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Vortex Jazz Club

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11 Gillett Square
London, N16 8AZ
020 7254 4097
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Fri 31 January 2025

Leon Foster Thomas

A gifted international jazz musician and steel pan virtuoso. His music is a blend of his Caribbean roots with the harmonic and improvisational complexities of jazz, creating a lively and eclectic meld all his own.

Sat 01 February 2025

Nick Costley-White Trio

Acclaimed UK guitarist Nick Costley-White leads his trio featuring Dave Whitford (Billy Hart, Dave Leibman) on bass and Josh Morrison (Stacey Kent, Dave O’Higgins) on drums.

Vortex Lates: Tom Ridout

“Vortex Lates” is a new series of events taking place in our downstairs bar from 10-1am every Friday or Saturday. A new late-night jazz hang for Dalston where you can grab a drink and listen to some of the best improvised musicians from around the city.

Sun 02 February 2025

London Jazz Orchestra – Celebrating Kenny Wheeler

Trumpeter and composer Kenny Wheeler was a founder member of the London Jazz Orchestra, and the LJO celebrates his 95th birthday with a performance of his Long Suite 2005, written for his 75th birthday tour. Kenny’s writing remains a huge influence on the band’s composer/members and the performance will also “trumpet” new music by LJO pianist Alcyona Mick and bassist Calum Gourlay.

Vortex Jam Session with Nick Costley-White

A weekly session on Sunday evenings, the jams will be hosted by some of London’s finest: drummer Jas Kayser, pianist Rick Simpson, guitarist Nick Costley-White, trumpeter Sean Gibbs and tenor saxophonists Helena Kay and Riley Stone-Lonergan, each one hosting one session on rotation.

Tue 04 February 2025

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.

Wed 05 February 2025

Queer Jazz: QUEEN KALTOUM w/ Maya Law (support)

Queer Jazz exists to platform, nurture and celebrate the emerging queer jazz scene. Programmed by Tina Edwards and Arowah, they have put together an exciting monthly programme of innovative LGBTQI+ artists at The Vortex Jazz Club, supported by Arts Council England.

Thu 06 February 2025

Bigger Picture

Berlin-based collective ‘Bigger Picture’, with compositions written by British pianist Laurie Rich and Danish trumpeter Tobias Bech, bring their music to London for the first time with a quartet outfit featuring Swedish bassist Seth Sjöström and Berlin-born drummer Dominik Witte. They will be performing music from Tobias and Laurie’s upcoming debut album featuring Swedish vocalist Irma Neumüller recorded by Nanni Johansson at Berlin’s Hansa Studios in July, as well as exploring some new compositions.

Fabienne Ambuehl Quartet

Swiss pianist, singer and composer Fabienne Ambuehl brings a trio of her favourite musicians – Tom Ollendorff, Matt Ridley and Pat Davey – to celebrate the release of a new album “Thrive” on Ubuntu Music.

Fri 07 February 2025

Finn Carter Quartet

Led by pianist and composer Finn Carter, the members of this group all approach improvising from the same perspective: trying to serve the music and remove the ego from improvising. With credits including Loyle Carner, Sampha, Rex Orange County and Tom Misch, these in-demand players are all technically virtuosic, but the music they create together is more than that; it is sensitive, emotive and synergistic.

Sat 08 February 2025

Niklas Lukassen

Bassist & composer Niklas Lukassen returns to the Vortex with a quartet featuring: Will Vinson (sax), Ivo Neame (piano) & Francesco Ciniglio (drums).

Sun 09 February 2025

Vortex Jam Session

A weekly session on Sunday evenings, the jams will be hosted by some of London’s finest: drummer Jas Kayser, pianist Rick Simpson, guitarist Nick Costley-White, trumpeter Sean Gibbs and tenor saxophonists Helena Kay and Riley Stone-Lonergan, each one hosting one session on rotation.

Thu 13 February 2025

Tori Freestone Trio

Saxophonist & composer Tori Freestone returns to the Vortex with her long-time colleagues Tim Giles (drums) and Dave Manington (bass).

