Elliot Galvin’s newest album, “The Ruin” (on Gearbox Records) – his most personal to date – will be launched at the Vortex on 25 February. Elliot has been playing at the Vortex for over 15 years and we feel proud that we are a ‘second home’ for him.
But there’s an important ethical reason why the gig takes place. He felt unable to launch it at King’s Place as originally planned, because the venue is hosting a conference by a defence company later in the year. It’s a challenge for such independent venues, including the Vortex, to generate sufficient income to keep open. Yet in these financially strained times where it is hard to get public money, it could be too easy to accept such questionable funds. We mustn’t compromise like this!
In order to avoid this, we continue to need more and more members to help us out, as well as regular attendees at gigs. At just £10 a month, this is a lifeline for us. (And of course gives various benefits in return, such as reserved seats, and reductions.) We have been lucky enough to receive some substantial donations from individuals, such as a recent one in memory of the club’s founder David Mossman. We have put a “wish list” of some of our needs on our website. https://www.vortexjazz.co.uk/2025/01/23/our-wish-list/
The coming week is one where we are happy to give the chance to some of the newer musicians on the scene. It is amazing the maturity of jazz nowadays: an awareness of how to bring the music’s history into 2025. Such as Adam Woodcock’s Meridian and Donovan Haffner’s Quintet (both on 29th). And, particularly close to our hearts, is the latest gig on 30th early from Tom O’Brien, a member of the Whirlpool series cohort, our hand-picked bunch who perform monthly at the club.
We have two gigs which have instruments still too much of being ‘Cinderellas” in jazz with Leon Foster Thomas, one of the world’s pre-eminent jazz steel pan musicians (31st), and Shirley Smart has a plangent sound on the cello (30th).
JUST ANNOUNCED! 7 March. Zoh Amba, the thrilling young saxophonist with echoes of Ayler, Zorn and David Murray. With Nick Dunston and Chris Corsano.
Meanwhile, a final reminder that, on Saturday, the Village Vanguard comes to the Vortex. With Kris Davis, Robert Hurst and Johnathan Blake who have just completed a week at the iconic venue in New York. Last few tickets remaining for both shows!
24 Barry Green and Liselotte Östblom : “A New Song”
Pianist Barry Green is, on the one hand, one of our most influential educators, having recently taught rising star Sultan Stevenson, but is also 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 Trio LAST TICKETS AVAILABLE
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.
25 (Downstairs late) James Allsopp Trio
James Allsopp is one of the best saxophonists around, who really engages with the audience. He performs with a new trio of Will Glaser (drums) and Neil Charles on bass. A true bargain at just £6.
26 (Downstairs) Future Standards and Downstairs Jam
Jam session day at the Vortex. Starting with our informal jam in the afternoon downstairs.
26 Vortex Jam Session with Nick Costley-White
Great imagination and technique from Nick Costley-White, leading what many believe to be the best jam session in London!
28 Midweek Downstairs Jam
Welcoming and relaxed for those who just want a drink. But also welcoming to those who want to join in the second set.
29 (Downstairs) Adam Woodcock’s Meridian
Including some musicians who themselves are natural leaders of the jazz scene, such as Tom Barford and Dan Kemshell.
29 Donovan Haffner Quintet
Quickly making his own name, it is a thrill to hear how quickly saxophonist Donovan matures. Every time he plays there are surprises – of the best kind.
30 (Downstair Early) Tom O’Brien
New music from pianist Tom O’Brien, as part of our Whirlpool series, who, with a hand-picked group of new musicians, extends the boundaries of jazz. The start of the future?
30 Shirley Smart Sextet
Cellist Shirley Smart collects music like a renaissance collector for a cabinet of curiosities. Music from around the globe blends seamlessly and joyously.
31 Leon Foster Thomas
One of the leading steel pan players. His blistering technique and imagination has been so much in demand, as his music is as much inspired by Keith Jarrett as Trinidad’s steel pan heritage.
1 February Nick Costley-White Trio
A chance to join guitarist Nick on his thrilling musical journey. With a band including Dave Whitford and Josh Morrison. “A lyrical improviser with a crystal-clear sound.” (Jazzwise)
2 February (Afternoon) London Jazz Orchestra – Celebrating Kenny Wheeler
Trumpeter Kenny Wheeler was one of the world’s greatest jazz musicians. And here we celebrate his compositions, many especially commissioned by the London Jazz Orchestra, of which he was an original member. A new album of previously unreleased big band compositions is due out soon on Greenleaf, as well as a definitive biography.