Does jazz exist in Phoenix?

[MarkiRicos]

I just moved to Phoenix and am having an extremely difficult time finding somewhere to listen to live jazz. A couple places play blues, but that is about the closest I have found. Does anyone know of a great jazz bar in the Phoenix/Scottsdale/Tempe area?

[Monty Stark]

no such thing as a great jazz bar - can't even smoke anymore

check the kjzz events calendar:
http://events.publicbroadcasting.net/phoenix/events.eventsmain?action=showCategoryListing&newSearch=true&categorySearch=350

[wesbed]

I live in Tucson. The jazz scene is worse here. :(

[bubber]

I'm always amazed when I hear about large communities in the US with no jazz scene. Where I come from, any city of 100 000 inh and more have a professional scene with concerts, jazz clubs and professional musicians.

It must be something wrong with the system when the
original american art form get so little exposure in its country of birth.

[kenny weir]

Quite a few years ago now I was taken on amazing junket to Phoenix to see a couple of Reba McEntire shows and interview that fine lady. What a gas! She rocks. Flew business class, too, Anyway, on one of the two nights I was there, staying in some incredibly swish place in Scottsdale, I managed to sneak away for some jazz - a weekly local jam session at a bar in (I think) Scottsdale also. It was OK, but not great, in the bop/hard bop mould. I have no idea if that gig's still going.

The hotel had two golf courses and foot long goldfish everywhere. :smokin:

Bubber, yes it is quite amazing. The US, in many ways, remains the spiritual home of jazz, but the incredibly rich areas are seemingly limited, and the rest are in many ways worse off, for live music, for our American brothers and sisters.

[NewJazz4Mike]

Shoulda thought of that before moving!

Just kidding. Actually i sympathize a lot. I've considered retiring, and looked at real estate in the Sedona area. I love everything out there, the climate, the scenery... but it's a hell of a long way from the Village Vanguard, Birdland, the Jazz Standard, and the new Jazz at Lincoln Center building. I'd miss live jazz if I didn't live in NYC. I worry about just how much I might miss it if I ever move away.

[jaz_zak]

1.There's always the Tucson Jazz Society

2. Then again L.A. is only a few hours away quicker if ya spring for SWA

3. I know- but I did see hear and talk with Ritchie Cole in Tucson once.

4. And I may move back to Tucson soon. :o:

[Westcoastjazzfan]

That should be if I am not mistaken Charlie Mingus was born near where you live.

[tpt1]

I don't know, but by the time I get there, she'll be sleeping. :D

[catesta]

Don't expect much on a consistent basis.

In April there is the Paradise Valley Jazz Party. The guy that puts it on is an asshole, I say that because he is afraid to try anything new.

The crowd is old and stale, but you will see some big names.

Junior Mance will be there along with Clark Terry, Houston Person, Jeff Hamilton, and others. The players are usually more than happy to sit and visit.