Jazz music is one of America’s great art forms, a musical blend of cultures — West African rhythms, elements of spirituals and the blues, and America’s marching band instruments, brass and reeds — that evolved throughout the 20th century. Its blooming spread across the nation. Jazz started off as a type of dance music played by self-taught instrumentalists in New Orleans, which was performed in brothels and bars. As the genre transitioned from the red light to the spotlight, Chicago became a hotbed for jazz in the North, turning out many great bandleaders, and Kansas City grew in reputation as the genre transitioned from swing to bebop. New York City became a new center for jazz by the mid-century, but by that time, popular clubs had popped up in most major cities.
Harmonies and rhythms are an integral part of jazz, but equally important is the spontaneity. Improvised solos are new in every rendition of a tune, and every live performance is a chance to see music created in real-time. The technique, the history and the improvisation come together as a living, breathing art form. Because its soul is in live performance, that’s how it’s best experienced.
Jazz venues aren’t cavernous concert halls. They’re often intimate performance spaces where listeners can immerse themselves in the music. No matter where you are in North America, there’s probably a jazz club nearby. For well over a century, jazz has continued to grow and change, always managing to bring something new to the table. So for your next night out, head to one of these venues for a one-of-a-kind experience.
In the Lead: Jimmy Heath at the Village Vanguard
Criteria for Inclusion: Choosing the “best” of anything will always lead to debate. And a list of 17 is hardly a list at all. We left out many notables — Yoshi’s in Oakland, the Blue Note in New York and Upstairs in Montreal, to name a few. But what remain are 17 examples of big selections or big personalities or both — or, occasionally, neither. Think we missed something? Let us know at [email protected].
GP’s 17 Favorite Jazz Clubs Across America
Village Vanguard – Manhattan, NY
SFJAZZ – San Francisco, Calfornia
Blue Whale – Los Angeles, CA
Wally’s Cafe – Boston, MA
Bohemian Caverns – Washington, D.C.
The Spotted Cat Music Club – New Orleans, LA
Diese Onze – Montreal, QC
The Elephant Room – Austin, TX
Jimmy Mak’s Portland, OR
Cezanne – Houston, TX
Smalls Jazz Club – New York, NY
Green Lady Lounge – Kansas City, MO
Libra Room – Vancouver, BC
The Rex – Toronto, CA
Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley – Seattle, WA
Chris’ Jazz Cafe – Philadelphia, PA
The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge – Chicago, IL
