NYC - Jazz Clubs
 

Planning a long weekend in NYC from Oct. 19 - Oct. 22. Anybody know any good smooth Jazz clubs that my wife and I can visit? We are staying in Times Square and would like a nice after show\dinner type place. Thanks in advance.

Check out this site:
http://www.ny.com/clubs/jazz/

Just a heads up, many jazz clubs have very mediocre food. The jazz clubs nearest to Times Square are Birdland, BB Kings and Iridium. I think they all have "ok" food. Dizzy's Coca Cola is a bit further in the Time Warner building at Columbus Circle, has good jazz, decent food and a nice view. Here's another website that lists clubs by area with reviews and links
http://bigapplejazz.com/nycjazzclubs.html

I’m not sure what your definition of “smooth” jazz is, but here are a few options, anyway:

Time Square Area:

Birdland on W44 has evey kind of talents from Big Band to fusion. You’ll have to walk by to see who’s playing that night (or Google their web site).

Charley O’s, on 8th Ave and 45th, I think represent more of what you may be looking for. They have mostly local talents that blends in “smooth” (soft, mostly contemporary, FM-radio jazz in my definition) with some classics. The food’s OK, too. Pretty cool place.

Da Marino (49th St, bet. 8th /B’way) showcases talented and popular session musicians who like to get together and play. I have actually not been, and will definitely go one of these days.

BTW, BB King on 42nd is hardly a jazz venue. Once in a while, but very rarely, they have progressive rock/jazz talent (e.g. John Mahavishnu). This place is almost always a rock, blues and Motown place. For example, tonight they have Peter Frampton (sans hair) playing. Never really come across a good Jazz talent when perusing their lineup online.


This one is not in Times Square but the first place that I would go for (based on my taste, plus it's right about in my neighborhood):

Metropolitan Café (1st Ave. bet. 51st and 52nd ) is smooth and cool every Tuesday night ONLY. This would be Spyro Gyra “smooth” or some of David Letterman’s band musicians getting together with others. Food’s not that good, but who cares.

Blue Smoke has pretty good food and a jazz club downstairs.

http://www.bluesmoke.com/

You've all had some great tips and links that will really help. Hope I can repay the favor to each of you one day. Bye for now!!