Jazz and Blues in New York
Jazz and blues in New York are very well represented. It’s possible to catch a performance every single night in a variety of venues. Attending a live concert when in New York is definitely worthwhile. Always check the schedule of the club to find out which performance is taking place that night. Looking for something other than jazz and blues? Check the New York concert calendar here.
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History of Jazz in New York
Originating in the late 19th Century in the south of the United States, Jazz combines European harmony and African musical elements.
Harlem
In addition to the southern states, Harlem played a prominent role in nurturing and cultivating jazz music. During the 1920’s Jazz Age, Harlem’s Lenox 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
Another important landmark for the jazz scene is Greenwich Village, where many of today’s jazz clubs are found. Residents of “the Village” were historically 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. In addition, many of the clubs below are 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
Sunday Jazz Brunch
Enjoy a jazz brunch in a one-of-a-kind setting: a landmark carriage house built in 1767 that is known to be the most romantic restaurant in New York. While sipping your complimentary cocktail or glass of wine, you can listen to New York’s best jazz musicians. The brunch menu is not included and must be purchased separately at the venue.
Jazz clubs in New York
There is no shortage of jazz clubs in New York. Finding a great performance every night of the week is guaranteed. I have listed some of the best jazz and blues clubs below.
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 performances for audiences of all ages. There are three music performance stages:
- Rose Theater (1233 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.
Book your tickets for Jazz at Lincoln Center here
The Iridium
Also, a highly regarded venue that specialises in Jazz and Guitar-based music in New York. 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 throughout the years. It is also possible to eat at the Iridium.
Book your tickets for Iridium here
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. Due to financial difficulties, the club was briefly closed in 2003 but reopened in early 2006.
The first set usually starts at 19:30 and there are two to three sets per night. Admission is about $25 per person.
Book your tickets for Smalls Jazz Club here
Blue Note Jazz
One of the premier jazz clubs in the world Blue Note Jazz has been a cultural institution in Greenwich Village since 1981. Blue Note offers music every night from 20:00 to 22:30. In the weekend there are late-night groove series at 00:30. Table seating at this club is for all ages!
Book your tickets for Blue Note Jazz here
Terra Blues
If you are after a more bluesy atmosphere head to Terra Blues in New York’s Greenwich Village. This modern-day blues saloon overlooking Bleecker Street has played great blues for more than 20 years.
Book your tickets for Terra Blues here
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