London's longest Jazz Residency--
the LJO at the Vortex!
The London Jazz Orchestra, directed by Scott Stroman and made up of many of London's top jazz soloists and writers, continues to produce exciting and joyful gigs at its monthly "Vortex Sessions". This month's gig is Sunday 19 May at 4PM--come and check it out these up-close-and-personal sessions.
Last month's LJO gig, on Sunday, 21 April was recorded and videoed, with great results. The videos will be available on Youtube soon.
Band news: Alcyona Mick, great young pianist has officially joined the band, taking over from Pete Saberton, who died last year after a short illness. She's been regularly playing with the LJO over the past year and now takes over as only the 4th person to inhabit the piano chair.
John Taylor was the band's pianist during it's first rehearsals in 1991; Pete Saberton took over when the band decided to become a performing unit later that year, and stayed more-or-less for 20 years. He gave way to Nikki Iles for the last two seasons at the old Vortex Club, before rejoining when the Vortex invited the LJO to re-establish its residency at the new club.
The guitar chair is being shared by various exciting players this season, following Phil Lee's retirement. One of London's greatest and most individual musicians, Phil was only the 2nd guitarist in the LJO, taking over from John Parricelli in 1992. Chris Allard is featured this month.
Our anniversary Miles Ahead gig in May, with Miles Evans and Henry Lowther, reviewed:
"This evening has been the best argument I have encountered for re-creating a classic performance. It took great music and made it even greater. This concert will affect how I listen to orchestral music for the rest of my life."
Check out George Foster's London Jazz Blog review of our Miles Ahead concerts, recorded by BBC Radio 3 for broadcast on Jazz Lineup on 17 June, on our Press page.
Listen to the LJO: Recorded live from the club by Dill Katz, as well as tracks from our other recordings and projects, on our Listen to the LJO page.
The London Jazz Orchestra:
Director Scott Stroman Manager Noel Langley
Saxes/Winds Martin Speake Martin Hathaway Pete Hurt
Josephine Davies Mick Foster
Trumpets Noel Langley Henry Lowther Robbie Robson Steve Jones
Trombones Trevor Mires Pete Beachill Mattias Eskilsson Richard Henry
Piano Alcyona Mick Guitar Chris Allard
Bass Alec Dankworth Drums Paul Clarvis