Fri 14 February 2025

Valentine’s Day – Heidi Vogel, James Kitchman & Bruno Heinen (Early show)

For this Valentine’s Special, Heidi teams up with award-winning pianist Bruno Heinen – described by the Guardian as “eclectic, eccentric, unobtrusively erudite” and the acclaimed guitarist James Kitchman; recognised as one of the most distinctive and sought-after jazz guitarists of his generation.

Valentine’s Day – Heidi Vogel, James Kitchman & Bruno Heinen (Late show)

For this Valentine’s Special, Heidi teams up with award-winning pianist Bruno Heinen – described by the Guardian as “eclectic, eccentric, unobtrusively erudite” and the acclaimed guitarist James Kitchman; recognised as one of the most distinctive and sought-after jazz guitarists of his generation.

VORTEX LATES: DALSTON SONG CLUB W/ ED BEGLEY

Our monthly late night series brings songwriters together to perform in the round, hosted by Matthew Herd. February sees the incredible, genre defying Ed Begley bringing some new material to the Vortex with Alex Bonney on trumpet and electronics.

Sat 15 February 2025

A Hologram Maze

Warm, reflective, open-hearted and lyrical jazz. A Hologram Maze is led by pianist/composer David Austin Grey. The band features a close-knit group of the UK’s finest improvisers, who bring a deep sense of understanding and common purpose to each composition.

Sun 16 February 2025

Mopomoso

Come & join us for another special Mopomoso featuring Marilza Gouvea (solo voice with small percussion) + Phil Durrant (semi-modular synth/electronics), Colin Webster (alto sax), Andrew Lisle (drums) + Mia Zabelka (violin), Charlotte Keeffe (trumpets)

Vortex Jam Session

A weekly session on Sunday evenings, the jams will be hosted by some of London’s finest: drummer Jas Kayser, pianist Rick Simpson, guitarist Nick Costley-White, trumpeter Sean Gibbs and tenor saxophonists Helena Kay and Riley Stone-Lonergan, each one hosting one session on rotation.

Wed 19 February 2025

Tom Niblock Big Band

Award winning composer Tom Niblock returns to the Vortex with his big band featuring many young stars and more established names of the London Jazz scene and beyond. Having won the Dankworth Prize in 2021 and the Eddie Harvey Arranger Award in 2020, the band will be playing his exciting original music alongside inventive arrangements.

Thu 20 February 2025

Maddy Coombs

Maddy is an up-and-coming tenor saxophonist from Northampton, who came up through the Tomorrow’s Warriors programme. Her music focuses on telling a story with a strong focus on improvisation.

Dreamscapes

Following a sold-out downstairs show last September, post-fusion, nu-jazz group Dreamscapes returns to the Vortex this February. Five unique musicians drawing from a melting-pot of influences who transcend genre, producing music with a sense of true freedom.

Fri 21 February 2025

Dunajska Kapelye

Led by jazz violin virtuoso Piotr Jordan, Dunajska Kapelye have been delighting audiences at the Vortex for many years. You will hear authentic Balkan and Gypsy folk, Hot Club jazz, Klezmer and the odd blues and jazz standard, all shot through with scintillating improvisation for a seat-of-pants ride through Eastern Europe and beyond.

Sat 22 February 2025

The Gary Crosby Sextet presents “Mingus Moves”

Bassist, band leader and co-founder of Tomorrow’s Warriors, Gary Crosby OBE brings together his sextet for a night celebrating the legendary jazz innovator and composer Charles Mingus.

Fri 31 January 2025

Leon Foster Thomas

A gifted international jazz musician and steel pan virtuoso. His music is a blend of his Caribbean roots with the harmonic and improvisational complexities of jazz, creating a lively and eclectic meld all his own.

Thu 30 January 2025

Shirley Smart Sextet

Acknowledged as one of the UK’s most versatile and creative cellists, trailblazing cellist and composer Shirley Smart returns to the Vortex wit her sextet project feat. James Arben, Alistair Martin, John Crawford, Marcus Penrose and Demi Garcia Sabat.

