Drummer Mark Mondesir – well known for his work with John McLaughlin and Julian Joseph – joined Orphy Robinson, Cleveland Watkiss, Steve Beresford, Caroline Kraabel and a host of musicians at the latest running of Freedom held in east London club the Vortex.

The monthly night relocated to the Dalston jazz club earlier this year from its previous home at Charlie Wrights in Hoxton. With an experimental vibe that draws on the traditions of an eclectic range of free improvising strands including the Chicago AACM traditions and the 1970s New York loft scene, Freedom is organised by Black Top vibist Orphy Robinson and singer Cleveland Watkiss. DJ input, flavoured by spiritual jazz and dub reggae, is from renowned Straight No Chaser magazine editor Paul Bradshaw pictured at the deck above. In the summer a two-day Freedom festival will feature Tony Kofi and Black Top among a constellation of jazz talent on 27-28 June. SG