The Unauthorized List Of Live Jazz In Bangkok

Though without a doubt the most happening Jazz/Blues bar in Bangkok is Saxophone (by the Victory Monument), and one of the old time best known venues is Brown Sugar (now located at Phra Athit, about 10 minutes walk from Khao San), and the most sophisticated of them all is the Bamboo Bar at the (Mandarin) Oriental, there's a lot more really "good stuff" out there than one may realize.

It is quite surprising how many places (and bands) there are to choose from in the city for this kind of music.

Nothing But the Blues (Connectional facility & music venue) Tue-Sun 9pm-midnight - a relatively new venue (that has just celebrated its 1st anniversary last night with a bang), it has built up quite a reputation with most of Bangkok's best blues & jazz musicians that are not fixed to one venue. They come here and play their hearts out. Guest musicians from around (and out of) town pop in unexpectedly all the time. The jam sessions on Sunday night rock.

The Cotton Club , Shanghai Mansion, Chinatown (beginning of Yaowarat next to Scala Shark's fin) - probably the only jazz bar in Asia that mostly plays Swing, New Orleans, & Jazz from the early 1900s. This sublime place is a gem in a most unexpected location.

Le Bar de l'Hotel, Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit (between soi 11 & 13) - Wed-Sat 9pm-midnight. Quite an unexpected place to find high octane quality music, but believe me, it is there. Highlights are Neung Jakkawal (keyboard maestro) on Wed (great sessions week after week) & Chai Blues with Nurse on vocals (what a voice & attitude!) on Fri/Sat.

Jazz Happens, on Phra Athit, five or so minutes walk from Khao San. Run by an ex-teacher from the Silpakorn University's faculty of jazz, this place is used by aspiring Thai jazz students from local universities to sharpen and showcase their talents. Always lively, more so on Fri & Sat where if you come after 9pm it's hard to find a place to sit inside where the bands play.

Adhere the 13th (junction of Samsen & Phra Athit, a few minutes from Khao San) (more blues and if you're lucky some jazz). A small venue, but hot blues every night.

Wine Bibber opposite Witch's Tavern on Thong Lor between soi 9 & 11, in a little parking lot, across from a Pet hospital. A slightly down market venue to pop in and hear some unexpected standards with a slant to contemporary jazz. Acceptable Thai food & snacks though makes it a nice way to end an evening.

Admiral's Pub, Hotel Mermaid Bangkok, (Sukhumvit 29) a pretty new Danish place (Hotel). The bar has live music on and off. Chai Blues is playing there some days. Call first to find out. Hopefully they will make live blues jazz a daily feature.

The Living Room at the Grand Sheraton (Asok station on Sukhumvit) has finally improved after a few years of slipping into mediocrity (music & energy wise). Good on them though for getting back on track with this lovely venue that is completely dedicated to jazz.

Niu's on Silom - worth a visit or two. Beautifully decorated. Dedicated jazz bar (and fine dining Italian) with a good mix of musicians, but sometimes lacks energy and enthusiasm.

360 Lounge, Hilton Millenium rooftop. Good jazz till late, usually with an imported singer.

inBlu Lounge, Grand Millenium Asoke (Sukhumvit 21) - Band will play jazz unless guests asks for pop, which then means no more jazz that evening.

Red Sky Bar, Central World. Jazz usually from 7:30-9:00pm, then band plays more soul/R&B/pop.

Others are mentioned in above posts - Iron Faries, Fat Gutz, Check In 99, Glaz Bar (Conrad Hotel), The Reflexions (Plaza Athenee), Sundowner's (Imperial Queen's Park).

Sirocco (Lebua Hotel on Silom) is not mentioned. They do have very good jazz, but it's almost impossible to listen to in that outdoor venue with no seating near the musicians. Ends up being pleasant background music.

I believe "Jazz It" in the RCA area has closed quite a while back.

Tokyo Joe's (how we miss it), which morphed into Queen Bee, ran for about a year in Sukhumvit soi 26, but has no live blues these days. There just wasn't enough support (customers). I hear they might start up again when the hotel directly across from it opens later this year.

I know that Vie Hotel's (Ratchatewi) jazz bar is being re-themed - so no more jazz there in 2013. Too bad, it was a nice "listening" venue.

