Paris has a good number of historical jazz clubs, nowadays, they are institutions for all lovers of the genre. The turbulent Jazz history in Paris has contributed to the building of the reputation of the best jazz bars in Paris. From the inter-war period to the present day, from Saint-Germain-des-Prés to rue des Lombards. With the arrival of the Philharmonic and Jazz festivals such as in La Villette, Jazz becomes more and more accessible to the Parisian public.
In concert halls and clubs, we regularly see genius soloists like Ahmad Jamal, Herbie Hancock, Archie Shepp, Sonny Rollins or Monty Alexander. Also, often represented, the mixed jazz is coming up with names such as Roy Hargrove’s jazz-funk or Roy Ayers. There is also the Cuban jazz by Roberto Fonseca, the electro-jazz by Erik Truffaz and Laurent de Wilde, the oriental jazz from Ibrahim Maalouf, the afrobeat, the hip-hop jazz, etc. And we can also see a lot of young talents in jazz bars and café-concerts.
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The best jazz clubs in Paris
Here is the list of these places, between mythical cellars, massive rooms, and cafes-intimate concerts. Because jazz is never better appreciated than live, we tell you where to go to listen to this bets jazz music in Paris, that arrived in France with American soldiers during the First World War. And that’s swinging in the French capital.
The mythical “rue des Lombards”
It is impossible to talk about jazz without mentioning this jazz street in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, since it is here, that three of the most famous clubs of the capital are located. Easy to access, you just have to get down at the Châtelet metro station.
The Duc des Lombards
It is the most iconic place in the street, deserves his rank as the best jazz bar in Paris. Felted setting and intimate atmosphere, impeccable acoustics, proximity to the artists, and high-quality program, the jazz club is almost faultless. We regret the prices a little high, but the place is catching up by offering jam sessions open access every Friday and Saturday.
The Baiser Salé
Here, jazz takes on tropical accents. Installed at number 58of rue des Lombards, since 1983, this is one of the best jazz clubs in Paris. Founded by three brothers, this is the temple of jazz-fusion open to mixed music such as Afro-Cuban jazz, bossa nova, smooth jazz. You will highly appreciate the change of scenery and great music is guaranteed. In a relaxed atmosphere, you can discover young talents and confirmed artists around a jam session or a concert.
Sunset / Sunside
Right next to the Baiser Salé, the Sunset / Sunside is the Parisian headquarter of the Parisian jazz lovers for over thirty years. Each evening, two concerts are played in two rooms, with two different atmospheres. At Sunside, you can enjoy acoustic and traditional jazz, while Sunset is dedicated to jazz fusion and electro-jazz.
In both cases, one appreciates the quality of the program, as well as the young talents, and the place made to contemporary jazz. The service could be better but the high-flying music makes us forget the small inconveniences that can occur in this tiny place.
The New Morning: an iconic jazz club in Paris
In the 10th arrondissement, near the metro station Bonne Nouvelle, the black doors, and the white tiles make you think come in a hospital. Add the graffiti on the walls, and you do not feel like entering the place! And yet, it is an address to be seen for all jazz fans.
Located in the premises of the former printing hall of the newspaper “Le Petit Parisien”, the New Morning has hosted over the years the biggest names in American jazz, including Stan Getz, Chet Baker, Nina Simone, and much more. The room is not really pretty, but the essential is there, with excellent acoustics, a sharp program of artists, and a warm atmosphere.
Autour de Midi … et Minuit: and atypical jazz bar
Behind its French bistro look, this Parisian jazz club honours Bebop, swing, hard bop, and all these styles American jazz styles, emblematic of the inter-war period. Open since 2001, the place is particularly atypical, with a French restaurant upstairs, and, downstairs it’s a jazz club in a vaulted basement cellar. Live shows take place on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, while a jam session takes place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. This is one of the best jazz bars in Paris, to discover another aspect of Montmartre, far away from the atmosphere of the neighbouring Moulin Rouge in the 18th arrondissement.
Pub crawl in Paris and Live Music
Pub crawls are the best way to discover some of the best bars and live concerts in Paris. As a tourist in the French capital, it is a good option to choose some of the best pub crawl in Paris, to have the chance to find out about some of the best jazz bars and other pubs in Paris, before ending the night is some of the best clubs with the world-famous electro-jazz sounds.
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