Raucous lates Downstairs! Zhenya Strigalev
For this week’s Raucous Late Downstairs, we are happy to welcome Zhenya Strigalev, an alto player with a justifiably earned pedigree. Incredible collaborations have been the foundation for a unique…
Sat 11 December 2021
HLK Trio (2nd show)
Trio HLK is the union of three distinct, forward thinking musical personalities: Rich Harrold (piano), Ant Law (guitar) and Rich Kass (drums). They are delighted to return to their London home for the first time in a few years to perform some new pieces.
HLK Trio (1st show)
Trio HLK is the union of three distinct, forward thinking musical personalities: Rich Harrold (piano), Ant Law (guitar) and Rich Kass (drums). They are delighted to return to their London home for the first time in a few years to perform some new pieces.
Fri 10 December 2021
Friday Night Late Session
The perfect relaxed late night Friday gig to get your weekend started in style after dinner or your Friday night after work drinks.
Tony Kofi Quintet – ‘A Portrait of Cannonball’ (2nd show)
Alto-sax master Tony Kofi fronts this loving celebration of the jazz giant Julian ‘Cannonball’ Adderley. With Andy Davies (trumpet) Alex Webb (piano), Andrew Cleyndert (bass) and Alfonso Vitale (drums) the group traces the explosive music of Cannonball Adderley from his first session as leader in 1955 through work with Miles Davis to the soul-jazz of the 1960s.
Tony Kofi Quintet – ‘A Portrait of Cannonball’ (1st show)
Alto-sax master Tony Kofi fronts this loving celebration of the jazz giant Julian ‘Cannonball’ Adderley. With Andy Davies (trumpet) Alex Webb (piano), Andrew Cleyndert (bass) and Alfonso Vitale (drums) the group traces the explosive music of Cannonball Adderley from his first session as leader in 1955 through work with Miles Davis to the soul-jazz of the 1960s.
Thu 09 December 2021
Billy Marrows Band – ‘Dancing on Bentwood Chairs’ Live Recording (2nd Show)
The Billy Marrows Band brings together several of the UK’s most exciting improvisers to explore Billy’s unique contemporary jazz compositions. Expect to hear infectious grooves and melodies, and captivating improvisations, with atmospheres ranging from joyous to reflective. Join the band on this night as they record a live EP ‘Dancing on Bentwood Chairs’.
Billy Marrows Band – ‘Dancing on Bentwood Chairs’ Live Recording (1st Show)
The Billy Marrows Band brings together several of the UK’s most exciting improvisers to explore Billy’s unique contemporary jazz compositions. Expect to hear infectious grooves and melodies, and captivating improvisations, with atmospheres ranging from joyous to reflective. Join the band on this night as they record a live EP ‘Dancing on Bentwood Chairs’.
Wed 08 December 2021
Will Vinson / Tom Cawley Quartet (2nd Show)
Originally from London, Alto Saxophonist/Composer Will Vinson moved to New York City in 1999 and has remained there ever since. Since his arrival, he has performed, toured and/or recorded with Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Ari Hoenig, Linda May Han Oh, Chris Potter, Kurt Elling, Lage Lund, Aaron Parks, and many others.
Will Vinson / Tom Cawley Quartet (1st Show)
Originally from London, Alto Saxophonist/Composer Will Vinson moved to New York City in 1999 and has remained there ever since. Since his arrival, he has performed, toured and/or recorded with Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Ari Hoenig, Linda May Han Oh, Chris Potter, Kurt Elling, Lage Lund, Aaron Parks, and many others.
Vortex discussion 80 – What is “good music”?
Or indeed “good jazz”? Is it about the technical, the financial or about the emotional? It’s a question that is constantly returned to. Have the criteria changed over the past…
Tue 07 December 2021
Midweek Downstairs Jam
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.
Sun 05 December 2021
Swiss Jazz Night: Christoph Irniger Trio feat. Ben Van Gelder + Luca Sisera ROOFER (2nd Show)
Unfortunately, due to the latest changes regarding test and isolation policies for all UK arrivals, this event can’t take place anymore. We apologise for the inconvenience and hope that we will be able to welcome back the artists whenever the circumstances become more favourable.
Swiss Jazz Night: Christoph Irniger Trio feat. Ben Van Gelder + Luca Sisera ROOFER (1st Show)
Unfortunately, due to the latest changes regarding test and isolation policies for all UK arrivals, this event can’t take place anymore. We apologise for the inconvenience and hope that we will be able to welcome back the artists whenever the circumstances become more favourable.
London Jazz Orchestra
London’s longest jazz residency resumes as the London Jazz Orchestra celebrates its 30th anniversary season!