Edited January 14, 2013 by astral

smokie36 · January 14, 2013

Adhere 13th is superb.

cattoc · January 17, 2013

Checkin 99 (sukhumvit near soi 7). Sunday from 14:30.

https://www.facebook.com/CheckInn99

http://www.tripadvis...99-Bangkok.html

Iron Fairy (Thonglor). Weekends.

http://www.theironfairies.com/

https://plus.google....721/about?hl=en

Black (sukhumvit soi 33).

Couldn’t find anything

Brown Sugar.

http://www.brownsugarbangkok.com

Saxophone Pub.

http://www.saxophonepub.com/

Niu's on Silom.

http://www.niusonsilom.com/

Jazz Happens Bar.

https://www.facebook.com/JazzHappens

http://bk.asia-city....jazz-happen-bar

Jazz Gallery Art & Music Club.

http://bk.asia-city....top-5-jazz-bars

http://www.jeban.com...pic.php?t=55121

Jazz Mahal

http://bk.asia-city....iews/jazz-mahal

VIE Bar.

http://www.viehotelb...t-bars/vie-bar/

Jazz it.

http://bk.asia-city....ar-club/jazz-it

The Living Room.

http://www.theliving...bangkok.com/en/

Cotton Jazz Bar.

http://cotton.shanghaimansion.com/

Reflexions.

http://www.plazaathe...m/thereflexions

Sundowner's.

http://www.imperialh...Item_12-en.html

http://www.bkkpages....wners-jazz-club

http://www.bangkok.c...0-jazz-bars.htm

******************************

Great list well done Beachroad / Lomatopo - small addition

Jazz on Sukhumvit - this is the link. youtube search on "jazz on sukhumvit"

http://www.facebook....jazzonsukhumvit

Edited January 17, 2013 by cattoc

dekestone · January 18, 2013

[

Great list well done Beachroad / Lomatopo - small addition

Jazz on Sukhumvit - this is the link. youtube search on "jazz on sukhumvit"

http://www.facebook....jazzonsukhumvit

That's the Sunday afternoon jazz jam at Check Inn 99. Great way to spend a laid back Sun afternoon!

Edited January 18, 2013 by dekestone

smokie36 · January 18, 2013

Also New Orleans on Phrasumen near Khao San.

smokie36 · January 18, 2013

Also New Orleans on Phrasumen near Khao San.

I should also recomment the barbecued sea bass here for 280 Baht.

Off topic I know but one of the best around.

Miles Ahead · May 24, 2013

BLACK

The Jazz Spot For Art Blakey

Sukhumvit Soi 33, 2nd floor

For those who couldn't find BLACK listed please try here!
http://ohsomuchjazz.com
FACEBOOK: Black Jazz Club or Black Jazz Spot

Edited May 24, 2013 by Miles Ahead

Miles Ahead · June 25, 2013

Though without a doubt the most happening Jazz/Blues bar in Bangkok is Saxophone (by the Victory Monument), and one of the old time best known venues is Brown Sugar (now located at Phra Athit, about 10 minutes walk from Khao San), and the most sophisticated of them all is the Bamboo Bar at the (Mandarin) Oriental, there's a lot more really "good stuff" out there than one may realize.

It is quite surprising how many places (and bands) there are to choose from in the city for this kind of music.

Nothing But the Blues (Connectional facility & music venue) Tue-Sun 9pm-midnight - a relatively new venue (that has just celebrated its 1st anniversary last night with a bang), it has built up quite a reputation with most of Bangkok's best blues & jazz musicians that are not fixed to one venue. They come here and play their hearts out. Guest musicians from around (and out of) town pop in unexpectedly all the time. The jam sessions on Sunday night rock.

The Cotton Club , Shanghai Mansion, Chinatown (beginning of Yaowarat next to Scala Shark's fin) - probably the only jazz bar in Asia that mostly plays Swing, New Orleans, & Jazz from the early 1900s. This sublime place is a gem in a most unexpected location.

Le Bar de l'Hotel, Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit (between soi 11 & 13) - Wed-Sat 9pm-midnight. Quite an unexpected place to find high octane quality music, but believe me, it is there. Highlights are Neung Jakkawal (keyboard maestro) on Wed (great sessions week after week) & Chai Blues with Nurse on vocals (what a voice & attitude!) on Fri/Sat.

