The Billy Marrows Big Band features an eclectic mix of some of London’s most exciting improvisers, assembled to play Billy’s inventive and infectious compositions and arrangements. Their sets will feature a selection of favourites from Billy’s back catalogue, alongside some brand new music.

Over the last few years, drummer Jas Kayser has developed her original sound and compositions with “chums” that she has met on her musical journey. This gig will feature Afro-Beat inspired grooves from her most recent release ‘ Jas 5ive’.

London based guitarist and composer, David Preston returns to the Vortex for this year’s festival, performing music from his debut album ‘Purple/Black’ with a band featuring Jason Yarde (alto sax), Jim Hart (vibraphone), Robin Mullarky (bass guitar) & Seb Rochford (drums).

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

Byron Wallen (b. 1969) was raised in a musical family and as a child studied classical piano, euphonium, trumpet, flute and drums. In the mid 1980’s the trumpet became Wallen’s primary instrument of choice.

Rachael Cohen presents her outstanding trio featuring an array of her own compositions and arrangements

Double Bill featuring drummer Sarah Heneghan and Myra Brownbridge

A concert of Free Improvisation from four of the leading voices on the UK/European scene.

Pianist Sultan Stevenson is one of the fastest emerging young artists on the London jazz scene. His trio is already established as an outfit to catch when billed to play live and is being tipped for success on national and international stages.

Memorable lines, melodic grooves and diverse references inform the debut album by Bruno Heinen’s The W, released on Ubuntu Music. The W is a newly established London-based contemporary jazz quartet of outstanding musicality creating chamber jazz that is as exciting and inventive, as it is elegant and sophisticated.

Mezcla are a Glasgow based jazz-fusion ensemble attracting attention for their soulful blend of eclectic jazz and infectious grooves. Led by David Bowden (member of Mercury Prize nominated Fergus McCreadie Trio).

A weekly 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.

Over the past decade, Danish double bassist Jasper Høiby has become renowned the world over for his fearlessly expressive sound, charismatic stage presence, and distinct compositional prowess.