Monday, September 24, 2007

"Bailey Street" outside the Vortex

Hackney Council is to rename the street between Boleyn Road and Gillett Square, which passes in front of the Vortex, after iconic improvising guitar legend Derek Bailey. There is a wonderful job in the council that assesses this. Derek was a long-standing resident of Hackney Downs and performed regularly at the Vortex. It is great that the club remains aware of the history of the music in the UK.
I heard him a few times, both at Company Weeks that he organised at the Place, and at small venues such as the Vortex.
He has a reputation that extends way beyond our shores, with John Zorn and others being big fans.
There will be a naming ceremony at some stage soon, so keep your eyes peeled.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Delighted to hear of this!
I knew Mr Bailey quite well over a period of some 25 years.
This is a pleasing, small gesture of recognition for a musician of great integrity.
Hope I'm not too late to attend the naming ceremony...