Auld Reekie’s Got Jazz
You might have missed the woefully short Edinburgh jazz festival, and you might be having your fill of Fringe madness. But you can have a great night of jazz any time of year (almost) in Edinburgh, if you know where to look. Here are a few top rated jazz clubs and venues in the city where there’s bound to be some sort of jazzy fun during your visit.
The Jazz Bar
When it comes to jazz in Edinburgh, The Jazz Bar (map) has to top the list. It’s a great venue, with best-in-class acts performing every night of the week. There’s free entry, friendly staff, and an environment where great jazz music is appreciated, not one of those bars where you go and wonder why they’re playing so loud you can’t hear yourself think. Here, you can enjoy great music, live conversation, and good wine all at the same time.
Another plus for the Jazz bar is that is right in the centre of Old Town, a couple of blocks away from the Royal Mile. Be sure to check out their website to see who’ll be playing when you are in town.
More Info: www.thejazzbar.co.uk
The Queen’s Hall
I never cease to be surprised at the depth and breath of performances you’ll find at the Queen’s Hall (map) - from ceilidhs to musicals, but you’ll often find a live jazz night on every month. This venue has a lot of history – it’s the perfect place for jazz because you’ll find lots of nooks and crannies to sit and enjoy the experience.
More Info: www.thequeenshall.net
The Voodoo Rooms
The Voodoo Rooms (map) is at the end of Princes Street, but unless you know you’re looking for the Voodoo Rooms, you wouldn’t find them – they’re down an alleyway, and upstairs. But the venue is spectacular – as you’d expect, this New Town location is an old Georgian townhome and so the grandure of the rooms wears off on the ambience. Similar to the Queen’s Hall, the Voodoo Rooms has a rotating array of events, including jazz, so be sure to check in advance for potential topics.
More Info: www.thevoodoorooms.com
The Bongo Club
The Bongo Club (map) is the local’s choice for the best Old Town nighclub. It is a cafe and mini-restaurant by day and live music bonanza after dark. Another ‘hidden’ choice, you’ll find it in a nondescript building down Holyrood Rd behind the Parliament. From jazz to rock, Bongo rocks the Old Town world, and it will rock yours too.
More Info: www.thebongoclub.co.uk
Photo by The Queen’s Hall
