Credit: Bill’s Place / Facebook
If jazz was not born here, New York has undoubtedly become over the years an epicenter of this musical style, as much in the history (and the future) of jazz as in horns and drums. Today the city has an impressive number of jazz clubs, ranging from tiny venues to auditorium-like spaces, meaning you can hear something incredible every night of the week. Here are our six favorites. By Jessica Allen.
Credit: Garrett Ziegler
American Legion Post 398
248 132nd Street West
New York, New York 10027
(212) 283-9701
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What American Legion Post 238 may lack in glamor definitely makes up for it in heart and soul. For over a decade, Seleno Clarke, sometimes referred to as “the Harlem Jazz Ambassador,†led a rotating team of musicians in a mega-jam session every Sunday. No minimum and no coverage. “My total goal is to bring the young and old together in music,†he told the New York Times in 2003. “People from all over the world come here to play and network and have that Harlem vibe. “
Credit: Bill’s Place / Facebook
Bill’s place
148 133rd Street West
New York, New York 10030
(212) 281-0777
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When saxophonist Bill Saxton describes his style of music as “outrageous jazz in your face,†he’s not speaking metaphorically. Bill’s Place is a small underground bar with a huge history. Listening to Saxton and his friends play hard-core jazz on Fridays and Saturdays, you’ll be bumping elbows with other guests, just like patrons did long ago, as a young Billie Holiday or Fats Waller ascended. on the scene. Book, then head to the upscale neighborhoods for an evening to remember. Note: No alcohol is allowed or served.
Credit: Jazz at Lincoln Center / Facebook
Jazz at Lincoln Center
Frederick P. Rose Room
Broadway at 60th Street, 5th Floor
New York, New York 10019
(212) 258-9800
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OK, so this is not a club per se, but rather a bunch of places and organizations at Lincoln Center. People here believe that “jazz is a metaphor for democracy,” given its history, its emphasis on individual expression, and its roots in the blues. The in-house orchestra, led by Wynton Marsalis, is pretty awesome, and just about any musician worth his salt does a set or two at Rose Hall when he’s in town. If your taste leans towards legends and maestros, check the schedule and book your tickets now.
Credit: ShapeShifter Lab / Facebook
ShapeShifterLab
18 Whitwell Place
Brooklyn, New York 11215
(646) 820-9452
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ShapeShifter Lab made the cut for us because of its focus on experimental musical collaborations. If you think there is nothing new under the sun, or if you subscribe to the idea that the best has already arrived, come here for a night that just might change your mind and please. your ears.
Credit: Smalls Jazz Club / Facebook
Small Jazz Club
183 West 10th Street
New York, New York 10014
(646) 476-4346
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Smalls dates back to an earlier time, when people crowded into smoky basements to listen to the hottest latest songs, rather than clicking “like” on Facebook. Not that this venerable club is afraid of technology: more than 11,000 recordings have been made of the sets played here, available on the website. Either way, Smalls prides itself on finding the next generation and doing everything possible to support jazz culture. A double-sawbuck gets you admission for the entire evening, Sunday through Thursday (tickets are a bit more expensive on weekends). And don’t forget to visit Mezzrow, its sister club, across the street.
(Credit: Village Vanguard)
Vanguard of the village
178 Seventh Avenue
New York, New York 10014
(212) 255-4037
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An old one but a goodie. For some 80 years, Village Vanguard has been the place to go to hear the world’s best jazz musicians. Among the notables who have trodden its worn-out boards include Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Harry Belafonte and Eartha Kitt. Run by Lorraine Gordon, widow of Max Gordon, who opened the club in 1935, Village Vanguard offers artists multi-night bookings – to better help them get into the rhythm. There are two sets per night, and seats are first come, first served.
