‘Herbie Hancock splintered the jazz scene with his Headhunters album in 1973, and this fragmentation is still evident in London's clubs today,' says Malcolm Berry, service director and resident jazz expert. ‘Before Headhunters the scene was more homogenous, with most clubs staging nights focused on the free jazz of the 50s and 60s. Hancock's experimental use of synthesisers and funk sent jazz into new directions, and the form has been evolving ever since into endless subgenres.'
The capital's clubs can effectively be split into three types: lively bars that recall the crackling atmosphere of the 50s golden age, where the audience gets up close to acts and improvised jams are common; sophisticated cabaret-style supper venues where guests can dine while they watch the performers; and clubs where you can dance to contemporary forms of jazz, whether it's soulful home-grown talent, acid jazz, or the latest ‘death' jazz from Japan.
Whatever you're looking for, acid jazz, soul jazz, jazz dancing or jazz performed by musicians with names so big that even you have heard of them, call us so we can advise on what's in town and book tickets.
Ronnie Scott's, Soho
47 Frith Street, London W1D 4HT
‘This is one of the best venues in the UK for jazz,' says Malcolm. ‘Ronnie Scott's is as famous on the circuit as the legendary performers who have played there since it opened in 1959: Chet Baker, Chick Corea and Billy Cobham have all graced its stage, and it continues to draw big names.'
The club is a low-lit cabaret-style venue, with dining tables in front of the stage and benches around the outside of the room.
Malcolm says: ‘For a more lively night go to the dance club held each Saturday in the upstairs bar.' Call us for more details of what's on or for information on membership of Ronnie Scott's – you don't need to join to see performances, but members gain free access after 11pm (subject to spaces).
Jazz Café, Camden
5 Parkway, London NW1 7PG
‘The Jazz Café came into its own when the acid jazz scene and DJs like Gilles Peterson sparked a resurgence of interest in British jazz in the late 80s,' explains Malcolm. ‘It remains focused on contemporary artists, with lots of soul, funk and hip-hop performers.'
This big venue is dance orientated and is always packed with a lively crowd. It's standing-room only downstairs, with dining tables on the mezzanine level overlooking the stage, while the Messing Around night on Saturdays is a vibrant evening devoted to jazz dancing.
The Vortex, Dalston
11 Gillett Square, London N16 8AZ
The Vortex has been a fixture on the north London jazz scene for more than 20 years, moving from Stoke Newington to its Dalston premises in May 2005. It hosts a diverse range of nights devoted to bepop, gypsy jazz, big bands, improv and vocal performances, as well as staging folk, blues, avant garde and world music acts.
The downstairs Ochre Works bistro serves food, while the low-key, almost industrial, space of the upstairs club is filled with small tables that stretch out in front of the stage.
Malcolm says: ‘This is a jazz lover's venue. It isn't somewhere to see big names, but it plays host to lots of unique and talented acts, both local and international.'
606 Club, Chelsea
90 Lots Road, London SW10 0QD
People have crammed into this Chelsea basement venue since the mid-70s to listen to some of the best home-grown jazz . ‘The club is committed to supporting the British jazz scene, so it only books acts that are UK residents,' says Malcolm. 'This attracts a fiercely loyal crowd. Regular devotees include local fans Lord Coe and Sir Michael Caine.'
Even though there's no dancefloor, this small club has a blistering energy: tables are packed together and the audience is so close to the stage that you can practically feel the air blowing from the sax. The club can only serve alcohol to non-members if they're eating, but fortunately there's a decent menu on offer (call us for membership details).
Bull's Head, Barnes
373 Lonsdale Road, London SW13 9PY
This historic pub in Barnes might seem like an unlikely champion of modern jazz, but it's been one of London's best places to see big bands, blues performers, swing acts and vocalists since it began staging music nights in 1959.
‘The Bull's Head is purely about the music,' says Malcolm. ‘It's not uncommon for members of the audience to bring their own instruments along for a jam.' It doesn't take bookings, and gigs start at 8.30pm every night of the week and 1pm on Sundays.
Pizza Express Jazz Club, Soho
10 Dean Street, London W1D 3RW
The Pizza Express chain's cabaret-style jazz club tends to draw vocal performers, featuring established acts as well as up-and-coming talent: both Jamie Cullum and Amy Winehouse performed at the Jazz Club before they became household names. ‘Many of the artists that play here cross over into the mainstream, so it's a good place for accessible jazz music,' says Malcolm.
Le QuecumBar, Battersea
42-44 Battersea High Street, London SW11 3HX
Modelled in the style of a pre-war Parisian club, this wine bar and French restaurant has established itself as one of London's best venues to hear furiously melodic gypsy jazz guitarists, romantic accordion-backed bal musette acts and Edith Piaf-style Chanson Francais vocalists. Le QuecumBar also runs regular music workshops for those who aspire to be the next Django Reinhardt.
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