The Harlem Renaissance may have brought about the beginning of NYC’s jazz culture, attracting poets, artists, and musicians to Manhattan’s burgeoning uptown neighborhoods nearly a century ago. But if you’re in the market for those same sweet sounds today-or an updated tune-the music’s moved a bit further south.
Beneath the luxury penthouses that line the Upper East Side, the new home of jazz music in New York is inhabiting everything from dingy dive bars to some of the Island’s most high-end haunts.
Take a look at these three four Upper East Side locales where you can hear everything from improvisational style to new takes on Bird’s greats between Central Park and the East River:
Café Carlyle (35 E. 76th Street): As close to a step back in time as you’ll find in present-day New York City, the soft lighting and decadent menu at Café Carlyle, located between Madison Avenue and Park Avenue, are reminiscent of Manhattan’s boom-times. Each night, as couples and old friends meet at the bar or share a candlelit meal, some of the city’s best jazz musicians take the stage for an intimate performance. If you’re lucky, you might just catch a show from Woody Allen — he’s a regular performer here.
Merchants NY (1125 First Avenue): While masquerading as a cigar bar, this multipurpose space has something for everyone. Stocked with a full bar, comfortable seating, and a regular live jazz band, this spot is well-equipped for those who are more interested in a finely-trilled note than a finely-rolled Cohiba.
Session 73 (1359 1st Avenue): This American-style restaurant may offer up classic pub fare, but it’s got something extra-special on the menu that most restaurants can’t offer: a new performer lined up nearly every night of the week. These talented musicians include live jazz acts on weekends, who add a calming pace to this often-bustling meetup spot.
The National Jazz Museum in Harlem (104 E. 126th Street): Far from your traditional smoky barroom, the National Jazz Museum in Harlem is a testament to how deeply entrenched jazz music is in the fabric of Manhattan’s uptown culture. With permanent exhibits, lecture series, educational outreach programs, and, of course, live music, the museum is one of the greatest sources for jazz music in all five boroughs.
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