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By phone
020 7254 4097
Please note that 48 hours notice is required for phone booking cancellations.
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The 'book online' links will take you to the secure site.
Concessionary rates
A reduction of £2 (on the door price shown),
from Monday to Thursday inclusive only, for members of:
- The National Union of Students
- Musicians Union
- unemployed
Please note that concessionary tickets can only be purchased at the door and proof of identity will be required.
Starting times
Doors open at 8pm
Gigs start at 8.30pm unless shown otherwise.
Gig enquiries?
Musicians enquiring about gigs at the Vortex please see the musicians page for contact details.
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March programme
Gigs start at 8.30pm unless otherwise shown.
Online book now available.
Friday 12 | 8.30pm | £12 | Book online
Grand Union Orchestra
Bengal Tiger, Shanghai Dragon
A sell-out success in last November’s London Jazz Festival, this typically eclectic project by Tony Haynes, Grand Union’s composer/director, was inspired by recent visits to China and Bangladesh.
Combining North Indian classical music, Bengali folksong and elements of Chinese music with jazz solos, Latin rhythms and European harmony, the 10-piece line-up includes Paul Jayasinha (trumpet), Louise Elliott (tenor sax, flute), Baluji Shrivastav (sitar), Yousuf Ali Khan (tabla), the haunting voice of Lucy Rahman and the astonishing gu zheng (Chinese harp) virtuoso Zhu Xiao Meng.
Saturday 13 | 8.30pm | £12 | Book online
Ian Shaw
A solo evening from Ian playing music from his recently released new collection – 'Somewhere Towards Love' (Splash Point Records) – including songs by Nick Cave, Fran Landesman and Noel Coward.
One of the more flamboyant exponents of cabaret jazz, with which Vortex regulars will be familiar, this is Ian in a more introspective mood. 'Greta Garbo-like, star qualities seem to flourish in solitude' (City Life).
Sunday 14 | 8.30pm | £8 | Book online
Anita Wardell Quartet
Renowned exponent of the art of scatting, Anita is one of the UKs finest straightahead jazz singers. ‘A world-class vocalist with the ability to delve deep into the meanings of the lyrics of the great jazz songbooks, and then to improvise over them with fluency, fluidity and a horn-like intonation...’
Please note that the first set will be by Participants of Anita's Easter Vocal Course.
Monday 15 | 8.30pm | £12 | Book online
Antonio Forcione (solo)
Hailed as the ‘Jimi Hendrix of the acoustic guitar’, multi-award-winning Forcione is considered one of the most charismatic and inventive performers in Europe.
Artistic, intense, and formidably inventive, Antonio is a performer of genuine distinction. Ever unpredictable, his is a celebration of the unexpected elements in life, a music of rare delicacy, humour and, not least, passion.
Tuesday 16 | 8.30pm | £12 | Book online
Antonio Forcione & Adriano Adewale
Hailed as the ‘Jimi Hendrix of the acoustic guitar’, multi-award-winning Forcione is considered one of the most charismatic and inventive performers in Europe. With Brazilian percussionist Adriano Adewale the duo take inspiration from Zimbabwe, Jamaica and Spain.
Wednesday 17 | 8.00pm | £9 | Book online
Warren / Ballamy – solo solo double
Two of the UK's most original musicians will each play a short solo set followed by a diverse duo set.
Huw Warren (piano) – 'a gorgeous synthesis of jazz and classical styles' (jazzbreakfast) – and Iain Ballamy (saxophone) – 'in a lyrical class of his own' (The Guardian) bring an artful wit to their own original works and other material including Hermeto Pascoal, Frederic Chopin, John Dowland, Antonio Carlos Jobim and John Tayor among others.
These two musicians embrace many facets of music making which includes improvised, folk, jazz and contemporary classical elements infused with a strong lyricism and personal perspective.
Thursday 18 | 8.30pm | £8 | Book online
Mishka Adams' Laro Nights
Featuring Sam Chaplin
Laro Nights are back! After a six month break, Mishka Adams returns with her monthly residency, and a whole new line up of exciting guests for the coming months.
