar Bruno Heinen – piano   About Musical synergy was evident from the first two notes of Thelonious Monk’s ‘Bemsha Swing’ that were played by guitarist…

A truly dynamic and lyrical set of music featuring a heavy line-up with Tom Ollendorff (guitar), Will Barry (piano), Mirko Scarcia (bass) & Billy Pod (drums).

A truly dynamic and lyrical set of music featuring a heavy line-up with Tom Ollendorff (guitar), Will Barry (piano), Mirko Scarcia (bass) & Billy Pod (drums).

Line-up: Emma Rawicz – Tenor Saxophone Ant Law – Guitar Ivo Neame – Piano Conor Chaplin – Double Bass James Maddren – Drums About Emma Rawicz is a young saxophonist…

Line-up: Emma Rawicz – Tenor Saxophone Ant Law – Guitar Ivo Neame – Piano Conor Chaplin – Double Bass James Maddren – Drums About Emma Rawicz is a young saxophonist…

Line-up: Byron Wallen – Trumpet Nick Ramm – Piano About Black Flag is a body of work from 2004, commissioned by the Jerwood Foundation. The project, a short series named…

Line-up: Byron Wallen – Trumpet Nick Ramm – Piano About Black Flag is a body of work from 2004, commissioned by the Jerwood Foundation. The project, a short series named…

Meg Bird is an emerging young artist right on the cusp of an exciting musical career. Her debut album, produced by Claire Martin OBE is due for release this October.

Meg Bird is an emerging young artist right on the cusp of an exciting musical career. Her debut album, produced by Claire Martin OBE is due for release this October.

Paul Jolly puts together a hand-picked lineup of improvisers from across the generations. The power of Alan Wilkinson mixes with the delicacy of Dave Tucker, Adam Hart’s love of boogie woogie and anchored by Otto Wilberg. A good introduction to improv music for those not already hooked!

Paul Jolly puts together a hand-picked lineup of improvisers from across the generations. The power of Alan Wilkinson mixes with the delicacy of Dave Tucker, Adam Hart’s love of boogie woogie and anchored by Otto Wilberg. A good introduction to improv music for those not already hooked!

Local trumpeter and composer Loz Speyer returns to the Vortex, for the first outing playing his own music since lockdown – in his Quartet featuring Hannes Riepler and a brilliant new rhythm section. Both sets include jazz tunes built to last from a range of Speyer albums, and new ones never yet heard composed during lockdown.

Local trumpeter and composer Loz Speyer returns to the Vortex, for the first outing playing his own music since lockdown – in his Quartet featuring Hannes Riepler and a brilliant new rhythm section. Both sets include jazz tunes built to last from a range of Speyer albums, and new ones never yet heard composed during lockdown.

How important is freedom for expression of individuality, such as in jazz. How is it shown? ‘Freedom’, according to a new book by Louis Menand, has been a cornerstone of…