Letter to The Vortex

"Over the years of its existence, the Vortex in Stoke Newington Church Street has been a constant source of help and support to jazz musicians.

Not only as a chance to hear great music by our friends and peers, but also as the main place where many of us have had the chance to develop our music and projects.

Everything about it has been special and encouraged us - the coffee, the staff, the food, the Czech beer, even the sound of the police sirens on Church Street. Without the Vortex and the support of David Mossman, there would be no Partisans, no Christine Tobin Band, no Waiting On Dwarfs...

The closure of the club so that a developer can convert the building into flats means the end of an era. But let's hope that the new Vortex in Dalston will bring even better opportunities for us all.

Who of us would complain about better public transport connections, proper access for the disabled, better toilets or even a small dressing room? Though to achieve this we need to raise at least £100,000 so that the new club can launch without being saddled with a massive debt: that could indeed be the case if all the fans of the Vortex don't dig deep into their pockets.

So, please do give your support to the Vortex so that it may continue to thrive as a beacon for jazz which shines way beyond N16.

Thank you David, thank you Vortex.

Billy Jenkins, Christine Tobin, Phil Robson, Dylan Bates - on behalf of all the musicians who have played and will play at the Vortex.

Vortex archive

The Vortex brings jazz renaissance to East End

The Vortex party 14 March 2000

Paul Bradley's presentation speech

Letter to The Vortex May 2004