Line-up:
Martin Speake – Alto Saxophone
Hans Koller – Piano
Anders Christensen – Double Bass
Anders Mogensen – Drums
About
Although British jazz and jazz on the continent are continuing to thrive on their respective local levels, not many truly Anglo-European groups have managed to connect with such ease and shared understanding as Universal Connection, the quartet of Martin Speake, Hans Koller, Anders Christensen, and Anders Mogensen.
Koller (born in Bavaria, Germany but resident in England since 1991) and Speake (London born and bred) have both been at the forefront of the London jazz scene for a number of years. Internationally, Speake has recorded for ECM records with musicians such as Paul Motian and Bobo Stenson. Koller has recorded and toured with Europe’s leading big bands such as the NDR in Hamburg, and the WDR in Cologne. Koller is also the last musician to have recorded with the legendary soprano player Steve Lacy.
Koller and Speake both worked with bassist Anders Christensen during his 10 year stay in London. Copenhagen-based Christensen has toured and recorded with countless jazz legends, most worth mentioning would be his 12 years touring and recording with Paul Motian.
Christensen and Mogensen have worked together as a celebrated Danish rhythm team throughout the years, and have been part of some of the most groundbreaking bands on the vibrant jazz scene in Scandinavia. Mogensen is a busy sideman touring and recording with Jerry Bergonzi, Tim Hagans and Walt Weiskopf among many others. This international quartet is testament to the vibrancy, beauty, and imagination of jazz old and new.
Listen to our recording: Universal Language – Music is composed by Martin Speake
COVID INFORMATION FOR AUDIENCE MEMBERS – PLEASE READ
Welcome to the Vortex. Although the government has relaxed its Covid restrictions the Vortex continues to operate measures to protect users of the premises.
Please note the following:
- We ask you not to attend gigs if you have or think you may have any Covid-19 symptoms.
- We also ask audience members to do a lateral flow test on the day of the gig and only attend if it’s negative. If you can’t make a gig because you have to self-isolate then just get in touch by filling out this form and we’ll issue a refund.
- If you would like to sit by friends who have bought separate tickets, please email the club with details and we will make every effort to accommodate.
- We are cashless. We only accept cards for purchases at the bar (except American Express).
- We ask that everyone wears a mask when moving around inside the building.
- Automatic hand sanitiser stations are provided at various places within the building.
- Full details of the measures that we are taking to prevent transmission of Covid are set out in our risk assessment and management plan which can be found on our website.