Recently updated on January 20th, 2020 at 10:12 pm
As the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans is the perfect place to discover the rich history of music in America. Dating back to the late 19th century, it was musicians like Buddy Bolden who brought the jazz scene into fruition, taking New Orleans by storm. And to this day, jazz retains its legendary status in the Big Easy. Get a flavour of this city’s infectious rhythm by seeking out the best jazz clubs in New Orleans, from internationally acclaimed concert halls to intimate hole-in-the-wall clubs.
Many of the city’s most iconic jazz bars can be found within the French Quarter, the oldest neighbourhood in New Orleans. It’s here, on Bourbon Street, that the first jazz club in the city is situated. Fritzel’s European Jazz Club was founded in 1969 and, still going strong, the club now hosts jazz musicians from around the world each night of the week. Running parallel with the main stretch, Royal Street is home to The Carousel Bar & Lounge, which has long been a New Orleans favourite for its nostalgic merry-go-round cocktail bar. But aside from its aesthetics, the bar is known for its great programme of jazz performances, with big bands and quartets making appearances throughout the week.
Still within the French Quarter, on Decatur Street, The Palm Court Jazz Café combines live jazz with New Orleans fare amidst classic décor encompassing mosaic tiles, mahogany and ceiling fans. And close to here is another of the city’s classic venues, Preservation Hall, which was set up in 1961 to showcase traditional New Orleans jazz. Every night of the week, the club hosts acoustic jazz concerts in partnership with The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation.
It’s also in Bourbon Street’s Royal Sonesta Hotel that Grammy award-winning jazz trumpeter Irvin Mayfield set up the Jazz Playhouse. In the hotel’s luxurious surroundings, guests sip on cocktails while watching performances by New Orleans’ top jazz musicians.
Just on the outskirts of the French Quarter, in the Faubourg Marigny neighbourhood, The Spotted Cat Music Club (known to locals as, The Cat) has garnered international attention for its ambience and music offering, with up to three bands playing each night. Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro is also located here, on Frenchmen Street. Having been around for over 30 years, the bistro is well established on the jazz scene, with two shows taking place each night.
A little outside the main entertainment hub, Little Gem Saloon is well worth the short diversion. In fact, the restaurant and bar’s location on South Rampart Street is thought to be where New Orleans jazz originated. And having been opened in 1904, it was once frequented by jazz greats like Buddy Bolden. Within the art deco interior, encompassing two floors and a wrap-around balcony, jazz shows take place almost every night of the week, while patrons tuck into southern soul food and sip on sazerac cocktails. If you can, stop by for their deservedly popular Sunday Jazz Brunch.
Discover New Orleans and its famous French Quarter with a local specialist on the Tastes and Sounds of the South trip with Trafalgar.
Image credits: cover image © iStock. Bourbon Street in the French Quarter © iStock. Irvin Mayfields Jazz Playhouse © IMJazzPlayhouse. The French Quarter © iStock / Spondylolithesis. Irvin Mayfields Jazz Playhouse © IMJazzPlayhouse.