To kick off the new season, Sam Chaplin (pno/vox) invites you into the gaudy and ethereal world of his songwriting. Expect Schumann-esque lyricism with splashes of fairground.
Fontane Liang (Harp),Tommy Antonio (bass), Ben Barrit (guitars), John Blease (drums) and Mishka Adams (bvs).
Friday 19 | 8.30pm | £15 | Book online
Haitian Fight Song: A Benefit Concert for Haiti
Featuring...
Partisans, Abram Wilson, Christine Tobin
Orphy Robinson, Robert Mitchell & Mantra Collective
A superb all-star line-up comes together to raise money for Haiti’s recovery effort following the tragic earthquake.
From New Orleans trumpet sensation Abram Wilson to up and coming Indo-jazzers Mantra Collective via established virtuosi, Christine Tobin, Orphy Robinson, Robert Mitchell and Partisans, the music will be vibrant, colourful and inspiring, which is very much a reflection of the island and its people.
It’s also a reminder as to why it gave the great Charles Mingus one of his most celebrated protest pieces, Haitian Fight Song.
Saturday 20 | 8.30pm | £12 | Book online
Jim Mullen Organ Trio with Stan Sulzmann
Jim Mullen is a truly original voice in contemporary jazz guitar. His distinctive 'thumb' attack gives him a unique style and sound on the instrument as admired by his peers as by his most diehard fans (as testified to by the fact that he was named ‘Best Guitar’ at the British Jazz awards in 2000, and has also twice achieved the same accolade at the BT Jazz awards.)
Jim’s musical approach encompasses not only a thorough knowledge of jazz, but a wellspring of experience which nods towards blues, soul, funk, rock and traditional Scottish music.
As well as his legendary association with Dick Morrissey in the band Morrisey Mullen, Jim has, over the years, worked with an impressive roster of artists, including Gene Harris, Jimmy Smith, Jimmy Witherspoon, Percy Sledge, Teddy Edwards and Terry Collier, to name a few.
Tonight playing music from the current album 'Make Believe' and new material
for a forthcoming album due out in 2010, the Quartet features pianist Mike
Gorman, Matt Skelton (drums) and saxophonist Stan Sulzmann.
One of the most highly respected musicians in the UK today, Stan Sulzmann
is admired by musicians and audiences for his instantly recognisable sound,
and boundless creative imagination.
A source of inspiration to many of Britain's emerging young musicians. Stan’s CV is extensive, but includes Kenny Wheeler, Gil Evans, Mike Gibbs, Kenny Clarke / Francy Boland and Michael Brecker.
'The classic line-up of organ, guitar and drums, but not what you might be expecting. Instead of the strutting blues & soul of Sixties pioneers, this band goes for subtlety and tonal variety, regularly building up to a kind of subdued, bubbling excitement. It's the perfect setting for Mullen's mellow, soulful guitar and his legendary fluency' (The Observer).
Sunday 21 | 4.00pm | £8 | Book online
The LJO 'Vortex Sessions' Kenny Wheeler Special
The London Jazz Orchestra dedicates its monthly live recorded concert to music by Kenny Wheeler to celebrate his 80th birthday. Kenny was a founder member of the 'new' LJO when it first began rehearsing nearly 20 years ago, and a member of the 'old' LJO, directed by the legendary Bill Russo, in 1963.
His influence on other writers for the band – Sulzmann, Stroman,
Saberton, Lowther, Hurt, Foster and others, is huge and has contributed
to the unique 'LJO sound'.
Directed by Scott Stroman, the band features a host of top soloists, including Henry Lowther, Alec Dankworth, Pete Hurt, Pete Beechill, and Paul Clarvis.
Sunday 21 | 8.00pm | £8/5 | Book online
Mopomoso – monthly free improvisation night
Back in its regular third Sunday slot, this month’s Mopomoso concert has four contrasting sets featuring some of the finest free improvisers around today.
