There are now so many ways to listen to music. From live through to physical, such as vinyl, to, nowadays, social media. How appropriate are they for different styles, including […]

Our online discussion looks at the concept of ‘viral’ jazz, a term coined by Vijay Iyar. Often jazz found out about through TikTok or other social media.  But what does […]

For around 40 years, till 1979, there were imposed limits on the number of non-UK musicians who could play here. (Particularly affecting the jazz scene from USA.) Are we going […]

We seem to have more recordings than ever. But too many? There is more recorded music around than ever. Is that because we have more musicians with something to say? […]

Free improvisation dates back to Ornette Coleman and Joe Harriett at the end of the 50s. After 70 years, is it innovative or just a cul-de-sac which only will ever […]

For over a century, one of the main ways that we have experienced recordings of music have been with physical recordings: wax discs, vinyl, CDs, cassettes….. But how essential are […]

How we absorb our music has been changing, as well as how we learn about it. Perhaps speeded up by  the pandemic. The latest is how Jazz Times has sacked […]

How do we hear about music nowadays? The famous quote, allegedly by Frank Zappa, is that ‘writing about music is like dancing to architecture’. With less attention to the written word, […]

There are regularly places where jazz and humour come together (or at least try to!). More successful instances are ‘Jazz Club’ on the Fast Show, Stewart Lee (passim). And most […]

There is perennial discussion relating to jazz about funding for jazz.  But even with inadequate resources, it survives and indeed thrives. …..Or does it? That’s the theme of this week’s […]

Spiritual jazz has particularly picked up as a term to describe jazz that follows from the Alice Coltrane-Pharaoh Sanders era into many current musicians. In USA, the likes of Kamasi […]

How do we our ideas across musically? Is performing well good enough or is more required? Perhaps descriptions or more. Perhaps visuals. Good marketing. Or alternatives Join the weekly online […]

Jazz and improvised music has been many competitive elements, often clearly shown in jam sessions. Also, in how musicians may try to ‘get ahead’? But can this be contrasted with […]

The current world we’re in celebrates “disruption” as a badge of merit.  It’s treated as a positive to be rewarded, eg Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos. But isn’t jazz something […]

How tolerant should we be to, say, Russian musicians who want to play. It’s certainly the case that in Poland Russians, irrespective of their beliefs and the quality of their […]

Jazz seems to be a music where there is a great deal of integration across the generations. Why is this awareness and respect? Is this correct? And if so, why? […]

We hear a lot, especially now, about jazz musicians who have done things which are morally reprehensible despite fantastic music. Often these are to do with attitudes to women. As […]

How is one creative? Is it taught, or come through playing or self-discovery? Creativity is a crucial element of good jazz, so let’s think why. These online discussions have been […]

Our weekly online discussion has now been going since March 2020. It covers a wide range of topics – some more philosophical, some more political, some more purely musical. It […]

For the latest Vortex online discussion, we consider the balance between originality in jazz and interpretation. Last Sunday, Calum Gourlay’s Big Band played Duke Ellington’s Queen’s Suite. How far could […]

There already seems to have been a major move away from the traditional ‘press’ in terms of writing about, and reviewing, music (and jazz in particular). In recent years, much […]

How far have things changed post-pandemic in the jazz world? Perhaps some think that the world is back to how it was, but it’s a good time to reassess how […]

Today’s discussion considers when and whether music is chaotic. What do audiences require to get beyond this? There are options like visual artists giving their own interpretations; emotional energy; some […]

The word ‘free’ in jazz comes up in so many contexts. Freedom for the performer, freeness in terms of ‘point of sale’, free jazz in terms of lack of constraint. […]

Ethnicity and gender diversity and jazz have been over recent years two significant issues. Gender, especially in Europe, has been a particularly powerful topic needing to be addressed. Val Wilmer, […]

An open discussion about where music sits in relation to audience response.

When musicians perform, are they doing it for themselves, their audience or some other reason, such as politics, community or similar? The return of live music has shown that audiences […]

Artists look for creativity from various influences brought together into their individual identity. Increasingly in jazz, as noticed at the Jazzahead event, political and national identity play an increasing role, […]

For this, the 100th online discussion (a series which began in March 2020), we look at the effect of chance on musical performance. How do musicians react to the ‘slings […]

According to Immanuel Kant, “the product of a genius…is an example that is meant not to be imitated, but to be followed by another genius…[who]…is aroused…to a feeling of his […]

‘Be afraid, be very afraid’. The tagline from The Fly can extend to jazz and improvised music quite easily. Audiences frightened by having to put their foot through the door […]

Of course, we now have live gigs back. But has the recorded sector moving to streaming changed how to perceive recording? And have the ways in which musicians behave at […]

Does one ‘play’ or ‘perform’ music? The psychologist Donald Winnicott wrote: “Play more than anything else makes the individual feel that life is worth living.” But does that potentially lower […]

The ancient Greek word “chaos” means a chasm or void, and its opposite is “cosmos”, meaning the exquisite design of the world. Where does improvisation sit in this spectrum? How […]

The latest Ukraine war seems to have put the arts world in a quandary. For example, orchestras cancelling Russian music from programmes and musicians being pushed out. Is this right? […]

