Chis Sansom combines an electrifying fusion of classical principles and rock/rock to present a four-movement suits entitled The Life and Times of a Perfect Stranger as the centre piece for his Unfinished Business Album Tour.

Bearing the influence of the great Frank Zappa, Perfect Stranger was written, though never performed, in the 1970s for a band which included a number of innovative musicians like Chris Biscoe, Dick Pearce and Pete  Jacobson who were then members of the National Jazz Orchestra.

Thankfully, Chris Sansom has blown the dust of the original charts to revive Perfect Strangers for current audiences with a superb nine-piece  ensemble comprising a new generation of musicians who are steeped in the jazz tradition.

You can expect an exciting night of original music.

The LJO returns to the Vortex for a new season of up-close-and-personal Sunday afternoon concerts. Led by US director Scott Stroman and lead trumpet Noel Langley, every chair is filled with soloists, underpinned by the great rhythm section of Alcyona Mick (piano), Nick Costley-White (guitar), Calum Gourlay (bass), and Paul Clarvis (drums).  The players in the band write all of its music – expect beautiful new writing alongside LJO classics from its 30 year history.

Chis Sansom combines an electrifying fusion of classical principles and rock/rock to present a four-movement suits entitled The Life and Times of a Perfect Stranger as the centre piece for his Unfinished Business Album Tour.

Bearing the influence of the great Frank Zappa, Perfect Stranger was written, though never performed, in the 1970s for a band which included a number of innovative musicians like Chris Biscoe, Dick Pearce and Pete  Jacobson who were then members of the National Jazz Orchestra.

Thankfully, Chris Sansom has blown the dust of the original charts to revive Perfect Strangers for current audiences with a superb nine-piece  ensemble comprising a new generation of musicians who are steeped in the jazz tradition.

You can expect an exciting night of original music.

Chis Sansom combines an electrifying fusion of classical principles and rock/rock to present a four-movement suits entitled The Life and Times of a Perfect Stranger as the centre piece for his Unfinished Business Album Tour.

Bearing the influence of the great Frank Zappa, Perfect Stranger was written, though never performed, in the 1970s for a band which included a number of innovative musicians like Chris Biscoe, Dick Pearce and Pete  Jacobson who were then members of the National Jazz Orchestra.

Thankfully, Chris Sansom has blown the dust of the original charts to revive Perfect Strangers for current audiences with a superb nine-piece  ensemble comprising a new generation of musicians who are steeped in the jazz tradition.

You can expect an exciting night of original music.

Bringing his Jazz Orchestra to the Vortex for the first time, Jonny Ford is one of the rising stars of the UK jazz and big band scene. Throughout the evening you’ll be taken on a journey through intricate layers of orchestral jazz, infused with vibrant energy, exceptional skill, and unwavering passion.

The LJO returns to the Vortex for a new season of up-close-and-personal Sunday afternoon concerts. Led by US director Scott Stroman and lead trumpet Noel Langley, every chair is filled with soloists, underpinned by the great rhythm section of Alcyona Mick (piano), Nick Costley-White (guitar), Calum Gourlay (bass), and Paul Clarvis (drums).  The players in the band write all of its music – expect beautiful new writing alongside LJO classics from its 30 year history.

Mick is the guest of Digby Fairweather for the August concert of his monthly residency. Every last Thursday of the month Digby brings the Best of British Jazz to the luxurious ‘Sands by the Sea’ located in The Icon Building, Adventure Island, Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1EE. Doors open for dining from 7.15pm and for bookings (‘a good idea’ he says !) please call (01702) 468123. The music starts at 8.00pm

Presenting the debut performance of his newly formed big band, Jonny Ford is one of the rising stars of the UK jazz and big band scene. Having worked with Heather Small, Cory Wong, The NDR Big Band, and Gareth Lockrane Big Band, he brings together some of the UK's most exciting improvising musicians to premiere a thrilling set of brand-new original music. Throughout the evening you'll be taken on a journey through intricate layers of orchestral jazz, infused with vibrant energy, exceptional skill, and unwavering passion. The Jonny Ford Jazz Orchestra is a collective of individual voices/soloists, and the music has been constructed to feature the extraordinary talents and artistic visions of each individual.

Mick is the guest of the Dan Parker Trio at Jazz 825, for an evening of melodic tunes from the American songbook.

Mick’s quartet comprising Dominic Ashworth (guitar), Tom Farmer (bass) & Tristan Mailliot (drums) play a mix of swinging tunes from the American songbook together with one or two melodic originals.

