Need to fill your weeks with some good jazz? We know just where you need to go.
Ask any punter what’s the most complicated yet exceptional genre of music, it’s likely they’ll tell you it’s jazz. Steering clear from rigid structures, jazz is a labyrinthine art-form that toys with unconventional arrangements, time signatures, and scales; a free-flowing craft where jazz musicians exhibit both fluidity and precision. But even if you’re not a jazz junkie, it doesn’t mean you won’t be able to appreciate this timeless tradition; these classy jazz clubs in Singapore – and live music venues that play jazz – make the genre accessible to all with frequent sessions featuring flawless musicians. Even if you need a cocktail in your belly to get in the mood, these bars have you covered too.
Cool Cats
Walk into this 1920s prohibition era style space for your dose of jazz. The NCO Club’s new live entertainment lounge Cool Cats has cool speakeasy kind of vibes. It’s dim-lit, serves classic cocktails and has a lineup of jazz and blues artists including internationally acclaimed ones.
Cool Cats, The NCO Club, 32 Beach Road, Singapore 189764
Lulu’s Lounge
The new bar and live music venue finds its home in Pan Pacific Hotel, and boasts an aesthetic that’s part-suave, part-noir. On one end, you’ll spot sleek couches resting against cabinets displaying chic ‘personal belongings’ of Lulu that ooze with class and charm, while on the other, you’ll be mesmerised by raw brick walls tainted by graffiti and ultraviolet scribbles. And to top off the ambience, there’ll be nightly live jazz gigs and top-notch DJ sets spinning everything from hip-hop to dancehall.
Lulu’s Lounge, Pan Pacific Hotel, Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039595
Maduro
Dempsey Hill plays background for this listening lounge and bar. Maduro, helmed by the mysterious and musical Mr. P, ought to be on your list for red hot jazz and classical music. Designed to look like the cosy living room of an eclectic, design-savvy friend, Maduro weekly live music sessions include 1819 Tuesdays for the next generation of experimental musicians and Tiara Friday Club, which will see some of the best local chanteuses and crooners working magic with first-call musician counterparts. Read all about Maduro here.
Maduro, 40C Harding Road Singapore 249548
Monti
Aside from being an Italian restaurant with a wicked Marina Bay view – and home to the longest brunch in town – Monti is where you’ll find live jazz every evening. Grab a cocktail, and be mesmerised by the likes of jazz bands and extraordinary soloists; big names who have graced the stage here include Melissa Tham and the legendary Jeremy Monteiro.
Monti, 82 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049213
The Powder Room
If you’re a fan of Black Swan’s Art Deco-styled interior, make haste to its mezzanine cocktail bar. The Powder Room will transport you back to the hedonistic days of the 1920s with glitter, gold, slick leather seats and polished marble surfaces, and of course a plethora of snazzy cocktails. Grab a special someone and sip on exquisite cocktails like the Bubble Yum or the Flirty flapper while taking in the romance oozing from the live jazz bands that play here.
The Powder Room, The Black Swan, 19 Cecil Street, Singapore 049704.
Bob’s Bar
With its distinctive old-world charm, Bob’s Bar at Capella Singapore feels like a step back in time to the heady days of 1950s Havana. Similarly, the music here is Cuban-inspired, having hosted live performances by the likes of the King of Swing himself, Jeremy Monteiro and his Latin Jazz Trio. Expect a total treat for the senses; this bar is also housed within one of Sentosa’s grandest hotels.
Bob’s Bar, 1 The Knolls, Capella Hotel, Sentosa
Astro Bar
What goes well with fine whisky? Well, jazz of course! Sink into a old timey leather chair and listen to resident jazz pianist-singer, Ron Sinclair, bring good ol’ jazz to this bar in St. Regis Singapore. Switch it up with some Champagne, vino or the famous chilli padi Mary, a contemporary and Asian rendition of everyone’s favourite post-hangover retox drink..
Astro Bar, 9 Tanglin Road, The St. Regis Singapore, Lobby Level, Singapore 247911
Blu Jaz Cafe
A joint that needs no introduction amongst jazz fans and underground punters, this establishment is one reason why the Haji Lane area is so awfully hip. On certain dates – keep track of our parties of the month feature – you can find hip-hop and bass acts setting this spot ablaze. But more frequently, to the delight of jazz connoisseurs, the ground floor hosts free-flowing jazz bands that are open to improv, churning out choons as smooth as butter.
Blu Jaz Cafe, 11 Bali Lane, Singapore 189848
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