At music conferences, such as Jazzahead, many different countries have their own stands to promote their local scenes. (Often giveaway alcohol seems to be the main USP!) But are there […]

Today’s discussion encourages people to wonder about the definitions of jazz especially being thrown around today. There have always been discussions about the definition of ‘jazz’. But today, equally there […]

In the latest Vortex discussion, we look at the environmental aspects of music, and art. Touring, recording, performing live and disseminating the music online. Clearly, much of music is geared […]

This quote – the opening sentence of LP Hartley’s “The Go Between”- seems to describe one view of categorisation of jazz for some. Musicians and music are categorised as “contemporary”, […]

Jazz and improvised music is renowned for being innovative, especially in venues such as the Vortex. Innovation often requires stimuli, such as collaboration, new sights and sounds. Can we find […]

The Vortex discussion, led by Vortex director Oliver Weindling, has now been running for nearly 2 years. This week, we wonder if the relationship between musicians and audiences have changed […]

The weekly discussion has been continuing for nearly 2 years. This week, we shall discuss how viable recordings are. No doubt that they are important as a way of ‘archiving’, […]

Looking ahead to 2022, our weekly discussion continues online. With the proper return of live gigs stopped in their tracks by the need to respond to the latest Covid resurgence, […]

The Vortex weekly discussion focuses on whether creativity and innovation can thrive now that there is a reopening of live music. Open to all via Zoom.

This week’s Zoom discussion considers the relationship of jazz and politics. How strongly can we fight nowadays in a world where we are dependent on government money which may not come with adequate independence?

Shake Keane image, courtesy of Val Wilmer   This year to mark National Windrush Day 2021, the Vortex Jazz Club presents Man of Words and Music – poet and trumpeter […]

How effective is streaming in bringing creativity and emotion to audiences? Looking beyond the hype for this discussion open to all. Free via Zoom.

The word “jazz” covers a whole range of styles – from the ‘historic’ through to ‘free improv’. How important is this? How inclusive? Over the years, not just in the […]

This week’s discussion looks at the concept of musicians and artists getting enough ‘space’ to express themselves.

Free via Zoom – This week we look at the link between music and emotion. How “emotional” should music be? And should it be communicated to the audience? Perhaps traditional venues are too repressive? Or….?

ARQ in concert and interview with Alison Rayner Alison Rayner – Bass Buster Birch- Drums Deirdre Cartwright – Guitar Diane McLoughlin – Sax Steve Lodder – Piano With the multi […]

Tonight’ session features a special double bill with The Casimir Connection and the Add3io jazz trio.     The Casimir Connection in concert and interview with Diane McLoughlin. Diane McLoughlin’s wonderfully evocative quartet with influences […]

When jazz and improvising musicians go on stage, they are taking tremendous risks in the creation of the music for the audience. The compositions are instant and not fully planned! […]

Blow the Fuse ‘On Air’ is a series of exclusively recorded online concerts from the Vortex Jazz Club in London.

Tonight, Blow the Fuse brings us back to 1985! This film was recorded one night at the Kings Head theatre on Upper Street Islington. It features interviews with all members […]

Blow the Fuse ‘On Air’ is a series of online concerts from the Vortex Jazz Club in Dalston. This week show features Annie Whitehead, trombone virtuoso best known for her engaging mix of African grooves, blues, ska and Ellingtonian expressionism.

Rough Takes is a series about giving artists the space to experiment and take risks and to open the door to the creative process for audiences. We give an artist the space for a day and a performance at the end of it – what they choose to do and who they choose to work with is up to them.

Blow the Fuse ‘On Air’ is a series of exclusively recorded online weekly concerts from the Vortex Jazz Club in Dalston. This week features Liane Carroll in concert and conversation. […]

Line-up: Alexandra Ridout – Trumpet Luca Caruso – Drums Freddie Jensen – Bass Featuring – Joey Curreri – Trumpet Thanks for everyone who turned out to see Alexandra Ridout Trio with Luca […]

Phelan Burgoyne Trio play Paul Motian’s Lost in a Dream live from Sands Studios.

Catch-up with Blow the Fuse on Air #2 premiered on Thursday 10th December

We are very pleased to be collaborating with Up&Down Festival in the Canary Islands this weekend to broadcast a livestream performance from Tori freestone, Alcyona Mick and Brigitte Beraha. Tune in […]

Internationally renowned harpist Alina Bzhezhinska has a strong reputation for innovation. This time she creates a unique sound on the harp with effect pedals and electronics, featuring the innovative trumpeter […]

Replay an intimate set from saxophonist and composer Trish Clowes which was recorded back in September this year. Trish  is joined by her friends Chris Montague and Ross Stanley for what […]

Make sure to tune in on Tuesday the 8th December to re-watch Bruno Heinen’s gig at the Vortex from our re-opening weekend! Featuring Andrea Di Biase, Gene Calderazzo and Alex […]

Don’t miss the chance to catch-up on this fantastic performance from our reopening night at the club last Friday 4th December!

