Jazz and Blues in New York
Jazz and blues in New York are very well represented, and there are a few jazz clubs I consider to be the best in the city. It’s possible to catch a performance every single night in a variety of venues. Attending a live jazz concert in New York is definitely worthwhile. Always check the schedule of the blues or jazz club to find out which gig is taking place that night.
Eric's Index
New York Jazz Scene
Jazz originated in the late 19th Century in the south of the United States, combining European harmony and African musical elements. In addition to the Southern states, New York has a long tradition as one of the most important jazz cities in the world. Not only do certain neighbourhoods have historical significance, but the jazz scene in New York remains vibrant with famous jazz bars. You can experience jazz in New York in many ways.
Harlem
In New York, Harlem played a prominent role in nurturing and cultivating jazz music. During the 1920’s Jazz Age, Harlem’s Lennox and Seventh Avenues were home to at least 20 jazz clubs. Billie Holiday was discovered here when she was just 17-years old. More information on the history of Harlem and its deep-rooted connections to Jazz can be found at the Jazz Museum in Harlem.
Greenwich Village
Greenwich Village, where many of today’s jazz clubs can be found, is also an important landmark for the jazz scene. Residents of “the Village” were renowned for their progressive attitude. Therefore, the area was traditionally a focal point for new movements: be they political or cultural. The Village always had a cutting-edge music scene and hosted some of the biggest names in Jazz. Many of the clubs below are situated in the Village.
Jazz Tour in Harlem
A jam session at a local Harlem club is a way to experience the cultural heritage. Enjoy a jazz series that features creative and talented artists. Each performance is by a different group or soloist.
Book the Jazz Series here
Book the Evening Jazz Tour here
Manhattan Evening Jazz Cruise
Combine an evening of sightseeing from the water, with enjoying some festive jazz music. A live jazz trio performs classic jazz music, as well as new renditions and modern hits. The 1920’s style yacht is the atmospheric decor of this cruise.
Book the Manhattan Evening Jazz Cruise here
Jazz Sail
This cruise combines sightseeing, jazz and a magnificent ship. The historic ship cruises New York’s harbour while skilled jazz musicians play in the background. This seasonal cruise is only offered from June to September.
Book your tickets for the Jazz Sail here
Best Jazz Clubs in New York
There is no shortage of jazz music in New York. Finding a great performance every night of the week is guaranteed. I have listed some of the best blues bars and the best jazz and blues clubs in New York below.
Looking for something other than jazz and blues in New York? Check out the best live music events on the New York concert calendar.
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Jazz at Lincoln Center
Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC) in New York is part of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. For many, this is the highest calibre of jazz music available in New York.
Lincoln Center is the cultural centre of New York and attending a concert here is more than worth it. Jazz at Lincoln Center has a year-round schedule of jazz concerts for audiences of all ages. There are three music performance stages with great acoustics:
• Rose Theater (1,233 seats)
• The Appel Room (467 seats, featuring a huge window overlooking Central Park )
• Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola (140 seats, an intimate jazz club named after the famous jazz artist Dizzy Gillespie)Jazz at Lincoln Center is situated south of the main Lincoln Center and housed inside the Time Warner Center directly adjacent to Columbus Circle.
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The Iridium
Also, a highly regarded venue that specialises in Jazz and guitar-based music in New York. Conveniently located in Midtown Manhattan near Times Square, the music venue offers a very diverse lineup: Iridium’s booking strategy is “Jazz any instrument, guitar any genre”. Known to many as the best jazz club and best guitar club, The Iridium has been in business since 1994 with the help of some major renovations.
The shows start at 20:30. It is also possible to eat at the Iridium.
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Smalls Jazz Club
Smalls Jazz Club in Greenwich Village has a great “underground” feel. Set up in 1993 it quickly became the place to see rising talents in the New York jazz scene. Smalls is an intimate New York jazz club, with limited seating, so book your tickets well in advance.
The first set usually starts at 19:30 (at 18:00 during weekends) and there are four to five sets per night. This jazz bar is especially known for its late-night jam sessions and affordable tickets.
Book your tickets for Smalls Jazz Club here
Eric’s Tip: “Arrive early if you want a good seat: the seats are chosen on a first-come, first-served basis. There’s already a long queue when the doors open 30 minutes before the set.” -
Blue Note Jazz
Blue Note is one of the premier jazz clubs in the world and a cultural institution in Greenwich Village since 1981. Blue Note offers music every night 20:00 to 22:30 with a more upscale atmosphere.
There are two sets: at 20:00 and 22:30. Table seating at this club is for all ages!
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Terra Blues
If you are after a more bluesy atmosphere head to Terra Blues in New Yorks Greenwich Village. This modern-day blues saloon overlooking Bleecker Street has played great blues for more than 20 years.
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