Throughout its history, jazz has been synonymous with the Big Apple, dating back to the early 20th century---when this distinct American sound was developing in New York City's five boroughs. Since its inception, the genre of jazz---already a melting pot of sounds---has birthed several sub-genres, ranging from acid jazz to smooth jazz, the latter punctuated by popular music styles such as R&B, rock, and funk music. New York City continues to serve as an epicenter of American jazz, and there are numerous smooth jazz clubs where the best musicians can be heard, several of which are highlighted below.
The Birdland Jazz Club is a legendary Manhattan jazz club where the best and brightest beboppers in the business can still be heard. In fact, when the club opened in 1949, famed jazz musician Charlie Parker was the headliner. The club serves a full menu---billed as "American cuisine with a Cajun flair"---including salads, starters, and entrees, as well as drinks at the bar. The club also hosts tour groups, corporate events, and banquets. The Birdland is the featured home of the Birdland Big Band, while other 2010 scheduled performers include Tom Wopat, Patrick DeGennaro, and the Terence Blanchard Quintet.
Birdland Jazz Club
315 West 44th St.
New York, NY 10036-5402
212-581-3080
birdlandjazz.com
The Blue Note Jazz Club is a small jazz club known for bringing in big names. In addition to world-class live jazz music, the club also serves as a restaurant, offering a variety of entrees ranging from New York strip steak to roasted salmon or baked sole. It also offers an extensive wine menu. Special events at the jazz club include Sunday Jazz Brunch and the Late Night Groove Series. Scheduled 2010 performers include the Dave Brubeck Quartet, Soul Cycle, Nancy Wilson, and the Amy London Quartet.
Blue Note Jazz Club
131 West 3rd St.
New York, NY 10012
212-475-8592
bluenotejazz.com
The Village Vanguard is a historic club that dates back to 1935. A basement-level venue, it is the home of a monthly radio series dubbed "Live at the Village Vanguard." Doors to the club traditionally open at 8 p.m., and phone reservations are accepted. Upcoming 2010 performers include the Steve Wilson Quartet, the Gerald Clayton Trio, and the Billy Hart Quartet. On Monday nights, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra performs. It should be noted that the club does not serve food.
Village Vanguard
178 7th Avenue South
New York, NY 10014-2740
212-255-4037
villagevanguard.com