Sat 04 December 2021
Late Night Saturday Sessions
Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, this event had to be cancelled.
Julian Siegel Quartet (2nd Show)
With the Julian Siegel Quartet, the BBC Jazz Award winning saxophonist and composer Julian Siegel can be heard alongside some of this generation’s most distinctive voices, creating an in-demand Quartet on the UK and European Jazz scene.
Live Stream – Julian Siegel Quartet
If you didn’t manage to get a ticket to attend the performance at the club, don’t miss the opportunity to join us online for tonight’s first set live-streamed from the club in real time!
Julian Siegel Quartet (1st Show)
With the Julian Siegel Quartet, the BBC Jazz Award winning saxophonist and composer Julian Siegel can be heard alongside some of this generation’s most distinctive voices, creating an in-demand Quartet on the UK and European Jazz scene.
Fri 03 December 2021
“Raucous lates” – Rachael Cohen Trio
Rachael Cohen brings her international trio (with Joe Downard on bass and Jason Brown on drums) to start a new series of regular dates as part of our RAUCOUS LATES Downstairs. Expect imagination…
Kevin Figes ‘Wallpaper Music’ (2nd show)
A brand new project led by saxophonist Kevin Figes, featuring: Brigitte Beraha (vocals), Jim Blomfield (keyboards, electronics), Ashley John Long (bass) and Mark Whitlam (percussion).
Kevin Figes ‘Wallpaper Music’ (1st show)
A brand new project led by saxophonist Kevin Figes, featuring: Brigitte Beraha (vocals), Jim Blomfield (keyboards, electronics), Ashley John Long (bass) and Mark Whitlam (percussion).
Thu 02 December 2021
Nishla Smith (2nd Show)
Nishla is a singer and songwriter who defies easy categorisation: her live sets include a breathtaking variety of material, from celebrated originals to dark jazz standards and devastating ballads. Her often dreamy and melancholic aura is offset by an energetic and imaginative band of Manchester’s finest young contemporary improvisers.
Nishla Smith (1st Show)
Nishla is a singer and songwriter who defies easy categorisation: her live sets include a breathtaking variety of material, from celebrated originals to dark jazz standards and devastating ballads. Her often dreamy and melancholic aura is offset by an energetic and imaginative band of Manchester’s finest young contemporary improvisers.
Wed 01 December 2021
Noonward / Alex Ward & Sean Noonan – Album Release (2nd show)
NOONWARD is the duo of Sean Noonan (drums, vocals) and Alex Ward (guitar, clarinet), two composer/performers working at the intersections of rock, jazz, improvised music and contemporary classical composition.
Noonward / Alex Ward & Sean Noonan – Album Release (1st show)
NOONWARD is the duo of Sean Noonan (drums, vocals) and Alex Ward (guitar, clarinet), two composer/performers working at the intersections of rock, jazz, improvised music and contemporary classical composition.
Sun 28 November 2021
Mopomoso Live / November
Prepare yourselves for an afternoon full of stellar stalwart improvising musicians: Sue Lynch (sax) and Matt Hutchinson (piano) in duo and the Marcio Mattos (cello), Marilza Gouvea (voice), Adrian Northover (sax) and Mark Hewins (guitar) quartet!
Sat 27 November 2021
Barry Green Trio feat. Jeff Williams & Steve Buckley (2nd show)
Exploring originals and standards with a unique group of musicians: Barry Green (piano), Steve Buckley (alto sax) & Jeff Williams (drums)
Barry Green Trio feat. Jeff Williams & Steve Buckley (1st show)
Exploring originals and standards with a unique group of musicians: Barry Green (piano), Steve Buckley (alto sax) & Jeff Williams (drums)
Fri 26 November 2021
Calum Gourlay Trio Feat. Xhosa Cole & Jeff Williams (2nd Show)
Premiere gig for a brand new project by bassist Calum Gourlay. Playing hard swinging originals and selected tunes by Thelonious Monk.
Calum Gourlay Trio Feat. Xhosa Cole & Jeff Williams (1st Show)
Premiere gig for a brand new project by bassist Calum Gourlay. Playing hard swinging originals and selected tunes by Thelonious Monk.
Thu 25 November 2021
Annie Whitehead Quartet (2nd Show)
Annie started her professional career with Ivy Benson’s All Girl Orchestra in 1971. Since then she has brought her distinctive sound to a wide range of projects, exploring many different musical styles.
Annie Whitehead Quartet (1st Show)
Annie started her professional career with Ivy Benson’s All Girl Orchestra in 1971. Since then she has brought her distinctive sound to a wide range of projects, exploring many different musical styles.