Whirlpool 2: Tom O’Brien

Our Whirlpool series continues with a gig led by pianist Tom O’Brien. Exciting music from a group of our thrilling new musicians specially selected from the Vortex! Tom O’Brien presents…

Wed 29 January 2025

Donovan Haffner Quintet

Donovan Haffner Quintet was formed by playing together at Guildhall School of Music when Donovan was just 18 years old. The band featuring Francisco Garcia De Paredes (guitar), Jay Verma (piano), Harry Pearce (double bass) & Harry Ling (drums) plays originals written by Donovan, which comprises of straight-ahead, neo-bop, and contemporary.

Adam Woodcock’s Meridian

As the main compositional outlet for Adam, MERIDIAN comprises of some of the UK’s promising young musical talents: Tom Barford (saxophone), James Pettinger (piano), Daniel Kemshell (electric guitar) & Aram Bahmaie (double bass).

Tue 28 January 2025

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 26 January 2025

Vortex Jam Session with Nick Costley-White

A weekly session on Sunday evenings, the jams will be hosted by some of London’s finest: drummer Jas Kayser, pianist Rick Simpson, guitarist Nick Costley-White, trumpeter Sean Gibbs and tenor saxophonists Helena Kay and Riley Stone-Lonergan, each one hosting one session on rotation.

Sat 25 January 2025

Vortex Lates: James Allsopp

“Vortex Lates” is a new series of events taking place in our downstairs bar from 10-1am every Friday or Saturday. A new late-night jazz hang for Dalston where you can grab a drink and listen to some of the best improvised musicians from around the city.

Kris Davis Trio (2nd Show)

Kris Davis is a Grammy award-winning pianist and composer described by The New York Times as a beacon for “deciding where to hear jazz on a given night.” We are thrilled to welcome her trio to the Vortex to present her new album “Run the Gauntlet”, featuring bassist Robert Hurst (known for his work with Branford Marsalis, Kenny Kirkland, Geri Allen) and drummer Johnathan Blake (know for his work with Kenny Barron, Dave Holland, Tom Harrell). Exclusive UK date.

Kris Davis Trio (1st Show)

Kris Davis is a Grammy award-winning pianist and composer described by The New York Times as a beacon for “deciding where to hear jazz on a given night.” We are thrilled to welcome her trio to the Vortex to present her new album “Run the Gauntlet”, featuring bassist Robert Hurst (known for his work with Branford Marsalis, Kenny Kirkland, Geri Allen) and drummer Johnathan Blake (know for his work with Kenny Barron, Dave Holland, Tom Harrell). Exclusive UK date.

Fri 24 January 2025

Barry Green and Liselotte Östblom duo: ”a new song”

A new collaboration between two highly experienced artists to create a new song. Musical explorations that combine their unique experiences from working with a vast array of different musicians on the international scene.

Thu 23 January 2025

Ferg’s Imaginary Big Band (2nd show)

Recipients of the 2023 Peter Whittingham Jazz Award , Ferg’s Imaginary Big Band make a rare appearance in the capital and their first appearance at The Vortex. Known for their raucous live shows and bombastic arrangements, don’t miss this opportunity to see one of the UK’s most exciting jazz ensembles live!

Ferg’s Imaginary Big Band (1st show)

Recipients of the 2023 Peter Whittingham Jazz Award , Ferg’s Imaginary Big Band make a rare appearance in the capital and their first appearance at The Vortex. Known for their raucous live shows and bombastic arrangements, don’t miss this opportunity to see one of the UK’s most exciting jazz ensembles live!

Wed 22 January 2025

Kasper Rietkerk’s KRSIX – EP Release: Live in London

On this special night, KRSIX, an instrumental sextet led by saxophonist Kasper Rietkerk, will be celebrating the release of their EP: Live in London. While rooted in jazz, KRSIX’s music is heavily influenced by rock, folk, and blues music.

