Double Bass Jazz in NYC

[Norre]

I'm going to NYC and would like to visit some jazz clubs. Problem is that I prefer traditional jazz (dixieland and early swing, before the bebop era) and most clubs in NYC are more "contemporary-minded". I'm talking clubs like Blue Note, Village Vanguard, Birdland, etc ... So far I think I found only 1 club that seems to fit my criteria and that's Swing46. Anyone know some other places for traditional jazz?

Thanks,

KN

 

[Tom Lane]

It does sound as though you have a tough goal because most of the great NYC jazz clubs I know feature 21st Century jazz rather than early 20th Century. Smalls, and a small club a couple of doors down tend to host very modern, but great jazz players. You might see what's playing at Birdland because they tend to host more popularly National acts. Still Birdland is a great hang for typically great jazz with okay food at a decent price. Usually it's wise to order tickets in advance and request a good table in advance if possible. Still, Birdland, IME, runs from institutionized genius performers, Jon Hendricks, to great local talent, David Berger and the Sultans of Swing, to popular national acts, John Pizzarelli with his broadway siren singer wife, and it's up to you to YouTube them before you plunk your money down. One thing about Birdland, it's always a great show with true pros even if it's not your cup of tea. Smalls, on the other hand, nearly always has brilliant jazz musicians, even if they're not your cup of tea. Good luck!

 

[Eric Hochberg]

Go hear Vince Giordano's band where ever they are playing. Arthur's Tavern seems to have trad jazz.

 

[Ed Fuqua]

Also check out the Ear Inn, it's down below King off of Hudson Street. You'll want to look at the schedule for the Invalid Link Removed.

 

[gerry grable]

Go hear Vince Giordano's band where ever they are playing. Arthur's Tavern seems to have trad jazz.

Don't they also appear regularly at a place called Sophie's or Sofia's ? I believe it is a dinner club.
I get very professional e-mail ads from them every so often.

 

[PaulNYC]

http://www.nyhotjazzfest.com/

 

[Phil Rowan]

Also check out the Ear Inn, it's down below King off of Hudson Street. You'll want to look at the schedule for the Invalid Link Removed.

+1, Ed. You beat me to the recommendation.

Gerry, unfortunately I believe Sofia's is no more. I know VG used to play Club Cache (downstairs section of the Hotel Edison) but I'm not sure they still do.

 

[Ed Fuqua]

No but they do have another steady gig, I think it's Cafe Iguana? Lemme go check...

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]...

 

[Ed Fuqua]

Oh and yes, Sophia's bagged. I know they were doing guitar/bass duos (Jon Burr's gig) in the hotel lounge for awhile, I haven't seen any gigspam for those in a minnit, so I don't know if they are still going on. Those would be a more modern thing, though...

 

[Baswithone"s"]

There's a ton of "trad" jazz in NYC. Definitely check Vince Giordano's website for performances. There's also an early show at Birdland every Wednesday, Mona's in the East Village has lots of music (look for their Facebook page), Radegast Beer Hall in Brooklyn has trad jazz every night of the week, Barbes in Brooklyn usually has some things (www.barbesbrooklyn.com). Don't know about Arthur's - played there a lot but never saw anything trad. It wouldn't hurt to check their website.

Good luck and bring money!!

 

[Norre]

Cool, thanks for the suggestions !

 

[tkozal]

I caught 4 older African American gentlemen doing a very early jazz band thing. Banjo tuba etc. sounded like 1920 or earlier.


At freakin Times Square shuttle station last week. They floored me. It's NYC baby!

 

[HateyMcAmp]

Trad jazz jass is actually very popular, but very seperate from the straight ahead scene. Check out Monas in the LES on tuesday night...great trad session with awesome players.