Jazz Happens, on Phra Athit, five or so minutes walk from Khao San. Run by an ex-teacher from the Silpakorn University's faculty of jazz, this place is used by aspiring Thai jazz students from local universities to sharpen and showcase their talents. Always lively, more so on Fri & Sat where if you come after 9pm it's hard to find a place to sit inside where the bands play.

Adhere the 13th (junction of Samsen & Phra Athit, a few minutes from Khao San) (more blues and if you're lucky some jazz). A small venue, but hot blues every night.

Wine Bibber opposite Witch's Tavern on Thong Lor between soi 9 & 11, in a little parking lot, across from a Pet hospital. A slightly down market venue to pop in and hear some unexpected standards with a slant to contemporary jazz. Acceptable Thai food & snacks though makes it a nice way to end an evening.

Admiral's Pub, Hotel Mermaid Bangkok, (Sukhumvit 29) a pretty new Danish place (Hotel). The bar has live music on and off. Chai Blues is playing there some days. Call first to find out. Hopefully they will make live blues jazz a daily feature.

The Living Room at the Grand Sheraton (Asok station on Sukhumvit) has finally improved after a few years of slipping into mediocrity (music & energy wise). Good on them though for getting back on track with this lovely venue that is completely dedicated to jazz.

Niu's on Silom - worth a visit or two. Beautifully decorated. Dedicated jazz bar (and fine dining Italian) with a good mix of musicians, but sometimes lacks energy and enthusiasm.

360 Lounge, Hilton Millenium rooftop. Good jazz till late, usually with an imported singer.

inBlu Lounge, Grand Millenium Asoke (Sukhumvit 21) - Band will play jazz unless guests asks for pop, which then means no more jazz that evening.

Red Sky Bar, Central World. Jazz usually from 7:30-9:00pm, then band plays more soul/R&B/pop.

Others are mentioned in above posts - Iron Faries, Fat Gutz, Check In 99, Glaz Bar (Conrad Hotel), The Reflexions (Plaza Athenee), Sundowner's (Imperial Queen's Park).

Sirocco (Lebua Hotel on Silom) is not mentioned. They do have very good jazz, but it's almost impossible to listen to in that outdoor venue with no seating near the musicians. Ends up being pleasant background music.

I believe "Jazz It" in the RCA area has closed quite a while back.

Tokyo Joe's (how we miss it), which morphed into Queen Bee, ran for about a year in Sukhumvit soi 26, but has no live blues these days. There just wasn't enough support (customers). I hear they might start up again when the hotel directly across from it opens later this year.

I know that Vie Hotel's (Ratchatewi) jazz bar is being re-themed - so no more jazz there in 2013. Too bad, it was a nice "listening" venue.

This review is a bit inaccurate w/respect to jazz. 90% of the music at Saxophone Pub is not Jazz, same goes for Brown Sugar. Many of those other places do zero jazz - and others are closed. Sundowners? Reflexions? InBlu? 360 Bar? AdHere? Whew. It's really a stretch calling all those places "live jazz". Visitors to Bangkok may waste a lot of evenings and eventually turn away in hopeless resignation.

It has been the case where any non-descript live music is lumped into the "jazz" category. I guess perhaps we should start making use of the term "jazzy" music more often. I'll give it that half of those places do jazzy-type music

Well, in the end,those looking for true jazz are invited to go visit all of the above and find out just how much and what kind of "jazz" you get. Call ahead - they may be closed. As they say, the proof is in the pudding. Bon appetite.

S0S · July 6, 2013

How nice to see some positive action on this thread.
Patiently waited a full ten days to see if anyone would pick up the baton.
The lack of interest in Jazz & Blues amongst ThaiVisa's Members is quite disheartening.
Well then, this gives me a chance to ramble on with even more inaccuracies on the lively "zero jazz" scene in this lovely city.

Jazz encompasses such a wide variety of music styles it might be difficult for any of these "non-descript live music" places to "do zero jazz" even if they try.

A look at the bottom of Allmusic.com's jazz page in the section "jazz sub genres and styles" - shows TEN categories split into around SIXTY different styles of "jazz." Factor in jazz's "forefather," with its now 12 categories of Blues and its few dozen styles, and what happens? Boggles my little mind.

