An attraction of being in London and being able to come to a place like the Vortex is the special way that European, and especially British, musicians “bring their different experiences to bear” on jazz, be it classical music, folk, pop or world music, according to the eminent German jazz writer Bert Noglik. And certainly that remains a cornerstone of our programme. So this week ahead our programme blends musicians such as Nick Costley-White (Saturday) and Finn Carter (7 February) with the likes of steel pan (with Leon Foster-Thomas tonight), and other musicians who have relocated here from Switzerland (Fabienne Ambuehl on 6 February ) and from Germany (bassist Niklas Lukassen on 8 February).
And the bedrock for this in recent years is both free improvised music and also the influence of the scene around the likes of Kenny Wheeler. Indeed you can hear Kenny’s music on Sunday, when the London Jazz Orchestra celebrates what would have been his 95th birthday. We shall also have the quirkiness of some recorder on Tom Ridout’s late night gig on 1 February.
And this imagination of booking is why we also get some of the best of the New York downtown scene who want to savour the vibe of the Vortex! Such was the case last week with the phenomenal gig by the trio of Kris Davis.
Looking ahead we indeed have coming up Zoh Amba’s Bhakti (7 March), blending the European noise improv of Brötzmannn with avant-garde and hymns; and the unbeatable duo of Craig Taborn and Peter Evans on 11 March. On their own, they are worth coming to hear. So, the chance to hear them together??? Wow.
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)
1 (Downstairs Late) Tom Ridout
Tom Ridout, award-winning saxophonist and recorder player, brings an impish irreverence to the dignity of saxophone. What better way to take advantage of one of the few late night live gigs in London?
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.
2 (Evening) 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!
4 (Downstairs) Midweek Jam Session
Welcoming and relaxed, come for a drink, sit back and enjoy the music, or bring your horns, sticks and strings to join in during the second set.
5 (Downstairs early) Creations session with Gerardo Gozzi and Edwin Hillier
Our monthly downstairs improv session, led by cellist Shirley Smart, who is a professor of improvisation at the Royal College of Music as well as being such a warm-hearted compere.
5 Queer Jazz with Queen Kaltoum and Maya Law
Queer Jazz exists to platform, nurture and celebrate the emerging queer jazz scene. Queen Kaltoum has a wonderfully eclectic background: born in Italy of Moroccan heritage but now in London. Maya Law has developed an approach and attitude which reflects the wide open spaces of Norfolk, from where she comes.
6 (Downstairs early) Bigger Picture
The British influence on jazz is clear from this group. A collective deriving from Berlin, but strongly influenced by the love of music of the scene here, especially “Azimuth” (of Kenny Wheeler, Norma Winstone and John Taylor)
6 Fabienne Ambuehl
Singer-pianist Fabienne celebrates her new album on Ubuntu with a special trio involving the marvellous Tom Ollendorff on guitar. They will transport you on a magic carpet ride from the mountains to the city.
7 Finn Carter
In demand from musicians such as Loyle Carner and Tom Misch, pianist Finn Carter creates music that is sensitive, emotive and synergistic. “Beautiful group improvisation.” (Jamie Cullum)
8 Niklas Lukassen
Since arriving in London from Berlin, bassist Lukassen has made waves on the scene with his energy, imagination and joy. Here he is joined by a band of superstars in themselves, especially Will Vinson (whom we have heard with the likes of Trio Grande) and the (understandably) ubiquitous Ivo Neame.
8 Vortex Lates: Riley Stone-Lonergan
Blistering technique channelled into an upbeat energy that sucks us all in, is there a better way to spend a late Saturday night than with saxophonist Riley? And it’s so easy to get away late from Dalston Junction and with the night buses.