The Jazz Underground
By Alyssa Lomando
Jazz was born in New Orleans nearly a century ago. New York City has grown a jazz haven for musicians, artists and music-lovers. Here are some affordable jazz clubs in Manhattan to get a taste of how the genre is constantly evolving, to see new artists to emerge and for your blues to float away.
55 Bar, 55 Christopher St.
West Village
If a dive bar and a jazz club conceived a baby, 55 Bar would be born. Since 1919, the neighbourly bar invites admirers of any subgenre of jazz. Their diverse selection of talented performers makes them one of the best live authentic Jazz bars in the city. Greats like Miles Davis and Mike Stern have performed on the modest (tiny) stage.
Decorated with white Christmas lights around the cozy perimeter with intimate coffee tables for seating- there’s no underlying dress code. Come as you are. With no cover fee for early shows, their 10 p.m. show requires a $10 cover with a relatively cheap two drink minimum. If you want a solid view of the musicians- grab a seat twenty minutes earlier than the set.
Fat Cat, 75 Christopher St.
West Village
With a $5 dollar entry- you’ll be stamped on your hand with a blue-inked black cat and ready to walk into the spacious underground West Village hangout. A grand piano, with its black and ivory keys facing the church pews ridden with graffiti and signatures that you can sit in- while drinking a cocktail, makes the experience religious.
You’ll hear any genre, from jazz, latin, classical and world music- they don’t discriminate whether its rhythmic mallet touches on the drummer’s cymbal accompanied by a man bending his Stratocaster Fender or melodic bongo bangs.
The crowd usually consists of young college students and adults. If you’re with friends- play pool for $7 dollars an hour. Ping pong is an option- if that’s more your forte. Plan to come early for a less crowded experience- and don’t hurry out, Fat Cat closes at 5 a.m.
Terra Blues, 149 Bleecker St.
Greenwich Village
The modern-day blues saloon embodies the classic elements of jazz- good booze and great music. LED lights glow the back of the joint, with an old-fashioned red velvet curtain backing their performance stage. Though there’s a middle-aged crowd, everyone comes together for the music. Bartenders are attentive, while the bar itself gives a laid-back, dim lit ambience.
Bring some friends and try their eclectic, plentiful selection of whiskies. Sit at the bar if you plan to chat- near the stage is bound to keep you speechless, in awe of talent. They offer nightly shows at 7 p.m., 9 p.m. and 10 p.m., the cover is $20 during the weekends and the drinks are standard NYC prices.
Smalls, 183 W 10th St.
Greenwich Village
Ironically named smalls, the club captures something bigger- a social scene in which jazz is flourishing. The vibes radiate the prohibition period- adorned by burnt red brick and cobble stone that surrounds the noisy crowd. Avant garde, passionate musicians push the ideals of traditional jazz and jam in their own way.
With great praise, comes great crowds- the cover is $20, and it’s advised to come about thirty minutes early to ensure you’ll get it. Sets range from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., 10:30 to 1 a.m., and a late night set from 1 a.m. till 4 a.m.
The Iridium, 1650 Broadway
Midtown
The Iridium relocated a from- 63rd and 8th, to its present location- 51st St. and Broadway- neighbors to Stardust Diner, yet the unfathomable talent and energy has remained the same.
Les Paul in the late 90’s would play on Monday night’s. Chet Atkins, ZZ Top, and Paul McCartney all visited the Iridiums legendary stage. This musical landmark doubles not only as a bar, but instead- a rock and roll, jazz and blues venue- inviting legendary talent and younger, undiscovered artists to have a platform.
With a stocked-up bar, the wine list is essentially endless- with cocktails like the Macy Gray Margarita or the Sammy Davis Sidecar- Brandy, Cointreau and lemon juice. Aside from that- there’s an assortment of entrees like coconut shrimp, empanadas, grilled skirt steak.
Jules Bistro, 65 St. Marks Pl.
East Village
If you’ve walked around St. Marks, you might’ve passed by Jules Bistro. The unique take on jumpy-jazz and French cuisine is a place not to be overlooked. What seems to be innocent during the daylight with its delicious brunch menu- (which I recommend the Croque Monsieur- ham and swiss cheese gratiné on brioche with béchamel and greens. Of course, paired with bottomless mimosas) turns into a seemingly speakeasy when the sun sets into the night.
The groovy music, lively atmosphere, and $5 cover during the weekend gives merit to overlooking the relatively expensive food and drinks.
Whether it’s classically-trained jazz vocalists, soulful singers, composerts, guitarists, pianists or soft-spoken jazz sultry goodness, their 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. sets jam-pack the Bistro’s occupancy.