Sun 19 January 2025

Vortex Jam Session with Jas Kayser

A weekly session on Sunday evenings, the jams will be hosted by some of London’s finest: drummer Jas Kayser, pianist Rick Simpson, guitarist Nick Costley-White, trumpeter Sean Gibbs and tenor saxophonists Helena Kay and Riley Stone-Lonergan, each one hosting one session on rotation.

Mopomoso / January

Mopomoso is the UK’s longest running concert series dedicated to freely improvised music! They will be kicking off 2025 with: John Bisset (lap guitar) & Olga Ksendzovska (piano and objects) + Neil Metcalfe (flute), Terry Day (drums) & David Leahy (double bass) + George Haslam (baritone sax/tárogató) & Marcio Mattos (cello/bass/electronics)

Sat 18 January 2025

Vortex Lates: Marta Gornitzka

“Vortex Lates” is a new series of events taking place in our downstairs bar from 10-1am every Friday or Saturday. A new late-night jazz hang for Dalston where you can grab a drink and listen to some of the best improvised musicians from around the city.

Trish Clowes Quartet

Saxophonist and composer Trish Clowes has been described as “an improviser to be reckoned with” (Downbeat Magazine) and “one of the most agile and original jugglers of improv and adventurous composition to have appeared in the UK in recent times” (The Guardian).

Fri 17 January 2025

Hannes Riepler Quartet

Guitarist Hannes Riepler returns to the Vortex with a quartet featuring Donovan Haffner (sax), Niklas Lukassen (double bass) & Tim Giles (drums).

Thu 16 January 2025

Rick Simpson’s ‘Future Myth’

A debut gig of a new ensemble playing all new music penned by Simpson. Expect lots of freedom and joyous noise from a band of some of the UK’s most exciting musicians. 

Wed 15 January 2025

Vicente-Brice-Sanders + Phil Wachsmann

Luís Vicente, Olie Brice, Mark Sanders are three resourceful and strong-minded improvisers, playing their own version of free-fiery music with an impressive organic interplay. Tonight will be their first meeting with special guest Philipp Wachsmann, one of the finest improvising violinists in the world.

Tue 14 January 2025

Freight Train – Cathy Jordan / Liam Noble / Paul Clarvis

out of lockdown reflection time, emerged this unique and exhilarating trio a musical collaboration between a star singer of irish music with two of the most sought after UK jazz stars.

Sun 12 January 2025

CANCELLED (Vortex Jam Session with Rick Simpson)

A weekly session on Sunday evenings, the jams will be hosted by some of London’s finest: drummer Jas Kayser, pianist Rick Simpson, guitarist Nick Costley-White, trumpeter Sean Gibbs and tenor saxophonists Helena Kay and Riley Stone-Lonergan, each one hosting one session on rotation.

Sat 11 January 2025

Vortex Lates: Calum Gourlay

“Vortex Lates” is a new series of events taking place in our downstairs bar from 10-1am every Friday or Saturday. A new late-night jazz hang for Dalston where you can grab a drink and listen to some of the best improvised musicians from around the city.

Tony Kofi and The Organisation celebrates Lou Donaldson

Returning to his first instrument the Alto Saxophone, Tony Kofi joins the Organisation for a celebration to alto legend Lou Donaldson, whose roots in Bebop evolved into a mastery of the Soul Jazz movement instigated by the great Jimmy Smith and championed by Blue Note founder Alfred Lion.

Fri 10 January 2025

VORTEX LATES: DALSTON SONG CLUB W/ JAMES BRUTE

Our monthly late night series brings songwriters together to perform in the round, hosted by Matthew Herd. We’re hugely excited to welcome the remarkable James Brute as he returns to his East London stomping ground.

Julian Siegel Quartet

Saxophonist Julian Siegel returns to the Vortex with his quartet featuring Liam Noble (piano), Oli Hayhurst (double bass) & Gene Calderazzo (drums).

Thu 09 January 2025

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