My screen name gives me away... I love jazz music, and am always on the lookout for good live music. Does anyone here know of any good jazz clubs in Paris? A friend told me that there were some great ones on the west bank, but he could not remember the names of any of them. I was just curious if anyone here had been to any that they would recommend.

There's a full list of places here:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34601577

p.s. there is no 'west' bank... it's the Left Bank or Right Bank (or Rive Gauche / Rive Droit, once you get there)...

Here's a huge recommendation for Les Trois Maillets. You can wander by earlier in the day, or week, and check the performance schedule. You can fairly accurately determine the appeal of a group from their photos...but we've never not enjoyed the music there.

We've also enjoyed Latitudes.

We love that it's only a few minutes walk from one of our favorite restaurants, Le Reminet, and one of our favorite cafes, Cafe Leffe.

And, pick up a copy of Pariscope at any newstand when you arrive and review the section in English.

You might want to check out some of the many piano bars. Most of our favorites are in hotels. But, it's great fun to visit Closerie de Lilas, where the booths have brass nameplates of very famous "regulars" (such as Ernest Hemmingway). The piano player there is terrific.

Though "touristy", there is a lot of fantastic live music all over Montmartre, which is incredibly romantic at night. If you're looking for traditional "chansons", go there.

Hi J,

In the 6th district, from our 2005 visit:

....on Rue Benoit is Le Jazz Club, where Swing style jazz is the order of the day. Marcelle Zanini (clarinet and vocal) and Ahmed Gülbay (piano) gave us an enjoyable presentation of old and not so old standards and a few original pieces - very enjoyable. 6E cover charge + 1 drink 28E for 2.

It still being early (there were people on the streets), we walked up the street to Le Bilboquet for something entirely different. Hidegarde Wanzlawe, accompanied by a jazz combo, gave a lively performance of American and French songs. Her Eastern European accent (in both English and French) added a delightful layer to her scat singing.

Bobby Edwards, a local fellow with a great talent on the bass sax, sat in for a set of "Cherokee". The whole group swang and the crowd went wild. No cover charge. 36 E for one drink each.

Also, a New Orleans-style band sets up every day on the Pont St. Louis.

second Biblioquet! Gone often, always enjoyable

Thanks for the replies. Travelnut, you're right! My friend must have meant Left bank, not West!

Caveau de la Huchette in the 5th is popular. It is more swing style jazz geared toward dancing. Think Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller vs. Coltrane, Myles Davis, Charlie Parker, et. al.

It is fun, especially if you like to swing dancing, but it can get very crowded. If you want to get a seat, your best bet would be to get there as soon after the doors open around 9:30.