London Jazz Club
In the early 1930’s great jazz musicians, Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington first played in London and music reviews in the Melody Maker created an appreciation of the talents of famous and up and coming jazz musicians. Playing after hours, in the London Jazz Club scene, local musician were encouraged to ‘jam for drinks’. Jazz didn’t remain static. The musicians constantly pushed themselves trying new things and by the late 1930’s swing became the dominant genre of jazz which developed into fabolous dance music.
The London Jazz Club was originally a restaurant on Oxford Street and live music wasn’t played there until Victor Feldman began hiring the venue in 1942. Big band legend, Glenn Miller, performed at the club during the war and its reputaion quickly grew. The club was visited by many American and British Servicemen who wanted to listen to jazz and dance in the knowledge that the basement location made the club an effective bomb shelter. In fact Feldman’s slogan was ‘Forget the Doodle bug – Come and Jitterbug at the Feldman Club’.
In the 1970’s Camden Festival added a Jazz week and over the next 15 years it occupied an essential place in the London Jazz Club scene introducing many of the emerging key international artists. It was held at several venues as part of the Spring Festival, and in some years, even adding an Autumn week as well. By the early 1990’s it became clear that a new direction was needed. The Camden Festival was no more, but with the active support of the London Arts Board the London Jazz Festival evolved in 1992.
The Festival celebrates the place of jazz in the rich, cultural diversity of the city and has grown to be a major international event. Bringing together the best jazz musicians and presenting specially commissioned performances by some of the great jazz composers, each year brings its own characters. Festival riches can be found in a variety of London Jazz Club venues and Concert Halls across the city that enable thousands of people to sample the jazz experience. There’s Indo-Jazz, hip-hop jazz, jazz metal, jazz-classical - you name it, the London Jazz Festival’s got it
Re-affirming its place as an important part of the cultural calendar in the UK, the London Jazz Festival 2009 reached 17 boroughs, in 52 venues and hosted performances from over 700 artists. The Festival welcomed world-class artists to the London Jazz Club and concert hall venues, presenting international stars and new UK talent to a diverse mix of audience. Don’t miss the 2010 event. Dates are confirmed as Friday 12 – Sunday 21 November.
Best London Jazz Clubs
Ronnie Scott’s opened it’s doors over 50 years ago and is widely regarded as the Best London Jazz Club around. Based in Soho, in the heart of the entertainment area, it was originally created by the famous British musicians, Ronnie Scott and Pete King, for jazz musicians and jazz lovers. Virtually every jazz musician has played to enthusiastic audiences at this venue during the last 5 decades. Recently refurbished, the atmosphere is still amazing and the live entertainment is fabulous. This legendary venue is open 7 nights a week, providing live jazz entertainment in what has become the Mecca of the jazz world.
Established as one of the Best London Jazz Clubs in 1987, the Vortex has since become a beacon for contemporary jazz. Located in North London and open 7 nights a week, the Vortex hosts nightly live jazz performances. The Vortex places a strong emphasis on young local talent and also regularly features leading UK and overseas artists. Polar Bear and Acoustic Lady are regular performers along with London’s nu-jazz fraternity. The atmosphere is maintained with a stylish interior and the quality and consistency of the music remains extremely high, making the Vortex one of the city’s most progressive jazz clubs.
Originally a basement venue at Kings Road, the 606 club built a reputation as the Jazz hang out in the 1970’s and 1980’s and has been known as one of the Best London Jazz Clubs for over 30 years. Supporting local talent, the policy of only booking UK resident jazz musicians has remained unchanged to this day. Now located in a basement site on Lots Road, the 606 has 10 live bands per week and is a well known musician’s haunt where informal jam sessions often take place, much like in the days before formal bookings. Melly.
Located in Dean Street and re launched in 1996, the cabaret style of the Pizza Express Jazz Club draws both established and new artists. Smaller than some of the city’s jazz clubs the ambience and nightly live jazz acts have earned the recognition of being one of the Best London Jazz Clubs in Soho. The club has become an institution for jazz lovers and has hosted acts from Amy Winehouse to Van Morrison.
The Boisedale Jazz and Cigar Club located in a Belgravia townhouse near Buckingham Palace is a members’ only club but for a nominal charge non members can dine at one of the Best London Jazz Clubs. Named after Loch Boisedale in the Hebrides, it is one of the most ancient Scottish clans. Famous for its Scottish cuisine and amazing selection of single malt whiskies the Boisedale is not cheap but they do have good value set menus for lunch and dinner. The house quintet, Boisedale Blue Rhythm Band performs impromptu 1930’s – 1950’s era jazz in the Bolt Hole every night. The atmosphere is unique and features a selection of jazz era classic cocktails. Well worth a visit.
