I'm always on the look out for great hidden jazz haunts in New York City, particularly Harlem. I've been keeping tabs on this scene and taking small and large groups of visitors on immersion tours there since 1997. At that time, I started maintaining a new website at www.bigapplejazz.com, where I attempt to list all the clubs, restaurants and theaters in the greater New York City area where jazz (and blues) is regularly found.
Since my bias in life has always been toward the underdog, I favor the off-the-beaten-path scene and try to champion those clubs and players that are lesser known and often more deserving of greater recognition.
Here is a decent list of clubs and places where I go in Harlem to check out jazz and blues. If you know of any other spots, I'm all ears, and will be happy to add them to my NYC Jazz Bible on www.bigapplejazz.com.
This will be in no particular oder:
Bill's Place
Shrine
Post
PJ's
449 LA
Schomberg
Lenox Lounge
Apollo
Showmans
St. Nick's
Perks
Minton's (when open)
Dinosaur
Parlor Entertainment
Fonda Boricua
Creole
NAMA
Red Rooster (soon they say)
Jacobs
National Jazz Museum in Harlem
Londel's
Cotton Club
Harlem Stage
Let us all know if I missed some.
Peace,
Gordon Polatnick,
CEO Big Apple Jazz Tours
Comments
If you had time for just 3 clubs which ones would that be?