Matt Fripp uncovers late-night candlelit clubs and hidden gems in an exploration of NYC’s jazz scene.
Hailed as “America’s greatest gift to the world,” jazz has evolved at lightning pace over the past 100 years. For many, it’s synonymous with NYC – and for good reason.
Emerging from the melting pot of New Orleans in the early 20th century, its sound – popularized by the likes of Kid Ory, Jelly Roll Morton, and Louis Armstrong – soon made its way to New York via the flourishing underground nightlife of Chicago. By the 1930s, the city had established itself as the epicenter of the jazz world, with the bustling club scene along Midtown’s 52nd Street playing host to many pioneers of the music.
While there are vibrant jazz communities worldwide today, New York remains the go-to destination for many talented musicians to prove themselves at the highest level. Here are some of our top venue choices for jazz fans to visit in the city that never sleeps:
SMOKE JAZZ & SUPPER CLUB
This Upper West Side venue opened in 1999 as a successor to Augie’s Jazz Bar, where cofounder Paul Stache worked as a bartender before taking over the lease. More than 20 years on, its candlelit dining room with stellar acoustics continues to host some of the most exciting names in jazz. smokejazz.com
BIRDLAND
If the name sounds familiar, it’s because the original version of this iconic New York jazz club opened in 1949 with bebop legend Charlie “Bird” Parker as the headliner. Now in Midtown, it continues to welcome jazz greats – as well as fans and musicians – from around the world who make the pilgrimage. birdlandjazz.com
VILLAGE VANGUARD
If you’re looking for a slice of New York jazz history, clubs don’t come much more prestigious than this one. Opened in 1935, it’s the oldest of all NYC jazz venues still operating. Everyone from Lester Young and Ben Webster to Thelonious Monk and Miles Davis have graced the stage. villagevanguard.com
SMALLS JAZZ CLUB/MEZZROW
Nestled in Greenwich Village, Smalls was something of an incubator for the new generation of musicians who emerged from the 1990s New York scene.
The basement venue continues to showcase cutting-edge contemporary jazz, including free afternoon jam sessions each weekend. Its sister club, Mezzrow, is an intimate listening room just across the street. smallslive.com
LUNÀTICO
While, historically, it’s been all about Manhattan, recent years have seen an influx of creatives moving to Brooklyn and, with it, the emergence of some excellent cultural treats.
One such venue is the musician-owned LunÀtico. This candlelit foodie destination boasts a nightly concert which, while heavily jazz infused, could just as easily turn up Afrobeat, bluegrass, or tango music.
As saxophonist and long-time Brooklyn resident Tobias Meinhart notes, “the intimate feel-good atmosphere attracts many world-class artists.” barlunatico.com
BLUE NOTE
With venues all around the world, Blue Note has built one of the most famous brands in live music. Since the launch of its flagship New York club in 1981, it has presented many of the biggest names in jazz – and continues to do so, seven nights a week.
Keep an eye out for the annual Blue Note Jazz Festival, which takes over several spaces in NYC each summer. bluenotejazz.com
DIZZY’S CLUB
As you might expect from this energetic city, there are a multitude of after-hours options to see live jazz.
If you’re looking to stay up late, one of the top picks from Thursday to Sunday is Dizzy’s. An intimate club in the art and culture hub of Columbus Circle, Dizzy’s was hailed by jazz singing legend Tony Bennett as “the best jazz room in the city.”
The venue’s popular late show starts from 11 p.m. and, available for walk-ups only, is a perfect last-minute choice to catch some of the fastest-rising stars on the scene. jazz.org/dizzys
An intimate club in the art and culture hub of Columbus Circle, Dizzy’s was hailed by jazz singing legend Tony Bennett as “the best jazz room in the city"
BAR BAYEUX
With the promise of “cocktails, natural wine, craft beer, and live jazz,” this Brooklyn bar is another relative newcomer on the scene. Bass player/owner Jeremy Stratton has quickly ensured that the intimate space is a must for both fans and musicians alike. Check out the Tuesday jam session as a great way to hear the talents of tomorrow. barbayeux.com
BILL’S PLACE
Saxophonist Bill Saxton has been keeping the spirit of jazz in Harlem alive at his very own speakeasy since 2006. Situated on “Swing Street,” which got its name during Prohibition for its abundance of jazz venues, it provides a glorious step back in time for the lucky few who can squeeze in each weekend. billsplaceharlem.com
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN JAZZ HISTORY
Jazz is, undoubtedly, a largely nocturnal adventure, but that doesn’t mean you can’t immerse yourself in its history during the daytime.
The Louis Armstrong House Museum in Queens (louisarmstronghouse.org) not only offers tours and exhibitions, but also special events which include everything from a concert series to yoga mornings.
Alternatively, stop by the National Jazz Museum (jmih.org) in Harlem for a vibrant program of music and exhibitions; or check out one of the many jazz-themed walking tours on offer (bigapplejazz.com).