Since its birth, jazz has flourished in all corners of the earth, not least the bustling streets of New York. From underground clubs and bars to the city’s top hotels and music venues, the genre has seen all parts of the big apple, and has firmly cemented itself as one of the most loved music styles.
- Jazz Bars in NYCSean Molin Photography / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND
If you enjoy listening and watching jazz musicians perform, then New York, other than New Orleans, is the best place to be, and if you’re thinking about taking a trip to this spectacular city, then let’s take a look at some of the top jazz bars to experience!
Village Vanguard
A small and intimate basement venue, Village Vanguard is one of the coolest jazz bars in New York. Not only does it continue to host the top names in jazz music from around the world, but it’s also got a wealth of history flowing through its walls too. From Lou Donaldson and Barry Harris to Joe Lovano, there’s nothing like a Friday or Saturday night in Village Vanguard, and to think that you could be sitting in the same seat as Miles Davis or John Coltrane, this bar really is a underground wonder. With doors opening at 8pm for more than 30 years solid, this bar is a definite must see.
Blue Note
Offering itself to guests as ‘the jazz capital of the world’, this bar more than lives up to its reputation. With talents like Charlie Haden and Cecil Taylor sharing the stage with upcoming and exciting musicians, Blue Note is the place to be if you’re looking for an alternative Saturday night in New York. Although the seating is pretty close, and the bar usually gets rammed before 10pm, it’s the music you come to Blue Note for, and it’s the music that makes you stay. On a Sunday, there’s even a brunch put on for all the regulars.
Jazz Standard
Even before the doors open to Jazz Standard on a Friday night, the queue is right around the corner. Below all the blue lights and cool characters outside, lies a jazz den to rival any club, and it’s even known for its amazing BBQ food too. With great acoustics, and even better bar service, the tables here are spacious and the atmosphere is sublime. Regular favourites include Larry Goldings, Dr. Lonnie Smith and Cedar Walton.
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Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola
This club is one of the swankier joints in the big apple, and unless you’ve made a reservation for a table, you won’t be coming in. Every weekend, and even some weekdays, the best of American jazz talent plays here, and although prices are a little steep, the perfect music to your ears will more than compensate for an empty wallet. One of best things about Club Coca-Cola is the way it seamlessly combines modern architecture with a genre that offers so much history, so don’t be surprised if the place is full of the young and trendy.
