Sorry for being MIA. Was spending some time on East Coast lapping up the pleasures of Uncle Sam's land.
I like jazz. Unfortunately, I don't get enough opportunities to cultivate this interest in Asia. While in NYC recently, I heard David Sanborn was playing at a jazz club - 'Blue Note' in the Village. I did a double flip and immediately booked our table.
Situated in the hip Greenwich village area right next to the W 4th Street Subway stop, Blue Note has an unpretentious exterior. We walked in just before 8 pm and were really lucky to get a table bang in front of the stage. Note that Blue Note is set up as a performance venue with the stage being surrounded by U-shaped seating. The club has performances scheduled daily at 8 pm and 10:30 pm and a Sunday jazz brunch with performances at 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm.
We were quickly seated just in time for the start of David Sanborn's show and it was a fully packed house with some guests still waiting in queue. For those in the dark, David Sanborn is one of America's most famous saxophonists who does a wonderful blend of jazz with instrumental Pop and R&B. Were we privileged to find him playing in NYC during our trip! He had just returned from Tokyo that morning but the 67 years old Sanborn's mind blowing performance gave none of the jet lag away.
Blue Note runs on a concert concept and per head charges range from $10 to $45 for A-list performances like David Sanborn's. If you do not intend to have a meal, you can enjoy a show seated at the bar which costs lesser but doesn't offer as clear a view of the stage. Each seat is sold out for top performances and by that I literally mean each seat. Be prepared to share your table with other couples as charges are per head and no seat goes unsold. True to its slogan of being the 'best jazz club and restaurant in the world', Blue Note has good lighting, sound acoustics coupled with a superior line-up of artists. Apart from Jazz, Blues, R&B, Latin and Hip Hop acts also are a regular feature here. For those who are interested, the December line-up includes Kendra Ross, Medeski Martin & Wood and Chris Botti who has been integral in making Blue Note the legend it has become. The much acclaimed American trumpeter will be performing at Blue Note through Christmas and New Year's for the eighth year running from Dec 17th to Jan 6th.
One doesn't go to Blue Note for the food. It is expensive though the portion sizes are generous like everywhere in the US. We ordered a Baked Lemon Sole accompanied with steamed asparagus ($31) which was delicious and a 'Today's Special' dish of Shrimp Avocado Sandwich ($18) which was decent. The menu also offers regular items like Vegan styled Farfalle Pasta, Rigatoni Pasta, Seared Red Snapper etc priced in the $22-$28 range. Drinks are expensive too with a glass of sparkling wine (not Champagne) at $10. Service is prompt and efficient though like most American establishments, cold and impersonal.
Blue Note is rightfully regarded as one of the best jazz venues in the world and I would thoroughly recommend it for all jazz lovers and non-lovers alike. This is the place which will convert you. Blue Note has a well-earned reputation of being amongst the world's priciest jazz clubs but this is money well spent. Reservations are highly recommended and I can only look forward to being back here. Soon.
I like jazz. Unfortunately, I don't get enough opportunities to cultivate this interest in Asia. While in NYC recently, I heard David Sanborn was playing at a jazz club - 'Blue Note' in the Village. I did a double flip and immediately booked our table.
Situated in the hip Greenwich village area right next to the W 4th Street Subway stop, Blue Note has an unpretentious exterior. We walked in just before 8 pm and were really lucky to get a table bang in front of the stage. Note that Blue Note is set up as a performance venue with the stage being surrounded by U-shaped seating. The club has performances scheduled daily at 8 pm and 10:30 pm and a Sunday jazz brunch with performances at 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm.
We were quickly seated just in time for the start of David Sanborn's show and it was a fully packed house with some guests still waiting in queue. For those in the dark, David Sanborn is one of America's most famous saxophonists who does a wonderful blend of jazz with instrumental Pop and R&B. Were we privileged to find him playing in NYC during our trip! He had just returned from Tokyo that morning but the 67 years old Sanborn's mind blowing performance gave none of the jet lag away.
Blue Note runs on a concert concept and per head charges range from $10 to $45 for A-list performances like David Sanborn's. If you do not intend to have a meal, you can enjoy a show seated at the bar which costs lesser but doesn't offer as clear a view of the stage. Each seat is sold out for top performances and by that I literally mean each seat. Be prepared to share your table with other couples as charges are per head and no seat goes unsold. True to its slogan of being the 'best jazz club and restaurant in the world', Blue Note has good lighting, sound acoustics coupled with a superior line-up of artists. Apart from Jazz, Blues, R&B, Latin and Hip Hop acts also are a regular feature here. For those who are interested, the December line-up includes Kendra Ross, Medeski Martin & Wood and Chris Botti who has been integral in making Blue Note the legend it has become. The much acclaimed American trumpeter will be performing at Blue Note through Christmas and New Year's for the eighth year running from Dec 17th to Jan 6th.
One doesn't go to Blue Note for the food. It is expensive though the portion sizes are generous like everywhere in the US. We ordered a Baked Lemon Sole accompanied with steamed asparagus ($31) which was delicious and a 'Today's Special' dish of Shrimp Avocado Sandwich ($18) which was decent. The menu also offers regular items like Vegan styled Farfalle Pasta, Rigatoni Pasta, Seared Red Snapper etc priced in the $22-$28 range. Drinks are expensive too with a glass of sparkling wine (not Champagne) at $10. Service is prompt and efficient though like most American establishments, cold and impersonal.
Blue Note is rightfully regarded as one of the best jazz venues in the world and I would thoroughly recommend it for all jazz lovers and non-lovers alike. This is the place which will convert you. Blue Note has a well-earned reputation of being amongst the world's priciest jazz clubs but this is money well spent. Reservations are highly recommended and I can only look forward to being back here. Soon.
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