Perhaps the best things start unexpectedly. The Vortex Jazz Club is such a place. It started not as a music venue but as an art gallery. Now, it’s a vital hub for jazz in London.
The Vortex’s story began over 30 years ago. David Mossman, a former taxi driver, and Irving Kinnersley had an idea. They opened an art gallery in 1984 on Church Street in Stoke Newington. To cover costs, they added a café downstairs. This became a meeting place where people could exchange ideas.
The Vortex Gallery evolved. It added a bookshop and art supplies. In the mid-1980s, they started hosting occasional jazz gigs. By 1987, the music was more popular than the art. David decided to relaunch as a live music venue. The upstairs became The Vortex Jazz Bar. The café and bookshop continued downstairs.
Irving Kinnersley had suggested the jazz gigs. By the late 80s, he left to open his own bookshop. David, who wasn’t initially a jazz fan, fell in love with the music. He became the sole owner.
In the late 80s and early 90s, The Vortex became a key spot for contemporary music. It was known for its community vibe and innovative performances. Music played every night. David programmed the music himself. Evan Parker started a monthly night that still runs. Top musicians like Kenny Wheeler and John Taylor played there regularly.
In the early 90s, Elton Dean started Rumours. This was a weekly avant-garde music night. When the Jazz Café moved, The Vortex filled the gap. Musicians of all ages flocked to play. Alan Skidmore and Don Weller were regulars. Jazz Umbrella also started. It promoted young musicians like Christine Tobin and Julian Siegel.
The Vortex diversified in the early 90s. Pirate Jenny became a weekly night of opera and cabaret. David Mossman said the best nights came from musicians with exciting projects. He let them do anything they liked, even without much money. In 1996, Derek Drescher from the BBC began recording sessions for Radio 3.
By 2000, change was coming. The lease on Church Street was ending. The area was becoming more fashionable. The Vortex might have to move. A new development called Ocean was planned nearby. Ocean would have three live music venues. But they needed local connections for funding. A partnership seemed ideal.
The Vortex was offered a venue space. The Ocean project got funding with the help of The Vortex team. But differences led them to split. The Vortex stayed on Church Street for a while.
The Vortex Jazz Foundation was set up in 2001. The plan was to buy the Church Street building. They held a comedy fundraiser at Union Chapel. But another buyer purchased the building. In 2003, The Vortex began talks with Hackney Co-Operative Developments.
The club took a year off during construction. In 2005, The Vortex moved to Gillett Square. It has been a heart of Dalston’s community since then. The Vortex enjoys loyal musicians and audiences. It has been recognized for innovation. It won the Live Jazz Award in 2013.
The Vortex is a not-for-profit. It relies on volunteers who staff the club. The audience’s loyalty and the musicians’ passion keep it going. The Vortex is now a go-to venue for creative projects. Its record label released Portico Quartet’s album, which was nominated for the Mercury Prize.
The Vortex Jazz Club stands as a testament to community. It shows what can happen when passion and dedication come together. The Vortex is more than just a venue. It’s a home for jazz.