Byron Wallen with the Vortex Trio, Vortex

Acclaimed British trumpeter Byron Wallen takes time out from his packed schedule for this appearance at the Vortex, Dalston, home to some of the best jazz gigs in London.
After spending time in New York taking lessons from trumpet greats Donald Byrd and Jon Faddis, Wallen cut his teeth in the 80s and 90s playing with the Jazz Warriors, a pioneering British collective which brought the improvising talents of young black musicians to a wider audience. He has since released eight albums as leader and played with a dizzying array of stars, lending his burnished trumpet sound to albums and live sets by the likes of Courtney Pine, Jack DeJohnette, Andrew Hill and Wynton Marsalis.
But, though his background maybe jazz, Wallen is no one trick pony and is equally at home in world music, funk and soul. He’s toured across much of Africa and has appeared in horn sections for everyone from Chaka Kahn to reggae legend Gregory Isaacs, picking up his fair share of movie soundtrack credits along the way (Troy and The Talented Mr. Ripley to name just two).
Keeping him on his toes for this appearance are a top flight trio featuring pianist Barry Green, bassist Steve Watts and drummer Martin France, jazz veterans whose credits include pioneering British ensemble Loose Tubes and the Kenny Wheeler Big Band.
Ever in demand as a sideman, Wallen-led jazz gigs are a relative rarity so this is an occasion to be savoured. Get booking.