Then again, one can categorize things for ever. The real pleasure may instead be in the experiencing (pudding?), rather than the knowing.

I imagine there must be very few dedicated Jazz Only (no "Jazzy-style" music performed) bars in Asia that have survived for long without having hard core (wealthy, naive or wily) jazz loving owners, or substantial side income generation, often in the form of a fine dining restaurant or as part of a busy (usually up-market) hotel. I hesitate to say that, sadly this could be because they're really not all that many avid jazz lovers who frequent these places (in Asia). Yes, a lot of people do say "I love jazz" but then, that mostly doesn't reflect the reality of their actions - of giving their attention; listening; understanding; appreciating; repeated support. This translates to venues just not "selling enough beer" to cover their costs.

I'm quite fortunate to have found a lot of places in Bangkok to listen to my (maybe inaccurate) conception of live jazz & blues.

Perhaps there are so many of these places in the city due to a substantial number of musicians, coming out of local universities that have thriving music sections dedicated to this general genre (Jazz & Blues). Examples: Rangsit University's Conservatory of Music, Silpakorn's Faculty of Music, Mahidol's College of Music, Fine & Applied Arts at Chulalongkorn University. The history of why this is so, is quite well known locally.

"So proclaimed" Jazz bars here which one might hope have a core of dedicated appreciators include: Saxophone, Jazz Happens, Brown Sugar, Cotton Club (for those few who know of this gem), and perhaps now (hopefully) Black.

Black, which opened around Jan 2013, has lovely decor & ambiance, is pleasantly cosy, and is one of the dedicated jazz bars where the music is not too loud. Interestingly this is the only jazz/blues live music venue I've come across in Bangkok that has a cover charge. I personally feel this is a great idea for a dedicated music bar if the collection goes completely to the musicians. Makes the band members more active in building up their fan base and getting their listeners in each week. It would be nice if Black's website was more up to date with details of performers, times, and a mention of their cover charge. I feel Black might need to spice up their variety, repertoire & band choices to get more return visitors, as there is a lack of excitement in the music I've heard there so far.

Brown Sugar has quadrupled in size since moving (to Phrasumen Rd. near Khao San) and has 3 sets of jazz most every night from 8:00pm - the usual exception being Funk on the Saturday 9:30pm set. Unfortunately the place has lost that wonderful warmth and intimacy one used to have with the music & musicians back at their old location behind Lumbini Park. Still, it's going strong, and that too since 1985!

Blues appreciators frequent - Adhere the 13th (almost always packed with avid listeners) & Nothing But the Blues (with its so vibrant Sunday night jam sessions. Chai Blues plays Tuesdays; Ped on Wednesdays & Yamin on Thu).

Apoteka (recently opened on the "L end" of soi 11) has mostly blues and blues rock, with jazz on some Sundays. The inside crowd does seem to comprise of listeners, though unfortunately the deficient sound system combines with a blaring volume level to create an odd combination of pain over pleasure, the former winning over the latter.

Upmarket dedicated jazz is found at the Bamboo Bar, The Living Room, & Niu's on Silom. More "lobby lounge" jazz is at the Glaz Bar (wrongly called The Reflexions in my post before) at Plaza Athenee, and the Diplomat Bar (wrongly called Glaz Bar in my post before) at the Conrad where though it's promoted as a jazz bar, can be a bit on and off for dedicated jazz. There is however a new singer there now since June 2013 whom I haven't heard yet). The 360 Lounge on the rooftop of the Millennium Hilton has had good jazz for years. They most often bring in some outside musician(s), usually from one of the united States of North America.

A more down to earth place that has live jazz almost daily is Iron Faries (Thong Lor, Sukhumvit 55). Being more of a very quaint small pub atmosphere, few seem to go there just to listen to the music - perhaps more for the lovely atmosphere & good (though limited selection) of pub food.

There's a forgotten spot that has younger enthusiastic Thai musicians playing (and singing) jazz outdoors in a garden setting every night. The Rosabieng Restaurant in Sukhumvit Soi 11 right opposite the Ambassador Hotel. A nice place for chilling earlier in the evening. With a seat nearby the stage and your favourite beverage along with some appetizers, an enjoyable and wide repertoire of jazz standards will be heard. Great Thai food too in this railway themed "dining car" venue.

