Jazz Cafè, Camden, London NW1
Monday, March 12, 2007
From its humble beginnings in Stoke Newington, the Jazz Cafè has thrived since it moved to Camden and is recognised as one of London's most eclectic jazz venues. While the focus has broadened to include more soul, blues and funk than before, the Jazz Cafè still provides its fair share of big name jazz thrills on a monthly basis. With its mezzanine floor offering diners a prime view of the stage, the food on offer allows some justification of the ‘cafè' moniker, yet the open stage and up-close artist/audience aspect of the downstairs is where the action is really at.
For all of the mainstream hip-hop and occasional retro-pop bookings, many internationally renown artists love the venue for the intimate space where the audience are within touching distance of some real jazz legends. At a recent appearance keyboard maestro George Duke quipped “Welcome to my house”!” before delivering an incredible gig that was nothing short of sitting in on a private rehearsal. Another iconic figure who makes regular appearances is jazz-folk singer Terry Callier, whose late 1990s comeback was made at the venue to rapturous approval.
With names like Joe Zawinul, Al Di Meloa, Christian McBride, Marcus Miller and Stanley Clarke all being drawn to the venue's special appeal for getting into the thick of it with a passionate and discerning audience, the Jazz Cafè maintains its place among the capital's top jazz spots.
Address: 5 Parkway, Camden Town, London, NW1 7PG
Phone: +44 20 7916 6060 / +44 20 7534 6955
Email: jazzcafe@meanfiddler.com
Website: www.jazzcafe.co.uk