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I'm a big jazz fan, and I've been to mutliple cities. Jazz isn't the draw it use to be, but I have been to cities that almost had no jazz scene, and cities where it seem to be striving. But I was curious, nationwide what city has the most active jazz scene. I want to say NYC, as it's home of Blue Note, Cotton Club, and Jazz Standard which are historical jazz clubs that have existed for decades. And big names have come out of them. I would think New Orleans has a decent Jazz scene as well, and LA jazz scene seems to be striving, though I've never been there.
Location: The Greatest city on Earth: City of Atlanta Proper
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No doubt at the top of the list would be New Orleans, NYC, and Atlanta. I know DC had a strong scene back in the 90s and years prior, but I'm not so sure now (not based on anything, I just don't know.) Chicago and St. Louis have a good scene, but I've always felt that blues (especially in St. Louis) is stronger in both places. Other that, I think you could find a decent jazz subculture in the rest of those cities (but I would Oakaland more than San Fran proper).
If you're looking for the worldly and urbane interpretation of jazz then go to New York City. If you want the real thing, New Orleans is the only city that can offer you the total jazz experience.
The third city would most likely be Chicago. Never in my life have I heard of Atlanta as a center for jazz, and don't think it should even be mentioned in the same breath as New Orleans. I am a bit of a purist when it comes to the artform.
Last edited by Gunion Powder; 07-10-2014 at 08:19 AM..
NYC has the biggest scene and the most clubs, followed by Chicago. Is there a reason why you did not include Chicago on your list? Last I checked, Philly did not have a single full-time jazz venue, which is a huge disappointment considering the city's jazz history. Chris' Jazz cafe started branching out last year, right? The N.O. scene is more "traditional." The St. Louis scene is pretty eclectic -- a mix of R&B, soul, straight-ahead, and experimental. I hear KC is solid, but I can't speak to it. The Bay Area scene, with places like Yoshi's and now the San Francisco Jazz Center, is probably stronger than the one in LA (even though lots of older big name jazz artists live in Southern California).
I'd put Chicago around 3-4, not sure why that wasn't an option here, either. And why would Seattle, Portland, Philly, Bay Area, Boston and so forth on the list?
Sorry I was going by memory. I actually kind of feel foolish for NOT including New Orleans and Chicago. I didn't realize I made this mistake until after I hit submit
Been to New Orleans and there were some decent jazz clubs there, but what surprised me was I really had to search for them in the French Quarter. A lot more modern music predominately being play (understandable). I still think NOLA would probably have the best. Chicago's pretty good: Andy's and The Green Mill where Capone used to sit with his back to the wall. Also the Jazz Record Mart by the Tribune is an amazing resources for jazz music.
Kansas City has an amazing jazz history. What I like about KC is that the music is still very sultry, not smooth. Love the Phoenix Club. And 18th & Vine is still around and has some jazz clubs as well as a jazz museum. The city tried to make another jazz district in the River Quay, but it was bombed by the Civella family during a territory war in the 70's.
Location: The Greatest city on Earth: City of Atlanta Proper
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mega man
The third city would most likely be Chicago. Never in my life have I heard of Atlanta as a center for jazz, and don't think it should even be mentioned in the same breath as New Orleans. I am a bit of a purist when it comes to the artform.
Purist or snob? I'm thinking the latter if you don't know about Atlanta's jazz scene. Yeah, it's not comparable to NOLA (obviously), but you must not look past your nose enough to know whats going to the north of Louisiana. SMH
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