Everybody is aware that New York is one of the greatest places in the earth to hop on a jazz bar on a shoestring budget. There are hundreds of jazz clubs and bars scattered all over the city where music lovers gather. The clubs are not only a cozy place for music and booze but also an emotional corner for many people. These bars are part of the city’s musical and cultural progress as many musicians have found their passion through performing here. As the ongoing Global Pandemic has put drastic change in the musical nights, most jazz bars are looking forward to gaining more attention. With the ease of restrictions and advanced sanitization, these bars have opened again with the regular routine and musical cycles. If you are confused about where to start from, here are the top 10 jazz bars in NYC that you must visit.
#1. Birdland
Birdland provides a piece of New York’s neon-Esque Times Square with its ambiance and arrangement. This midtown jazz bar is a heaven for most musicians out there regardless of their origin and style. Unwavering jazz musicians such as Kurt Elling, Joe Lovano, and many others have performed here. Aaron Neville and John Pizzarelli are also part of the list. There is a roster of bands-in-residence in the bar for which it is well revered. And most importantly, Sunday is dedicated to Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra which provides much diversity.
Pocket Pinch – $20–$35 and additional charges
#2. Village Vanguard
This band is roaring in the mainstream jazz scene for more than 80 years. Featuring basement club’s stage and a mighty set up of jazz musicians; this band hosts crème de la crème of the emerging talents as well seasoned legends. Andrew Cyrille, Billy Hart, Vijay Iyer, etc are some of the modern artists who performed here. It is also a part of the heritage as Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Bill Evans have also stepped on the same floor. There is a Vanguard Jazz Orchestra (16-piece) present house which has been playing Monday-night regular for last five decades.
Hint – Hit the 178 Seventh Ave South and find out yourself
#3. Blue Note
Get drenched into the blues with Blue Note, “the jazz capital of the world.” Talented artist such as McCoy Tyner, Chick Corea, and many others have spread their musical aura through this platform. Part of the Brooklyn soul act Phony PPL, this bar provides the coziest musical experience with closely arranged tables rubbing each as along with music lovers. If you are looking forward to extending your weekend’s late-night party till Sunday breakfast, this is the best joint!
Pocket Pinch – Though the show prices may vary Average drink costs $10
#4. Zinc Bar
Zinc is one of the most favorite jazz bars by the legendary musicians as Thelonious Monk used to play as the house pianist. Accompanied by Billie Holiday’s singing and Frank Sintara as an audience, this bar is the hub of the hall of fame. Kristina Kossi and Alex Kay have done an amazing job in crafting this place as like a retro gin joint racked by stainless-steel and vintage decanters. As the classic champagne chiller seasons your spirit’s temperature, you get to take a sip of both intoxication and pleasurable music. Zinc bar is the best place to groove with jazz, African sounds, and Latin rhythms.
Pocket Pinch – Average drinks at $8
#5. Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola
Small, compact and highly soothing, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola is the dream place for all jazz lovers. The setting of the room is more of a cinematographer’s dream of a jazz club in Manhattan with maximized windows with a view of the Columbus Circle.
Hint – Get to Broadway and 60th St and make your bookings
#6. Ibeam Brooklyn
If you are walking by the streets, it is easy to pass by Ibeam Brooklyn without noticing as it is hidden behind a steel door. It might seem like a practice cum jam pad but it has become one of the potential places for the avant-garde jazz musicians. Trombonist Brian Drye is the main man behind the joint who made this place an art-adorned, minimal musical space. While the posh jazz venues demand a lot of money, this live music venue is the best low-cost substitute where everybody can join. Doubling the rehearsal space, this place promotes the local music scene and progressive mind.
Hint – It is somewhere you don’t need to worry about a budget
#7. Iridium
One of the most Jazz savvy places, Iridium is capable of attracting all kinds of audiences. Somewhere between the bar and a musical home, this place has a sound system and centralized room that provides a magnificent musical experience. It deserves a celebration with all the like-minded listeners around.
Hint – Visit their official website to avail your slot
#8. The Jazz Gallery
As simple as its name sounds, this jazz hub spot incubates the city’s young talents while providing an ample amount of support to the progressive jazz music scenes. This musical gallery has changed its location from Soho digs to Flatiron Building and revamped itself in the flavors of jazz.
Hint – Visit the official website to get more details.
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#9. Nublu Classic
If you are in New York for the first time and still struggling where to find some music and pleasure, Nublu is the catch. Only one blue light is enough to mark to place and the friendly smokers outside will guide you to the event. Most jazz enthusiasts love this place for an offbeat jazz experience that breaks the conventional barriers. The musical events are also featured by Brazilian live music and dance performances on Wednesday nights. There is also a sister branch a few blocks later, named Nublu 151.
Pocket Pinch – Average drinks at $6 and only cash
#10. ShapeShifter Lab
This musical platform is perfect for a night concert accompanied by aesthetic light setting at Gowanus. Jazz bass artist Matthew Garrison is has created this performance space with utmost care where experimental live gigs are conducted. The enthusiasm for art does not only take place at night as the space is being utilized for state-of-the-art rehearsal, exhibition space and recording for other nearby artists.
Hint – Get the subway at Union Street and the local people will guide you.
Other than the aforementioned jazz hubs, there are many other performance spaces, jazz bars, and musical theatres spread all over the city. Follow your heart with a passion for jazz and you will reach any of these.