[tonyz]

My wife and I are planning a trip to New York City June 8th - 13th. We will be staying close to Times Square. I would like to visit as many Jazz spots as possible..(my wife wants nice family type places). Any suggestions on venues and Sax shops.

Tony Z.

 

[ToddMartin]

I've been to the current Birdland club. Within walking distance from Time Square. Nice dinner place. Probably one of the larger rooms. You can stay for the second set as long as you order something from the menu, so I waited till then for dessert. Check their website, if they have someone you'd like to see I recommend it.

JazzTimes magazine had an article on NYC jazz venues in 9/2006. Here's a link to the beginning. You can buy the back issue if you want the whole article.
http://www.jazztimes.com/columns_and_features/table_of_contents/article_excerpts/index.cfm?article_id=17197

 

[milandro]

interesting.....I'll be there in the beginning of july and it would be nice to have similar info....

 

[whaler]

Pick up a copy of the Village Voice from any newstand. They have lousy critics (Gary Giddins, who in the 80's seemed like he had an article every week about David Murray), but great listings of clubs and other goings ons.

 

[Rick Adams]

Not a lot of help for you I realise, but does anyone else think this thread name would also make a great name for a ballad?

 

[HeavyWeather77]

The "allaboutjazz" magazine and website can be a good resource too. Most players send their gig info to it, and it's free.

Iridium is right off Times Square, it's a nice room. It's expensive but there are usually really good players there, and the food is good too.

THE place to hear music, in my (non New Yorker) opinion, is in the Village downtown. The 55 Bar, Small's, and of course the Village Vanguard usually have all the players I'm really into. Definitely see if Gretchen Parlato (singer), Lionel Loueke (guitar) or David Binney (alto) are playing at the 55 Bar if you're in that area. Seeing a set by any of these people might be life changing.

 

[odsum25]

I think James Carter is playing Birdland with an organ trio sometime in June and Lee Konitz will be a few places during June. I think Rachel Z is playing Blue Note sometime in that timeframe and so is McCoy Tyner. This piano/synth guy will be there one night I think as well...Neil Alexander with Charlie Kniceley and a drummer I can't remember the name of.

Have fun...pick up a Hot House when you get here. It will list everything.
http://www.sweetrhythmny.com/
http://www.julesbistro.com/index.html
http://www.arthurstavernnyc.com/
http://www.55bar.com/
http://www.5ccc.com/
http://www.jazzstandard.net/
http://www.villagevanguard.net/
http://www.fatcatjazz.com/
http://www.birdlandjazz.com/
http://www.knickerbockerbarandgrill.com/
http://www.bluenote.net/newyork/index.html
http://www.garagerest.com/
http://www.iridiumjazzclub.com/

 

[milandro]

Not a lot of help for you I realise, but does anyone else think this thread name would also make a great name for a ballad?

Indeed! a classic even before being written!
Thanks for all the advise folks!

 

[potiphar]

Not a lot of help for you I realise, but does anyone else think this thread name would also make a great name for a ballad?

Nah - I'll go with "Breakfast in Bognor".

 

[sideC]

Sure. I'm working every Monday night at a club right near Times Square. It's called Swing 46. Located on 46th st. between 8th and 9th ave, restuarant row. Halfway down the block on the north side of the street. Look for the long black awning.

I work in a big band there called the Harlem Renaissance Orchestra, a very good, swinging NY band. We hit at 8:30. I play lead alto. If you show, come over and say hi.