“Foster himself is a bright, imaginative soloist who exploits his instrument’s grainy, fruity charms perfectly, and his choice of material is impeccable. If you like your jazz warm, tasteful and elegant, without grandstanding [...] this is for you.”

Chris Parker, London Jazz

The Pasadena Roof Orchestra are celebrating 55 years of touring and playing live music from the 1920s and 1930s. The recipe for their longevity is quite simple … staying true to the original sounds that were produced nightly by the resident bands in some of the first-class hotels pre-war, and in the jazz clubs of New York and beyond.

Pasadena’s live show features lovingly recreated orchestrations of melodies from the great American Songbook composers such as Irving Berlin and George Gershwin. Also represented are hot tunes from the likes of Duke Ellington and Fletcher Henderson plus classic British dance band arrangements from Ray Noble and Lew Stone. Hosted with humour by vocalist and band leader Duncan Galloway, who is nevershort of an anecdote or two.

The Syd Lawrence Orchestra led by Chris Dean plays the music of Duke Ellington in this special appearance of the highly acclaimed big band for Spike’s Place Jazz at the Jazz Centre UK.

A tribute to the brilliant pairing of 1950s Cool Jazz stars: Gerry Mulligan and Bob Brookmeyer, Geoff has toured internationally for over two decades, first as part of the Coldstream Guards and then with jazz greats including Trevor Tomkins, John Horler and Dave O’Higgins. Mick has worked extensively in jazz, commercial and classical music as a saxophonist, woodwind player and composer. His numerous credits include John Dankworth, Stan Sulzmann, Ginger Baker’s Air Force, The London Philharmonic Orchestra and the English National Opera. Bassist Adam King is one of the finest on the UK scene, winner of the Young Musician Award in 2015. Drummer Tristan Maillot, originally from France, has been active on the UK jazz scene since the mid 90’s as both sideman and leader. He has played with numerous leading international stars. We have been fortunate to have had him play at our Festival with Adam Glasser.

Mick Foster (baritone sax), Geoff Mason (trombone), Adam King (bass) and Tristan Maillot (drums).

Dominic Howles began his career on Kenny Wheeler’s ‘Music for Large and Small Ensembles’ and has since been a regular on the London Jazz scene playing with many artists who include Don Weller, Stacey Kent, Anita Wardle, Christine Tobin, Gareth Lockrane, Gary Smulyan, Nick Brignola, Pete King, Jim Mullen and many others. The main influence for the Dominic Howles Septet is the work of Duke Pearson famously arranged a session for Lee Morgan in 1967 called ‘Standards’. The septet line up is Chris Coull (Trumpet) Sammy Mayne (Alto Sax) Dave O’Higgins (Tenor Sax) Mick Foster (Bari Sax) Graham Harvey (Piano) Dominic Howles (Double Bass) Matt Fishwick (Drums).

Mick’s quartet will feature melodic original compositions featured on their Live At The Vortex album, with the occasional jazz standard included in the mix. Featuring Dominic Ashworth (guitar), Tom Farmer (bass) & Tristan Mailliot (drums).

“Consider this album as a compendium of delights: each player at ease and intent. The Vortex audience clearly loved it all, as did this reviewer. A racing certainty for my 'Top Ten of 2020' list.”

Peter Vacher, Jazzwise, ****

Mick brings his quartet to Spike’s Place, Beckenham. Melodic, swinging jazz featuring a mix of jazz standards and original compositions. With Dominic Ashworth (guitar), Tom Farmer (bass) & Rod Brown (drums).

“Foster himself is a bright, imaginative soloist who exploits his instrument’s grainy, fruity charms perfectly, and his choice of material is impeccable. If you like your jazz warm, tasteful and elegant, without grandstanding [...] this is for you.”

Chris Parker, London Jazz News

The London Jazz Orchestra, led by Scott Stroman & Noel Langley, continues its longstanding residency at The Vortex, featuring composers and soloists such as Henry Lowther, Pete Hurt, Tori Freestone & Alcyona Mick.

Perfect Stranger is an extraordinary 10 piece band led by Chris Samson. An exciting blend of rock, jazz and twentieth century straight music.

The Syd Lawrence Orchestra is joined by vocalist Richard Shelton in a recreation of Frank Sinatra’s 1971 retirement concert. Expect tunes such as My Way, Angel Eyes, That’s Life, Fly Me to the Moon and many, more.

London composer Sam Eastmond has worked closely with John Zorn and is the sole UK musician entrusted with Bagatelles. He arranged a significant number of pieces for the band, launching the project at London’s Cafe OTO in 2023. This will be its first festival performance.

Mick joins vocalist Andra Sparks and pianist Nick Weldon for an intimate evening of jazz.