Wed 24 November 2021
Threes Up Organ Trio
Line-up: Rory Ingham – Trombone Matt Carter – Organ Luke Tomlinson – Drum kit About Threes Up Organ Trio is a high energy trombone-led organ trio playing a mixture of…
Vortex discussion 78 – Who are the new ‘taste makers’?
I The traditional ways of hearing about good music are still there. But declining. Radio (especially public in many countries), and print media (such as newspapers and periodicals) are still…
Tue 23 November 2021
Midweek Downstairs Jam
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.
Sun 21 November 2021
Downstairs @ The Vortex
A set from house band featuring: Guido Spannocchi (saxophone), Joe Armer (guitar), Jason Simpson (bass), Tristan Banks (drums) followed by Jam.
Mopomoso – A Tribute to John Russell
Mopomoso is the U.K.’s longest running concert series dedicated to freely improvised music, it was founded by guitarist John Russell who sadly passed away far too soon earlier this year. Mopomoso…
Sat 20 November 2021
‘Improvisation Nights’
“IMPROV NIGHTS” is a regular event at The Vortex Jazz Club – Downstairs curated by London-based drummer and percussionist Stefano Ancora.
Henry Spencer & Juncture (2nd show)
This special concert for the EFG London Jazz Festival will feature Henry Spencer and his group Juncture performing brand new music as well as music from this year’s EP release, ‘The Survivor and The Descendant‘.
Henry Spencer & Juncture (1st show)
This special concert for the EFG London Jazz Festival will feature Henry Spencer and his group Juncture performing brand new music as well as music from this year’s EP release, ‘The Survivor and The Descendant‘.
Fri 19 November 2021
Late Night Saturday Sessions
Late night after hours session downstairs at the Vortex hosted by drummer Will Glaser featuring Tom Challenger & Olie Brice
Shirley Smart Sextet (2nd show)
Acknowledged as one of the UK’s most versatile and creative cellists, trailblazing cellist and composer Shirley Smart brings her new sextet project to this years London Jazz Festival. Featuring: Tim Quicke (trumpet), James Arben (tenor sax/flute), John Crawford (piano), Michele Montoli (bass) & Demi Garcia Sabat (drums/percussion).
Shirley Smart Sextet (1st show)
Acknowledged as one of the UK’s most versatile and creative cellists, trailblazing cellist and composer Shirley Smart brings her new sextet project to this years London Jazz Festival. Featuring: Tim Quicke (trumpet), James Arben (tenor sax/flute), John Crawford (piano), Michele Montoli (bass) & Demi Garcia Sabat (drums/percussion).
Thu 18 November 2021
Leo Richardson Quartet (2nd show)
Tonight, the Leo Richardson Quartet (Leo Richardson – tenor saxophone; Liam Dunachie – piano; Conor Chaplin – bass; Darren Beckett – drums) will be performing select pieces from their most recent record “Move” along with new material created during the lockdown.
Leo Richardson Quartet (1st show)
Tonight, the Leo Richardson Quartet (Leo Richardson – tenor saxophone; Liam Dunachie – piano; Conor Chaplin – bass; Darren Beckett – drums) will be performing select pieces from their most recent record “Move” along with new material created during the lockdown.
Wed 17 November 2021
Rowland Sutherland Quartet – Man of Words and Music: Shake Keane (Pt. III) (2nd show)
Celebrating the creative contributions by Caribbean musicians to British Jazz. Part III the final instalment of Man of Words & Music: Shake Keane – featuring a live performance by the Rowland Sutherland Quartet with a mighty line up of Robert Mitchell (piano), Dudley Phillips (bass), Rod Young (drums) and Rowland Sutherland (flutes). Fellow Vincentian Sutherland will present a selection of Keane’s music with new arrangements.
Rowland Sutherland Quartet – Man of Words and Music: Shake Keane (Pt. III) (1st show)
Celebrating the creative contributions by Caribbean musicians to British Jazz. Take a special ride with the Rowland Sutherland Quartet as they chart the musical journey of the trumpeter and poet Shake Keane from the warm sunny climes of St.Vincent in the Caribbean, to the cold and grey skies of Britain. Zoning in on the wide sphere of music which Keane travelled through we come to appreciate that he was probably the most versatile musician to hail from the Caribbean.
Vortex discussion 77 – does music need strong beliefs?
Much music (and indeed art) over the years has been made by musicians (artists) with strong beliefs. Be it the likes of Wagner (and anti-semitism), Chick Corea (and Scientology) or…
Tue 16 November 2021
Pete Wareham/Ruth Goller/Chris Sharkey/Tom Skinner + DJ Set
Saxophonist from Melt Yourself Down Pete Wareham is performing as part of this year’s London Jazz Festival alongside Ruth Goller, Chris Sharkey and Tom Skinner.