Since the cold snap has developed into nothing short of a melancholic slog we’ve picked some weekend fun to prick up your ears and warm your soul. It’s the All In London jazz week.
The interesting thing about Jazz music in London is the sheer diversity of the venues in which you can find it. While Ronnie Scott’s may be the most recognisable name in the game (and undoubtedly a place to see some stellar musicians) there are new nights popping up in places all over the capital. From Mayfair restaurants to Dalston clubs, Kensington grill houses to Kingsland Road wine shops we look at some of what’s out there.
Brompton Bar and Grill
On Thursday 18th April the Brompton Bar and Grill introduces three of the UK’s most promising musicians who join Adrian Cox and his quartet live. Toe tapping is guaranteed and with the show located in the legendary Absinthe Bar, one too many and things could get trippy. Remember though, if you find yourself dancing with a bright green fairy, you should probably sit the next one out.
Vortex Jazz Club
The Vortex Jazz Club carries the torch for jazz in East London with an events line-up that brings its followers live music every night. Entry fees vary but the quality is never in doubt. From the African Composers series with Tony Dudu this Friday night to the Jazz Live Dance on Saturday with Cleveland Watkiss, from night to night there’s always something a little different to get a stomp going on.
Dover Street Wine Bar
The Dover Street Restaurant and Wine Bar is worthy of a jazz pilgrimage on any given day. The up-market Mayfair Jazz club hosts live events each and every weekend. The live bands play anything from jazz to Latin and the performances segue nicely into dancing to similarly stylish music from a resident DJ until 3am. And if you really want to make a night of it then the restaurant serves fine French/European cuisine.
Charlie Wright’s
If you like your jazz a little, well, less jazzy then Charlie Wright’s Music Lounge will make a good alternative. A different type of jazz night is hosted every Sunday, which could mean you’ll see anything from live jam sessions to DJs spinning music termed as swing-dub. On Fridays and Saturdays the music is likely to be of a higher BPM and while it might not be jazz, the place still swings.
Additional reading:
- London's Jazz Scene
- London's Best Jazz Clubs
Jazz in London
This week we take a look at some of the more alternative spots to get into the London jazz thing.
Published Apr 7, 2013