Steve Beresford / Ute Kanngieser
Pianist Steve Beresford is much in demand as a collaborator in a multitude of projects, working across the full spectrum from free improvisation through jazz-based material to pop, reggae and MOR songs and on to fully scored music for film and dance. He is joined for a first time with London Improvisers Orchestra cellist Ute Kanngieser (AMM and Treehouse).
Pascal Marzan
Paris-based Pascal Marzan is a leading exponent of the nylon strung classical guitar in the world of free improvisation. Through his annual ‘Roc de Choc’ festival and monthly concert series he is also responsible for encouraging the development of the music in France. A dynamic musician, his music moves between small delicate sounds to orchestral-like textures and is never anything less than engaging.
The Alan Wilkinson trio
Saxophonist Alan Wilkinson has been blowing up a storm with this trio with – a hard-hitting, energetic music to warm the cockles! In the company of two of the best musicians in the country – Pat Thomas (piano) and Mark Sanders (drums) ably helping to stoke up the temperature, this group's music is full of wit and nothing less than a real celebration of the human spirit. Impossible not to be moved!
John Russell / Paul G Smyth
Paul G Smyth (piano) is Ireland’s leading improviser, and he has played and toured with a.o Charles Gayle, Derek Bailey, Keiji Haino, Evan Parker, Barry Guy and Damo Suzuki.
Outside of improvisation, his group The Jimmy Cake was described in The Irish Times as being ‘the most powerful musical force in Ireland’.
He is joined by an old partner, Mopomoso boss and renowned guitarist John Russell, for a duo that first performed in 2000 at the Project festival in Dublin.
Monday 22 | 8.30pm | £8 | Book online
Knuckle Biter
Layers of textural electronics meet with accoustic instruments taking the listener on an intriguing musical journey. This duo, Alex Bonney (trumpets & electronics), Steven Davis (drums & laptop), are long-time collaborators whose improvised music draws on a range of influences from Efterklang, Ornette Coleman, Morton Feldman, Deerhoof, Miles Davis and Evan Parker to Captain Beefheart.
Bitten By A Monkey
Dylan Bates (violin, saw, medieval fiddle, overtone flute, xaphoon), Steve Myers (recorders, voice, borborygmus) and Roland Bates (piano)
Tuesday 23 | 7.30 & 10.00pm |
Book online 7.30 (£12) |
Book online 10.30pm (£10)
Hairy Bones
An emphatically top-draw international free-improv group that has wowed audiences across Europe. Featuring Peter Brotzmann (saxophones), Toshinori Kondo (trumpet, electronics), Massimo Pupillo (electric bass) and Paal Nilssen-Love (drums).
*Please note that this gig is not eligible for members' complimentary tickets.
Wednesday 24 | 7.30 & 10.00pm |
Book online 7.30 (£12)
| Book online 10.30
(£10)
Hairy Bones
As Tuesday.
*Please note that this gig is not eligible for members' complimentary tickets.
Thursday 25 | 8.30pm | £8 | Book online
Evan Parker invites Brand / Graewe / Sanders
Saxophonist Evan Parker's monthly free improvisation residency with guests
Gail Brand (trombone), Georg Graewe (piano) and Mark Sanders (drums).
Georg Graewe has worked with some of the best performers in avant-garde jazz, contemporary, and improvised music from around the world. Gail Brand, described by Time Out as, '..one of the most passionate and dynamic musicians alive' has developed a close musical rapport with Mark Sanders, one of the UK's finest drummers.
Friday 26 | 8.30pm | £12 | Book online
The
first night of a new monthly residency of the LOOP Collective at the Vortex,
showcasing LOOP members, new ventures and associates of the collective.
Outhouse
Already well-known to the club, the Quartet – dubbed by Jazzwise as 'one of the best young bands on the current London Jazz scene – blur the line between composed and improvised music. Robin Fincker (tenor sax & clarinet), Tom Challenger (tenor sax), Johnny Brierley (bass) and Dave Smith (drums).
Mister Cinoc
The UK premiere of the trio, saxophonist Robin Fincker and leading figures of the contemporary jazz / improv scene in France – Phillippe Gelda (organ) and Fred Cavallin (drums).