Checkinn99 does a long & lively jazz jam session on Sundays from 2~6pm. A lovely way to pass a monsoon holiday afternoon.

The "jazz scene" in some places does change, perhaps because in this part of the world, "real jazz" is really hard to sell day in, day out, week after week.
Wine Bibber now has perhaps just a night of jazz a week (otherwise delving into harder louder rock/pop styles).
At Fat Gutz you almost never know what's playing any more, and besides, it's tough to get a place to sit and listen over the din.
Le Bar de l'Hotel, Sofitel Bangkok does still have jazz and/or blues from Wed to Sat, but the vibrant energy of months before is lacking.

Saxophone probably keeps its #1 spot by featuring three class acts a night starting at 7:30pm till quite late, with many visiting and most every accomplished Thai jazz/blues musician guesting at some time or another. The sets earlier in the evening are almost always jazz with some blues. It is the last set from midnight onwards that would be the one that's least "jazzy-style" - usually going the Soul and R&B way. This makes good business sense. It's what turns the late night crowd on. On Fridays and Saturdays, the main 9pm set (at present) is Blues with Ped's Band (who are quite adept with jazz when demanded by the audience). Big Ped is so versatile on his guitar that it's hard to get tired of hearing him play week after week. (For example, try asking him to do an acoustic classical piece when he plays at Nothing But the Blues on Wednesdays). The hottest Latin Jazz in town can be heard in the first half hour of Saxophone's Sunday midnight set when Neung Jakkawal (on keyboards) & band routinely brings the house down. If you can stay awake that late, these (much too short) midnight half hour sessions are a jazz lover's soul food. The music then moves towards what is "commercially demanded."

On a different note, I heard through the grapevine that an outlet (maybe the Octave Bar and Lounge?) at the newly opened Marriott at the top of Thong Lor might start up live jazz!

For "The Unauthorized List Of Live Jazz In Bangkok" I think we've built up a pretty good list of places, thanks to beachroadlover2's initiative & lomatopo's follow up. This thread does happen to fall on the Local "Bangkok Forum" section. Perhaps "someone" can put in another bit more "accurate" thread on maybe something like the Thailand Travel Forum or on the Farang Pub - fun, entertainment and Expat life section, specially for "Visitors to Bangkok," so that they may not "waste a lot of evenings and eventually turn away in hopeless resignation."

I can think of no other city in Asia that has such a vibrant Jazz & Blues scene (Kathmandu might be second, but a long ways behind. Some say Tokyo rocks [jazzes] - does it?)

I certainly have not wasted evenings finding and listening to great vocal & instrumental jazz & blues at the places above, most all of which I've been to in the past year, many of them repeatedly, and none of which are closed.

As an infamous critic once didn't say, "As they say, the proof is in the khanom."

Enough rambling. Time to go out now and catch Bangkok's Saturday night vibrant non-descript live jazzy-type music scene

Kor hai ja-rern aa-haan!

Miles Ahead · July 9, 2013

Hi, and thanks again for the feedback. Unfortunately, the debate over jazz is endless, but one thing for sure, Time will shake out all the pretenders. And as of 2013, Miles, Monk, Moody, Morgan, and The Modern Jazz are still (among) the undefeated heavyweight champs. Was Grover Washington Jr. "real jazz"? Who knows, and in 2013, who even cares... when the artist dies time quickly renders it's brutal verdict.

Blues (down home blues, spawned from field work songs) is the forefather, source, and foundation of all Western popular music theory and therefore genres. But if I were to list top hip-hop or Light Rock clubs, I wouldn't necessarily mix in Blues clubs as well. Howbeit, jazz is a lot closer and immediate to the source (blues) than those other two offspring aforementioned. And we are defensive and protective of our art as many of us have paid a terrible price, even death, in the attempts to bring the music to mankind and keep it true.

Art Blakey's purpose for creating the Jazz Messengers was to keep modern jazz true. We carry on his mission at BLACK and the club is dedicated to him (my father's closest friend btw).

Sure, establishments are going to gravitate to the owner's particular preference and the audiences will eventually find what they like. Over the past 11 years Saxophone Pub would never give me a gig even though I did a concert there and rocked the house; sponsored by Heinekin and Jack Daniels. The audience loved it as did the manager, but I was informed that the owner does not like the straight-ahead, classic jazz style - however up-tempo and energetic we were with Dear Old Stockholm, Cantaloupe, Joy Spring, Moanin', etc. Even sang a Muddy Water's classic "Young Fashioned Ways", up.

