Jazz Clubs in New York City

There is no other city in the world where jazz sounds as much as in New York, the great connection between this musical genre and the city is undeniable. It is true that the origin of this music finds its roots in the blues created by the slaves of the southern United States, but it is also true that it was in New York where jazz found its place and managed to develop in such a way that it became from music for the marginalized, to one of the most respected and admired genres in the world.

Since the emblematic Cotton Club opened its doors in 1923, New York has become the favorite city when it comes to enjoying the best live jazz.

Listening to jazz in New York evokes images of countless films in which this musical genre was the protagonist, as were the actors who interpreted them. From film noir, dramas, comedies and thrillers; Humphrey Bogart, James Cagney, Robert Mitchum, Barbara Stanwyck, Lauren Bacall among others, have been outstanding figures of the hand of Jazz in the Big Apple.

The greatest artists of the genre have paraded through the jazz clubs of New York: Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie… Even today the city can be considered the authentic Mecca of Jazz.

Although the Greenwich Village neighborhood is the most prominent, the entire city has a wide variety of jazz clubs. They can be found from the very touristy to the most renowned and recognized throughout the world.

There are some tips to keep in mind when attending a jazz club,

Many of the clubs charge admission depending on the venue or the artist performing. In others they do not request an entrance ticket, but a mandatory minimum consumption is required.

Each venue has its concert billboard, and many have concerts every day, so it is important to check the upcoming performances to reserve a table because spaces are usually limited.

The concerts take place in bars where alcohol is served, so if you want to attend with people under 21, it is advisable to check with the venue before visiting.

In the vast majority there is no dress code, however, it depends on the type of concert it is and the venue. It is recommended to consult this point when reserving a place.

It is difficult to select the best jazz venues in New York, but below is a list of the 3 favorites. What is certain is that, when visiting the city of skyscrapers, visiting, even if it is a jazz bar, should be one of the highest priorities.

Birdland

Located at 315 West 44th Street on the island of Manhattan, this mythical club already had another location on the Upper West Side, where George Shearing and John Coltrane, who were beginners at the time, performed. Its name is a tribute to the considered best saxophonist in the history of jazz, Charlie Parker who had the nickname “Bird”.

The club was a meeting point for some of the best-known celebrities of the 50s and 60s. It was common to meet people like Gary Cooper, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, or Marlene Dietrich.

Currently it continues to be a reference point for Jazz in the city and you can listen to new figures such as Kurt Elling and Joe Lovano.

The price of the entrance costs from $25 to $50, plus $20 minimum of mandatory minimum consumption. There are concerts every day from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Blue Note

It is undoubtedly another of the historic clubs of the New York jazz scene.

Located at 131 West 3rd Street, this bar opened its doors in 1981 and has been frequented by leading figures such as Dizzy Gillespie, Oscar Peterson and Tito Puente.

On the Blue Note stage, you can find everything from established artists to newcomers just emerging from the crowd.

Blue Note offers music every night, from 8:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. On weekends there are sessions at midnight. Tickets can be obtained from the web

Village Vanguard

The Village Vanguard is probably the most popular jazz club in the entire world. It was opened in 1934 by music promoter Max Gordon. Located at 178 7th Ave South, it is in a basement, has soft lighting and perfect acoustics that make it one of the paradises of Jazz.

Its stage has seen legends like Miles Davis, Bill Evans or Thelonious Monk pass by.

Being a small place, it is advisable to get tickets in advance. Mondays are reserved for the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, and from Tuesday to Sunday the artists vary, but Sundays have musicians who are only in New York for a couple of days, so they are usually the busiest days.

Admission is $25 and includes a drink.

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