7 Amazing Jazz Clubs in NYC
Jazz originated in New Orleans at the end of the 19th century, but it soon found a new home in New York City. Big Apple is home to a number of legendary jazz clubs and lounges and despite what folks in other cities might think, NYC remains the best place in the world for jazz.
We’ve rounded up the 7 amazing jazz clubs in NYC.
Blue Note
Since its inception in 1981, Blue Note has become one of the premier jazz clubs in the world and a cultural institution in Greenwich Village. Owner and founder Danny Bensusan had a vision to create a jazz club in Greenwich Village that would treat deserving artists with respect, while allowing patrons to see the world’s finest jazz musicians in a close, comfortable setting. Artists who had stopped playing in jazz clubs decades before, such as Sarah Vaughn, Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, Stanley Turrentine, Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown, and Tito Puente, soon called Blue Note home. This place is a must for serious Jazz fans!
Fat Cat
This place is sort of legendary, it’s a laid back atmosphere that manages to somehow successfully combine the feel of a college dorm and a chill jazz lounge. It’s got character and not an ounce of pretension, along with games. There may be nicer places to hang out and there’s no food, but it’s definitely worth your time for a visit, especially if you just want to hang and laugh with some pals.
Village Vanguard
Over 80 years old, this Village jazz club is an undeniable epicenter of New York jazz, with a bustling calendar of performances. It is located in a basement and is one of the most acclaimed Jazz club in new York. Created in 1935 by Max Gordon, the Village Vanguard welcomes the biggest names in Jazz including John Coltrane, who recorded his 1961 album, and also Bill Evans or Wynton Marsalis. It’s a small space and it fills up very fast, so the best tip is to come early.
Birdland Jazz Club
Named ‘Birdland’ after Charlie ‘Yardbird’ Parker, who was the regular headliner, the club was initially located in Broadway, the hot bed of jazz in the ’30s and 40s. Its unique design — a long bar, tables, booths, a 500 people capacity and a non-alcoholic area where teenagers were allowed to stay and watch live performances — quickly made the club very popular. With the rise of new popular music like Rock ’n’ Roll and financial issues in 1965, Birdland closed and reopened, stronger than ever, in 1986. After 10 years of great success, Birdland moved again, going back to midtown. Now, a half century later, the Birdland jazz club still attracts key figures of the international jazz music scene and fans from all over the world.
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Jazz Standard
For over a decade, Jazz Standard has been setting the standard — world-class jazz, warm hospitality, pitch-perfect sound, and award-winning Southern cuisine and barbecue in an intimate and comfortable environment. As one of the world’s top jazz venues, Jazz Standard hosts both legendary artists of today and bright stars of tomorrow. Venue is located in old perfume factory called the Rosenblum Perfume Factory and some of the pipes were kept as part of the décor. With an exceptional sound quality and a great environment, the Jazz Standard is a unique place for Jazz concerts.
Smalls
This legendary New York Jazz club was created in 1993 by Mitchell Borden and is located in a basement in Greenwich Village. This venue has inspired a very rich Jazz culture by welcoming artists such as Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau, Norah Jones, Kurt Rosenwinkel or Roy Hargrove. Closed in 2003 after financial issues, the club reopened in 2004 and today offers 60 seats in order to enjoy the music once again. Smalls’ website offers video streams from all the club performances.
Dizzy’s Club
Dizzy’s Club is the perfect place to kick back, relax, and hear some of the greatest jazz ever made. Jazz at Lincoln Center’s intimate jazz club and restaurant features a stunning view of Manhattan and some of the best sophisticated soul food this side of New Orleans. With multiple sets nightly, group menu options, and student discounts, there’s sure to be something for everyone.