In the end end, there are jazz clubs and there are jazz clubs but the devil as always lie in the details. For example, a club that would give preference to those from the Philippines and shun those from New Orleans and New York, well - I'll let the Bangkok decide if that's best.

Now "Variety" Well we feel the repertoire is wider and different at BLACK than anywhere else. That part is easy. But, we are constrained by classic, modern jazz (circa 1942). After living here for 11 years I have seen who is playing what and where. Let's not pretend this is the "land of variety' now. Where else do you hear Aggression by Eric Dolphy/Booker Little? Dear Old Stockholm? Our Delight and Tad Dameron classics? Goodbye by Gordon Jenkins? One Finger Snap? I played Black Narcissus by Joe Henderson the other night. Probably first time it's aired in Thailand, ever. Over a decade ago I brought so much repertoire that was not here and was met with resistance as well as ostracization as a result. Everything was "bossa" and ballads. No one knew or cared about intros and codas. The intro to "All The Things You Are" was not played properly, nor "Round Midnight". "Half Nelson" or "Prince Albert" alternate melodies? Not a chance. Pensitiva? Crisis? Bolivia? Airegin? Whew... I planted the seeds all over and now they are a part of the Bangkok repertoire - at least among straight-ahead cats directly or indirectly connected to my "school".

When the notable jazz locals come to BLACK for gigs, even today I spend a lot of time introducing them to new repertoire - while on stage. No one has time for rehearsals anymore, so what you get with me and my guys are often live first takes.

Band choices. This is low season so we are a bit constrained re; budgets. However I've had perhaps 10 different pianists, 10 bassists, and perhaps 8 or so drummers at BLACK in the first 3 months of operation. Also 3 Sax players, 6 guitarists. Even now at the 6 month mark, the band is never the same during the days of the week. When things pick up and budgets allow, we'll show Bangkok how we do variety without sacrificing artistic excellence - that being paramount. As of now we are still in first gear at BLACK but as the song goes, the best is yet to come.

Excitement. Excitement is a word I'll forgo in favor of energy. Guests have commented on how our place provides the energy that our main competitors (two of which have recently gone out of business) lack. Without sounding too lofty, we're striving for energy to complement artistic quality, but "excitement" can be contrived, so we will leave that for others.

Having said that, a few places have responded to our advent and direction (re; one such place now features a trumpet headliner as opposed to pianists, pianists, or pianists) so we take that as a sign that we are shaking things up in this city - my original and eternal quest.

Thanks again for the feedback and say hi next time you visit. We'll try to give you a set that best represent what I'm speaking of here.

Thanks for commenting, and all the best.

Idrees

S0S · October 27, 2013

It must be time for a little update on the jazz scene in Bangkok!

Good news

A new place has opened earlier this month (October 2013) in the "center of town" on Ruamrudee by well known Thai jazz vocalist Natasha Patamapongs.
Smiles Jazz & Bistro at Ruamrudee Village (between the back sides of Le Meridien Plaza Athenee & Conrad Hotel) has live jazz 6 days a week (closed on Mondays).

One might have high expectations when a jazz musician opens a music venue. Well, you won't be disappointed by the ambience or the sound. I believe this is now the only non-hotel jazz venue still open that has a baby grand, and it's being regularly used! Oh, the food is as scrumptious as the music, so plan on spending a long evening when you drop by.

Then there is that hidden gem that most could just not find without a "word of mouth" mention from one of the many young Thai jazz musicians that end up playing there.
Sweets Records at 440/10 Thonglor between soi 14-16 (above the 7-11, next to Baan Klang Krung Village)

Lovely acoustic sets of themed jazz evenings in a very intimate, small setting, this place is really perfect for "listeners."
There's absolutely not a sound from the audience while music plays, a rarity in this city, and a blessing for the true listener.
Be aware that on music nights, the seating is theater style, and there's a cover charge (usually B300 that includes a drink) to cover the musician's costs.

Check out some of the theme night videos here.

A once a week delight is the early Thursday (7-9:30pm) jazz trio session at Aldo's Wine Bar at Ascott (The Residence) on Sathorn. Now this is a delight, specially if you're lucky not to have a couple of inconsiderate noisy yakkers at a table next to you.

