Jazz Beyond Spotify

A young writer’s take on the jazz clubs of New York City…

Last summer I had the extreme privilege of seeing the wonderful guitarist Pasquale Grasso at the Mezzrow on West 10th Street. Mezzrow is a small underground venue located in a  basement of a quintessential style brownstone. There are narrow steps that lead down to the front door, and the whole spot exudes a cozy vibe. You are greeted with the smooth scent of the drinks being made at the bar and modestly good food, but realistically, no one's there for the food.  Everyone comes to listen and experience beautiful music, needless to say, the Italian marble floors and the Prohibition-era mahogany bar definitely add to the vibe. The Mezzrow is a smaller venue run by the larger Smalls Jazz club, ironic name, I know, where some of New York's most talented musicians hang out, have a drink, and enjoy the music. An interview with Ed Mecaechan, guitar professor at The New School and longtime gigging musician in New York, shares his thoughts with us on Mezzrow: “It's an intimate spot that tends to bring out the best in the musicians that play there.” At Mezzrow the audience and performer engage in the act of conversation. The intimacy of this venue is what makes it so special. The communication I experienced with Pasquale through his set was like no other. Body movements, head nods, facial expressions all contributed to the transmission of the performance. We were experiencing what he was creating together, both curious about what he was to do next. In my opinion, this is why live music is so much better, in the sense that it incorporates human interaction and a sense of realness. In a short interview with gigging musician Mason Millard, he says, “It’s nice because you listen to people play there, and they play differently. You hear yourself a whole lot better at Mezzrow, the acoustics– it’s not forced. Everyone is paying attention to the music.” The emphasis Mezzrow puts on making the musicians who play there feel comfortable adds to the distinct friendly, homey, and authentic vibe of the venue.  

That's not to say there aren't a plethora of other fantastic Jazz venues in New York City that are worth checking out. Seeing live jazz at a variety of clubs around New York City has become one of my favorite hobbies; venues like Birdland, Bluenote, the Village Vanguard, Ornithology, and Barbes, which are tolerant of all ages, are some of my favorite spots. Live music not only inspires me in my own musical endeavors, but it provides me with an opportunity to connect with others. You hear and see people's emotions, feelings, and inner thoughts through watching performers play live. It breeds a sense of togetherness and connects you with shared experiences to the artist. It’s vulnerable and beautiful. Jazz, as I like to think of it,  is like watching a painting being created on the spot. Not knowing what could happen next. Everyone adds their own unique style and flavor when playing jazz, the music is improvisational, a form of expression and a place to show vulnerability. Live jazz gives us a chance to see performers give their own takes and interpretations of the standards that have shaped generations of music since the 1920s. Music from the great American songbook, standards ranging from compositions by Cole Porter to Miles Davis.  Live performances of jazz also gives us an opportunity to see the new ideas cats are creating on these old standards. 

But unfortunately, Jazz in New York is grossly under-appreciated by the majority of the younger generations, and sadly, lots of venues are closing down. Paying for rent in New York City is becoming increasingly challenging for places like Mezzrow who rely so much on donations to keep them afloat. The revenue these venues churn out per year is not sustainable, especially with covid and other factors, and the musicians already aren't getting paid nearly enough. They serve the community, and it is our responsibility as young New Yorkers to keep these Jazz venues which are so ingrained in our history, and important to our communities alfoat.