Line-up: Carol Grimes – vocals Annie Whitehead – trombone Deirdre Cartwright – guitar Alison Rayner – bass Winston Clifford – drums Donate here Blow the Fuse ‘On Air’ is a […]

Line-up: Roella Oloro – Alto Saxophone and Piano Ezekiel Ajie – Bass Andee Liu – Drums Roella Oloro is a British composer and multi-instrumentalist of Nigerian and Jamaican descent. Her […]

Replay one of the first gigs we put on after re-opening in September – British pianist Ivo Neame featuring Tom Farmer on bass and James Maddren on Drums. The event […]

The November edition of Grass Roots welcomes Ma – a young musical triumvirate whose influences include jazz, hip-hop and rock with a soupcon of drum & bass. The band’s name […]

In Conversation With…  is a new series of informal chats between a musician and another. Our inaugural conversation kicks off with academic, broadcaster and Radio 4 presenter of Thinking Aloud Laurie Taylor, in conversation with guitarist, composer John Etheridge.

A new suite of music specially created for Black History Month….

This month’s Words and Art, curated by Nicki Heinen and once again with live art from Aurelie Freoua is once again broadcast live on Zoom. Sasha Dugdale Sasha Dugdale has […]

Line-up: Evan Parker – Saxophones John Edwards – Double Bass Mark Sanders – Drums Join us on the 11th October for the Vortex’s return to Sands Films Studio, bringing you a […]

With more limited concerts around (both in terms of size and numbers), and even those honouring musicians who lost gigs during the first phase of lockdown, how do we encourage […]

Rescheduled exclusive set from home featuring: Ingrid Jensen- Monette and Electronics, Kris Davis- Rhodes, Nate Radley- Guitar & Jon Wikan- Drums and percussion. The performance will be followed by a live Q&A.

Pianist, composer and bandleader Rick Simpson plays a set of his own tunes.

A specially recorded set of free solo bass improvisations and experimental multitrack bass recordings created specially for the Vortex.

An open discussion looking at the impact of the pandemic on the future of jazz – as listener, viewer and performer

Straight from the home of one of UK’s leading pianists, join us for this largely improvised live streamed set featuring piano and electronics.

Replay one of the most exciting gigs from 2019 with the Ben Wendel Seasons band. Featuring the talents of Aaron Parks (piano), Gilad Hekselman (guitar), Matt Brewer (bass) and Kendrick Scott (drums), the Seasons band played to two sold out audiences back in July last year. Watch back live on the 18th July, almost a year since, from 20:30 BST on Facebook and YouTube.

Singer-songwriter & multi-instrumentalist Fini Bearman will be giving performing songs from her new record, La Loba, out October 9th.

This new musical partnership is a fortuitous outcome of Josephine and Ben Somers moving in together for lockdown and motivating each other to write new music for saxophone and bass.

Relive this amazing performance from a band we all know very well at the Vortex – Led Bib! A throwback to 2014.

A pre-recorded solo performance with the world which features a rich tapestry of improvisation, electronic soundscapes & a striking imagery from recent Black Lives Matter Protests in the US.

Join us for a live streamed solo piano performance from the home of Andrew McCormack!

Please donate to the club and musicians here Donate to the Abram Wilson Foundation here We are very pleased to welcome back London-based drummer Jas Kayser for a live streamed […]

Donate and help us keep bringing more live streams! All funds raised will be split evenly between the club and the musicians involved.

Donate and help us keep bringing more live streams! All funds raised will be split evenly between the club and the musicians involved.

DONATE AND HELP US KEEP BRINGING MORE LIVE STREAMS! All funds raised will be split evenly between the club and the musicians involved.

An open discussion on the role of the audience and customer, as they have to navigate new ways of hearing music live.

DONATE AND HELP US KEEP BRINGING MORE LIVE STREAMS! 
All funds raised will be split evenly between the club and the musicians involved.

Donate and help us keep bringing more live streams! All funds raised will be split evenly between the club and the musicians involved.

Donate and help us keep bringing more live streams! All funds raised will be split evenly between the club and the musicians involved.

Donate and help us keep bringing more live streams!  All funds raised will be split evenly between the club and the musicians involved.     Watch on Facebook Here or on […]

Donate and help us keep bringing more live streams!   This Thursday 14th May, trumpeter Alex Bonney brings us an exclusive solo set live with electronics. This pre-recorded performance will be […]

On the 12th May at 7PM BST, we will have a live-streaming a pre-recorded performance from Maria Chiara Argiro’s Album launch from the 8th December 2019 via Facebook and YouTube! […]

On the 7th May at 7PM BST, The Vortex Jazz Club is very pleased to present a live-streamed recorded performance from George Crowley via Facebook and YouTube! Since closing our […]

Where do record labels go from here? With so few shops around, the only real ways of selling physical CDs and vinyl are at gigs (unless direct or via Amazon). […]

Live improvisation with visual art, musicians, dancers and poet. All improvising simultaneously from their homes across the world. With Aurelie Freoua, Ley Loosh, Petra Haller, Liran Donin, Hyelim Kim, Mervin […]

Women in Jazz. The first of a series of seminars/informal chit chats (or whatever else you want to call them) while we aren’t open. The topic of Women in Jazz […]