Reviews for The Jazz Cafe (32)

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     Places 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     Places 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     Places 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     Places 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!!!

Saw Guru's Jazzmatazz their on the Tuesday night. Not quite as mellow as I thought it was but still a good show. Jazz Cafe as always is a great venue and the night ran smoothly. Support act Belleruche were worth the entrance price alone.

ml's profile     Other reviews by ml     Places ml likes    

Good atmosphere. Toilets need ventilating

maxine's profile     Other reviews by maxine     Places maxine likes    

The jazz cafe is surely about the music not the toilets!! The venue should be applauded for its choice of live music and booking acts that nobody else would touch. I live in birmingham and have been twice only....the best 2 nights ive ever had at a concert, rahsaan patterson, and jon b.No where in the midlands would book acts like that, so I spend �50 on fuel, �45 entry, plus drinks and food etc, but get to see an act I love. I'm pretty sure the venue doesnt make money from every act they book. Enjoy the music and use the toilet in your house before you leave.I'll be back this tuesday for rahsaan part 2.Splendid.

robin's profile     Other reviews by robin     Places robin likes    

Absolutely brilliant show by Any Trouble! I don't know who enjoyed it most, the band or the fantastic audience.

swede's profile     Other reviews by swede     Places swede likes    

Saw Any Trouble - 18 OctIt was there first gig in 23 years and everyone there seemed to know all their songs word perfectly. It was a small crowd, but what a great atmosphere. There was enough buzz to convince any non-believers that Any Trouble should be given a proper tour and some genuine radio play again. The sound was ageless and perfectly played by excellent musicians. Awesome.