Saturday 27 | 7.30pm & 10.00pm*
7.30pm Book online
(£15) | 10.00pm (£15) Book
online
Dave Liebman with the Jiannis Pavlidis Trio
Playing two performances tonight (each approx 70 mins), guitarist Jiannis Pavlidis and the great American saxophonist David Liebman first collaborated in 2005 when they recorded and toured the UK.
A ‘renaissance man’ in contemporary music, Dave Liebman has played with Miles Davis, Elvin Jones, John McLaughlin, McCoy Tyner and others and has been performing worldwide for over thirty-five years.
Tonight’s sets will include both reharmonized standards and original compositions approached from an ‘open improvisation’ angle. With Jamil Sheriff (Fender Rhodes) and Eddie Hick (drums). ‘(Pavlidis)...astonishing virtuosity combined with wonderful compositions’ (Leeds Guide).
*Please note there will be two performances tonight.
Sunday 28 | 8.30pm | £8 | Book online
Mik Artistik's Ego Trip
What a joysome noise! Three chaps on stage; the oldest charging around in a tie dye jacket singing, spouting, spitting, grabbing ideas from the air. Guitar, bass, vocals...it's not rocket science, but Faust, Johnny Vegas and the Stereophonics love 'em....what's goin' on?
Matt Bourne & Christophe de Bézenac
Pianist Matthew Bourne and saxophonist Christophe de Bézenac (Trio VD) have been playing together since 2003. They have caused controversy and are banned from playing at The Sage ever again.
This duo is a powerful, intense and often frightening mix of interlocking textures, speed, vocals and near-telepathic empathy. Don't miss this rare opportunity to see them together in this intimate setting.
Monday 29 | 8.30pm | £8 | Book online
Tom Pilling Trio
Led by pianist Tom Pilling, the trio plays contemporary jazz, drawing on its members’ diverse backgrounds. In addition to original compositions the group takes the standard repertoire in new directions and champions work by contemporary jazz composers. As Tom says himself, '...not brow-furrowed-1000-yard-stare music – although I love that too.'
The trio first met while backing Lillian Boutte, New Orleans' 'Official Jazz Ambassador, as part of the Denny Ilett Jr. Quartet, supporting this wonderful performer both in the UK and internationally.
With Andy Crowdy (bass) and Daisy Palmer (drums).
Tuesday 30 | 8.30pm | £9 | Book online
Koby Israelite Band
Hard to pin down, Koby Israelite music is beautiful, heady, rousing and affecting, incorporating Middle Eastern, Balkan and Gypsy with metal overtones. Imagine a lyrical rock band led by an accordion. If you have never heard Koby Israelite's accordion playing – don't miss this opportunity.
With Yaron Stavi (upright and el. bass), Oded Kafri (drums), Rob Terry (keys), Eran Kendler (guitar) and Lucy Randall (vocals).
Wednesday 31 | 8.30pm | £10 | Book online
East European Gypsy Jazz Night
Paprika Reloaded
We are very happy to welcome back the wonderful Paprika Reloaded (formerly Paprika Balkanicus).
With a new line-up, including Zivorad Nikolic (accordion), Vladimir Strkalj (guitar), James Opstad (bass) and Rastko Rasic (percussion) – but playing the same high-octane brand of Gypsy and Balkan melodies, the band is led by the exuberant Romanian violinist Bogdan Vacarescu. Expect an evening of humour, charm and truly extraordinary musicianship.
Coming months...
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Sunday 14 March
Anita Wardell Quartet
Renowned exponent of the art of scatting, Anita is one of the UKs finest straightahead jazz singers.
Monday 15 March
Antonio Forcione
The ‘Jimi Hendrix of the acoustic guitar’.
Sunday 28 March
Mik Artistik's Ego Trip
Three chaps on stage; the oldest charging around in a tie dye jacket singing, spouting, spitting, grabbing ideas from the air.
Tuesday 30 March
Koby Israelite Band
Rousing and affecting music, incorporating Middle Eastern, Balkan and Gypsy with metal overtones. Imagine a lyrical rock band led by an accordion...