The Rehab Gallery of Music at RCA has jazz some nights of the week, often till late night. Other nights could be anything - such as Rock, Blues, Rock & Roll.
It's facing the main RCA lane, up from the road in a building (Block D) on the right hand side as you drive down the lane.
Here's a youtube video of a gig there some months back

Bad News

Niu's on Silom is gone.
Black on soi 33 is on an "extended break"
Sofitel's Le Bar de L'Hotel has given up on live music and regressed to recorded lounge music.
Vie Hotel's bar has been re-themed (as mentioned before) - no more jazz

Great News

All the other places are alive & kicking!

Edited October 27, 2013 by S0S

TheSpade · October 27, 2013

I went to check out Check Inn 99's live jazz event today that apparently starts at 14:30pm.

I turn up at 4:30pm, walk past 2 guys on the door who say nothing. I get in and don't hear any music but there's a few people sitting around drinking so I take a seat at the bar.

I'm told they aren't open until 5pm. I ask about the live jazz music that they mention on their website that is on today from 14:30pm and they seem to have no idea what I'm on about.

Then I went to Apoteka to check out their Sunday session with live blues. They sell it really well on their FB page about live music, drink promos and BBQ in the beer garden. Their 'beer garden' is more like 3 tables outside the bar and it should not be called a garden, the drink promo consists of ONE drink - a bloody mary buy 1 get 1 free for 300B, the blues music consisted of some blokes doing Nirvana covers (and not that well IMO) and the BBQ looked OK but it was a bit pricey for a hot dog.

dekestone · October 28, 2013

I went to check out Check Inn 99's live jazz event today that apparently starts at 14:30pm.

I turn up at 4:30pm, walk past 2 guys on the door who say nothing. I get in and don't hear any music but there's a few people sitting around drinking so I take a seat at the bar.

I'm told they aren't open until 5pm. I ask about the live jazz music that they mention on their website that is on today from 14:30pm and they seem to have no idea what I'm on about.

Then I went to Apoteka to check out their Sunday session with live blues. They sell it really well on their FB page about live music, drink promos and BBQ in the beer garden. Their 'beer garden' is more like 3 tables outside the bar and it should not be called a garden, the drink promo consists of ONE drink - a bloody mary buy 1 get 1 free for 300B, the blues music consisted of some blokes doing Nirvana covers (and not that well IMO) and the BBQ looked OK but it was a bit pricey for a hot dog.

Check Inn cancelled the jazz jam yesterday (Oct 27) due to the mourning for the Supreme Patriarch. Surprised nobody mentioned that to you. Apoteka is pricey, no doubt. Don't know what band was playing there, but usually the blues bands don't start until 9 or so.

rak sa_ngop · October 28, 2013

"Niu's on Silom is gone."

Their website says that they are undergoing 'reconstruction' and will reopen in August.

August is long gone (for this year anyway) and walking past a few days ago it looked like major gutting was still in progress.

So maybe it has gone for good?

nzvic · October 28, 2013

Probably tame jazz, but just listening to Loussier playing Bach (original swinger!) selection, after a year, had forgotten its breaktaking beauty.

cattoc · November 11, 2013

I went to check out Check Inn 99's live jazz event today that apparently starts at 14:30pm.

I turn up at 4:30pm, walk past 2 guys on the door who say nothing. I get in and don't hear any music but there's a few people sitting around drinking so I take a seat at the bar.

I'm told they aren't open until 5pm. I ask about the live jazz music that they mention on their website that is on today from 14:30pm and they seem to have no idea what I'm on about.

Then I went to Apoteka to check out their Sunday session with live blues. They sell it really well on their FB page about live music, drink promos and BBQ in the beer garden. Their 'beer garden' is more like 3 tables outside the bar and it should not be called a garden, the drink promo consists of ONE drink - a bloody mary buy 1 get 1 free for 300B, the blues music consisted of some blokes doing Nirvana covers (and not that well IMO) and the BBQ looked OK but it was a bit pricey for a hot dog.

Check Inn cancelled the jazz jam yesterday (Oct 27) due to the mourning for the Supreme Patriarch. Surprised nobody mentioned that to you. Apoteka is pricey, no doubt. Don't know what band was playing there, but usually the blues bands don't start until 9 or so.

