A few of the extra special gigs to come!
For so many musicians, the Vortex is a place where they feel inspired and give their all. The positive engagement of the audience, our honesty in trying, through our volunteer structure, of making sure enough comes back to the musicians, and so on. This helps make these gigs so unmissable
Just announced!
3 May. James Brandon Lewis Trio. When he was last at the club in 2024, the audience left enraptured and transcended. Buy tickets asap to avoid disappointment.
But also…
11 March Craig Taborn and Peter Evans. Two masters of their instruments and influencers. Piano and trumpet.
13 March. Aurora Nealand and Liam Noble. Aurora is a mind-blowing virtuoso on accordion and clarinet, with a diversity in style to match. Last seen here blowing free with Tim Berne, but also able to bring New Orleans trad into 2025.
18 April. Emma Rawicz returns to the club in a new line-up with string quartet and Elliot Galvin. Such a wide-ranging composer and performer who is always worth checking.
Next week, though, is not to be dismissed. There is something for everyone in the 15 gigs. Two of the father figures of the present scene, bassist Gary Crosby and saxophonist Jean Toussaint, play over the next two Saturdays. . And Kezia Abuoma, a protégée of Gary, plays late on Saturday. It’s exciting too on Tuesday 25, that pianist Elliot Galvin, always a favourite, launches his new album with an exceptional band including Seb Rochford on drums.
Meanwhile our special Whirlpool series continues, where we encourage a cohort of young musicians to “go for it”. Jemima Whyte on Thursday 27 needs to be heard!
And remember that members, for just £10 a month, get discounts on tickets and reserved seating. It’s something that helps musicians so much more than a subscription to Spotify. As well as the club and your pocket.
21 Dunajska Kapelye
As close to being our resident Balkan/klezmer/Hot Club jazz group as one can get. Led by the charismatic violinist Piotr Jordan, it’s upbeat, joyous and virtuosic.
22 Future Standards and Downstairs Jam
This is a relaxed a way as any to learn about what might be the standards of the 21st century. Come for a drink or bring your instrument. It’s all free.
22 The Gary Crosby Sextet Presents “Mingus Moves”
Bassist Gary Crosby OBE, winner of the Queen’s Medal for Music, is the influential band leader and founder of Tomorrow’s Warriors. So it’s wholly appropriate that he brings us a reinterpretation of the iconic bassist Charles Mingus’s last great album, also one of Gary’s favourites.
23 (Late Downstairs) Kezia Abuoma
One of the recent alumni of Tomorrow’s Warriors, pianist Kezia is one to watch. She has already made an impact at the Vortex working with Michael Formanek and playing the music of Ornette Coleman with Calum Gourlay.
23 (Downstairs early) MOJO Big Band plays Pat Metheny
Shining a spotlight on the compositions of legendary guitarist Metheny in stunning arrangements by Bob Curnow.
23 Vortex Jam Session with Rick Simpson
Possibly the best value gig in London, being free for members and musicians: you get a great set from the effervescent pianist Rick Simpson as well as a jam with some of the best in town.
25 (Downstairs) Midweek Downstairs Jam
Relax with a drink, enjoy the music. Or indeed bring your own instrument to join in during the second set.
25 (Upstairs) Elliot Galvin – “The Ruin” Album Launch Tour
Pianist Galvin is already a superstar of the London scene. This is his most personal album yet. A memorable night with an all star band including Ruth Goller (bass and vocals), Mandhira de Saram (violin) and Sebastian Rochford on drums.
26 (Downstairs early) Aspyrian
An eclectic mix takes music of soulful songwriters and alternative bands, and brings something unique and captivating.
26 (Upstairs) Alasdair Pennington
“An imaginative force behind the drum kit.” (Plastic Magazine)
27 (Downstairs early) Jemima Whyte
The latest gig from our Whirlpool series for exceptional new talent. Powerhouse saxophonist Jemima Whyte works together with artist Jess Anderson and poet Taiwo to bring together an evening featuring other female creatives. The 2025 version of a 60s happening?
27 Red Kite
Return of Danish pianist Espen Tjalve’s group Red Kite, with a pan European lineup that could only come out of a creative venue like the Vortex! “An abundance of beauty and originality” (UK Jazz News)
28 Rachael Cohen
Cohen is a saxophonist of imagination and charisma. There is no better combination. An outstanding trio includes New York drummer Jason Brown.
1 (Downstairs early) Mandalakia
Traditional music from Greece in a modern sound world.
1 (Upstairs) Jean Toussaint – JT5
A special edition of the band of former Art Blakey saxophonist Toussaint. “Fluent and assured, with angular asides to keep you guessing.”(The Observer) He is the role model for the young Turks of today.
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