The Vortex has a reputation as perhaps the closest in London you can get to the real New York Downtown/Brooklyn vibe. You are physically close to the musicians and can appreciate their music. And it’s LIVE music, in this time of uncertainty, where through improvisation, the musicians express themselves. And not through some AI impersonator. We also have great instruments for them to use. Two classic British drum kits, a double bass and, our pride and joy, our Steinway grand.
That’s why so many of the best New Yorkers come and play at the club! So, we recommend you look out for two coming in the next few weeks.
Grammy-winning pianist Kris Davis will be playing with Robert Hurst and Johnathan Blake on 25th January. She’s just completed a full week at the Village Vanguard in New York.
And we can confirm a duo of Craig Taborn and Peter Evans, on 11 March. One of the most imaginative and mesmerising pianists around, Craig isn’t unique in telling us that the Vortex is one of his favourite venues. And trumpeter Peter Evans creates sounds and melodies with a mind-blowing facility and technique. There are more such gigs in the pipeline. Keep checking our website.
These gigs are likely to be busy. We therefore recommend to book early to avoid disappointment. (A reminder: members can get not only a discount but also we can reserve seating. At just £10 a month, it’s less than a Spotify account with much more of the money supporting the music.)
Meanwhile, we value our own homegrown scene. We have two of those involved in our Whirlpool series, where we support a number of new graduates with regular gigs, bringing their own music this week (Marta Gornitzka on 18th and Kasper Rietkerk on 22nd). Pianist Tom O’Brien brings a gig of all new music on 30th. A chance to hear the stars of the future.
17 Hannes Riepler Quartet
Charismatic guitarist Hannes Riepler, who arrived here from Austria via Amsterdam nearly 20 years ago, is now one of the father figures of the London scene. With a wonderfully imaginative new young band including saxophonist Donovan Haffner, he’s developing a new repertoire which we’ll be able to hear tonight.
18 Trish Clowes Quartet
Former BBC New Generation Artist, Trish Clowes has been described as an “improviser to be reckoned with” (Downbeat Magazine). But she’s an imaginative composer too. For example, she has just been working with the prestigious NDR Big Band in Hamburg, playing a new set of compositions.
18 (Late Downstairs) Marta Gornitzka
Vocalist Marta is known for her bringing to this country songs from the great Polish jazz tradition, but, while here, has been creating music inspired by the dark impact of 17th century witchcraft over here. A thought-provoking but joyous musician. Great to hear for a late night Saturday at the club!
19 (Afternoon)
Our monthly all-you-can-eat free improvised music buffet of the best of free improvised music includes three duos. Especially exciting will be the involvement of the drummer Terry Day, still innovative into his 90th decade!
19 Evening
Our weekly jam is perhaps one of the best in town. And tonight it’s led by Jas Kayser, preferred drummer of Lenny Kravitz and top alumna from Berklee in Boston.
22 Kasper Rietkerk’s KRSIX – EP Launch
With his alto playing described as “first-rate, melodic and capable of delicacy as well as power” in Allaboutjazz, we are delighted to welcome his sextet for the launch of a live EP. The music draws a wide range of inspiration including rock, folk and blues, to integrate with his love of jazz.
23 Ferg’s Imaginary Big Band
Bassist Fergus Quill is perhaps one of the highest profile names to watch out of Leeds. And we are happy for him to bring his mega band to ‘occupy’ the club for a night. “Fantastic musicianship and soloing meet theatrical drama and punk attitude.” (Jazz Revelations)
24 Barry Green and Liselotte Östblom : “A New Song”
Pianist Barry Green is one of our most influential educators, having recently taught rising star Sultan Stevenson, but is known for his ability to bring out the best of singers, especially in a duo format. Liselotte delivers “a soul-grabbing and sublime performance” — Earmilk
25 Kris Davis TICKETS SELLING FAST
We are delighted to host a UK exclusive date by Grammy-winning NY-based pianist Davis. With a rhythm section to die for in Robert Hurst and Johnathan Blake.
24, 25 (Downstairs late) TBC
Our informal late shows, with a bar to match, are a great opportunity to hear live music late in London. Whoever is playing, will be one of the best on the London scene. And transport connections from Dalston are perfect on Friday and Saturday nights. A true bargain at just £6