The Jazz Cafe

The Jazz Café has all the ergonomic qualities of a coffin but still remains one of the most intimate and accessible venues in Camden.

The proximity of the audience to the stage ensures that every surgery scar and intimate patch of sweat adorning an artist’s body is there to behold for anyone willing to make the effort to get there early.

Despite the name of the venue, the acts that have appeared there over the years have ‘straddled’ such genres as acid-jazz, soul, funk, dub and hip hop. Combining established with less well-known acts, there is always a good blend of artists pencilled in for a residency.

As a music venue, the Jazz Café dispenses with a sophisticated layout or a plush interior; it’s basic, small and typically impossible to move around in. If you expect a ruthlessly efficient bar service, or an unimpeded passage to the toilet, forget it: you’ll either die of thirst or soil yourself.

The clientele tends to be the wrong side of 30 and decked out in sensible attire. Pleasantly bother free, it’s a haven for label whores and the benign.

Anthony's profile     Other reviews by Anthony     Anthony likes    

love, love, love the jazz cafe - as a smoker and smooth jazz tapper, it's a shame one can't smoke endless fags in here no more, but c'est le vie... seen loads of great people here, ranging from more trad through to full on experimental, a la Fingathing. Sunday jam session is cool, house band backs anyone and everyone who wishes to participate, and there's some real quality talent roaming around out there. never eaten here, and don't think i'd want to - you gotta be one or the other, restaurant or live music venue - never the twain shall successfully meet.

Sian's profile     Other reviews by Sian     Sian likes    

Whats with the negative? I've been to the Jazz Cafe several times and it will always be my favourite venue. I dont go there to vist the toilets i go there to hear great music and im never let down. Yes it gets busy ,the worse ive seen it was for Eric Roberson and even then the crowd was cool.

miranda's profile     Other reviews by miranda     miranda likes    

Loose Ends State Side With Jane Eugene Jeff Robinson and the new Loose ends FamilyP.S. Enjoy http://youtube.com/watch?v=MauXcMw2SxAhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Likm1B-ch2U&NR;=1http://youtube.com/watch?v=JHQZYOz6bNIhttp://youtube.com/watch?v=YE77JJIiBEIhttp://youtube.com/watch?v=0zu6DBtDWPEhttp://youtube.com/watch?v=nAgdSzAJXxAhttp://youtube.com/watch?v=gb-YB_RJAP0

craig's profile     Other reviews by craig     craig likes    

I have been to see a number of acts here and I must say (besides the toilets) it is one of my favourtie venues ever! If you want to feel like the artist is in your living room then this is the place for you. I must admit it is always a bit of a squeeze, but you can be sure that everyone else your rubbing shoulders with is a music lover just like yourself!!!