The jazz scene in New York City is inexhaustibly vibrant, its history running deep. St. Albans in Queens, New York, was titled the “jazz suburb” from the sheer amount of performers residing in the area; the Harlem Renaissance perfectly seized the musical zeitgeist of this Manhattan neighborhood through jazz; and of course, the West Village hosts the city’s first-ever jazz club. Though not an experienced jazz club attendee by any means, over a week I visited some of the most popular clubs in the city, with three of my recommendations explored below.
—
Village Vanguard
Being the oldest jazz club in New York City and the host of several famous recordings and musicians (John Coltrane for example), the Village Vanguard is near consecrated land for jazz musicians. The venue is located in the basement of a triangular lot, with photos of its performers enveloping the walls. I was placed near the stage for a Sunday evening show, and even from there I could tell no matter where you sat, the sound remained rich and the timbre of the instruments was delivered flawlessly across the entire room. With no photos or videos allowed during the show, the atmosphere is tuned perfect for focused listening. While tickets typically cost upward of $45, they are clearly worth it for the crowd, which is mostly filled with an older audience who appreciate jazz to its fullest. After visiting, you’ll quickly understand why people heavily regard the Village Vanguard with a religious sentiment – it’s a spiritual experience.
—
Smalls
Conveniently located two blocks from the Village Vanguard is Smalls Jazz Club. Smalls is a no-frills basement venue. Rather than the upscale and mellow environment of the Vanguard, this club is eclectic and casual, and still just as brilliant. I went to both the 2AM late night jam session on a Sunday night, and the 2PM afternoon jam session a week later. It is hard to capture with words how deeply electric the room is, because you can simply feel the intensity laser-focused on the music. Shows are $35, but the jam sessions are free and just as worth it. These sessions consist of hours-long improv played by musicians in the crowd, and it is hypnotizing to watch them play. Smalls is the space for all music appreciators to understand the effort and spirit needed to play music.
—
St. Mazie Bar & Supper Club
Located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, St. Mazie is a space where you can be entirely engrossed into the atmosphere that jazz music brings. St. Mazie isn’t a jazz club, but a restaurant with frequent live music performances. Nevertheless, St. Mazie knows how to curate the perfect climate for enjoying dinner with a show. The music makes the restaurant, with the performers filling up the space for easy listening, accompanied by the modest menu and candlelights. St. Mazie fills up just as quickly as most jazz clubs do, so be prepared to come early or wait for seating. If you want a good dinner with guaranteed excellent jazz, St. Mazie is a definite first pick.
My knowledge of jazz clubs in New York City is a severe understatement to all that are in the city. The list is endless—The Django, Mezzrow, Blue Note, and Dizzy’s Club are just as highly-renowned and worth a visit too. Of course, while I highly recommend the three above, the fact remains that all jazz clubs are a worthwhile visit, no matter where you are.
Leave a Reply