L’Arbuci A well-established favourite, in the heart of St-Germain,
attracting a good mix of regular locals and curious tourists. Eat in
the pleasant brasserie upstairs, then head to the basement for
some old-fashioned Dixie-style jazz.
L’Arbuci
Au Duc des Lombards The Left Bank may be the traditional home of jazz clubs but this sleek, modern club is firmly on the Right Bank, in the Les Halles
district. The memorabilia of the “greats” who played here may have
disappeared during refurbishment but the club’s policy is still to bring
in the best overseas jazz artists to play alongside home-grown talent.
Good food is served day and night.
Baiser Salé Jazz,
blues, Latin and African music are the mainstays at this tiny cellar
club, which is low on space but high on volume. The Baiser was promoting
World Music long before the phrase had been invented, and the eclectic
approach has led to a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It’s cheaper than
many clubs, too. Le Bilboquet There’s
a great sense of history in this revered jazz club. It first opened its
doors in 1947, since which time legends including Miles Davis and
Billie Holiday have performed here. Today, however, it’s mostly local
talent that you will see on stage. As well as music, there’s
also a relaxing bar and restaurant.
Le Bilboquet
Autour de Midi et de Minuit Halfway
up La Butte, this atmospheric joint has added some welcome buzz to the
slopes of Montmartre. It’s jazz all the way, mostly swing but some
modern jazz as well, performed in a vaulted cellar below the excellent
bistro. Jazz Club Lionel Hampton The
jazz club par excellence actually serves up a wider range of music than
its name suggests. Check what’s on as you might get blues, rock or even
gospel music. There’s a heavy emphasis on visiting African-American
musicians (Oscar Peterson has played here). A sophisticated experience. Hôtel Le Méridien-ÉtoileNew Morning An
upstart by Paris standards, having opened in 1981. Its policy of
embracing all kinds of music (jazz, blues, Latin, soul and the
unclassifiable), not to mention inviting performers up from the floor,
has led to a relaxed crowd of regulars.
Le Petit Journal Montparnasse The
club that barely sleeps – the doors close at 2am, but open up again
four hours later. You can just drink, or have a meal while listening to
the live music, which is mainly big band jazz but on some nights takes
in salsa, blues or rock. Le Petit Journal St-Michel Younger
brother of the Montparnasse original, this club opened in 1971 and
concentrates more on New Orleans-style swinging jazz. A fun atmosphere
in this Latin Quarter cellar, together with a pleasant dining room in
which to have a meal, just off the main stage area. Caveau de la Huchette Don’t
be fooled by its tourist-trap setting in the heart of the Latin Quarter
– this venue is worth every penny of the entrance price. The building
was once home to the Knights Templar, and jazz has been played under the
medieval vaults since 1947.
Top 10 Musical Artistes in Paris
Edith Piaf Discovered as a street singer in Paris, the diminutive Piaf (1915–63) became known as the “Little Sparrow”. Maurice Chevalier The Parisian singer/actor (1888–1972) is, for many, the voice of France. In 1958 he won an Academy Award for his role in Gigi. Django Reinhardt Belgian gypsy guitarist Reinhardt (1910–53) first found fame in Paris in collaboration with Stephane Grappelli. Lionel Hampton US bandleader Hampton (b. 1909) regularly played in the Left Bank jazz clubs. Sidney Bechet US jazz virtuoso Bechet (1897–1959) settled in Paris in the 1940s and wrote his great tune “Les Oignons” in 1949. Jacques Brel Belgian singer/songwriter Brel (1929–78) moved to Paris in 1953, where audiences loved his melancholy songs. Stephane Grappelli Paris-born Grappelli (1908– 97) studied classical violin, but later innovatively adapted the instrument to jazz. Josephine Baker The African-American dancer (1906–75) gained notoriety for dancing semi-nude at the Folies-Bergère. Miles Davis US trumpet-player Davis (1926–91) was a favourite in Paris for his “cool jazz” style. Coleman Hawkins US bebop saxophonist Hawkins (1904–69) played Paris many times in the 1930s.
|