***************

Spade - on advice of authorities Checkinn ceased their music program (jazz and acoustic) during that weekend due to the proclaimed period of mourning - the folks you saw were actors (not staff) who were getting ready for a Rocky Horror show rehearsal (at that time also in doubt). Full entertainment recommenced that evening.

Jazz was back in full swing at Checkinn yesterday with a special guest appearance from the amazing Gerry Brown (who joined in a full set with the William Wait quartet)..Gerry has held the drum chair for Stevie Wonder over the past 14 years. A busy and exciting day!

forumuser10 · November 20, 2013

Great, did not realize there was this many Jazz venues around town. Thanks for the tips.

craigt3365 · December 7, 2013

I went to check out Check Inn 99's live jazz event today that apparently starts at 14:30pm.

I turn up at 4:30pm, walk past 2 guys on the door who say nothing. I get in and don't hear any music but there's a few people sitting around drinking so I take a seat at the bar.

I'm told they aren't open until 5pm. I ask about the live jazz music that they mention on their website that is on today from 14:30pm and they seem to have no idea what I'm on about.

Then I went to Apoteka to check out their Sunday session with live blues. They sell it really well on their FB page about live music, drink promos and BBQ in the beer garden. Their 'beer garden' is more like 3 tables outside the bar and it should not be called a garden, the drink promo consists of ONE drink - a bloody mary buy 1 get 1 free for 300B, the blues music consisted of some blokes doing Nirvana covers (and not that well IMO) and the BBQ looked OK but it was a bit pricey for a hot dog.

We went to Apoteka last week and saw Danny California and his blues band. They were fantastic. If you have the time, I'd highly recommend seeing them. The bar is OK, but nice to be able to see a "real" blues band. All foreigners with lots of experience playing around the world.

https://www.facebook.com/ApotekaBangkok

TheSpade · December 7, 2013

If I remember correctly it's 220B for a small bottle of Singha. Not somewhere I'd fancy drinking again.

OxfordWill · December 10, 2013

Thanks for this thread. When I lived in Victory monument I practically lived in saxophone, back when it was the house of Chai blues.

So glad he has been coming back to bkk now.

Looking forward to check out Sweets Records... I cannot describe the joy I feel at having just discovered this place- thank you!

Oh how I miss tokyo joes.

Edited December 10, 2013 by OxfordWill

DocN · December 11, 2013

Check out the singer at Maggie Choo's.

<ore blues than Jazz...but really good!

hanno · December 11, 2013

Great thread.

andym528 · December 18, 2013

Anyone know if "Black" on Soi 33 is still on hiatus?

S0S · January 20, 2014

Anyone know if "Black" on Soi 33 is still on hiatus?

Black had to move from its previous location on Sukhumvit 33 and it is said they are looking for a new place to set up, and that hopefully it will reopen after mid 2014.

Meanwhile, Bangkok Betty on the ground floor within the new Holiday Inn at the top of Sukhumvit 22 has blues many nights of the week (presently Wed through Sat). The atmosphere can get quite lively, which it should at the price of drinks and food. One cannot complain though, as the decor, quality, service, and live music at this upmarket venue are all first rate.

"Koh Mr. Saxman" is behind Jazz Sushi, a Thai improvisation on this popular Japanese fare. On the ground floor of Sax Society on Silom Soi 19, it's open daily except Monday. The decor, it is said,

... bears the hallmark of a 1950s-style jazz club with dark-painted walls designed like picture frames. The "frames" are made of white-painted bricks and showcase photographs of jazz musicians, among them His Majesty the King. - "It's a raw look that epitomises that era," says Koh.

Though I haven't visited yet, I believe big showtime is on the weekends (Fri/Sat/Sun) from 8pm to 10pm, and there might be a cover charge (around B200). Other days, jazz students from upstairs are on hand to entertain. If it's jazz you want with your sushi fusion, this must be the place.

Wine Bibber Sangria has moved from Thonglor to Ekamai (Sukhumvit 63) at the top of sub soi 2. The revamped set up is great and has brought the place a real vibrancy. Though there is live music most nights (starting around 8:30 to 9pm till well past midnight), only once a week or so is jazz. Call first to see what's on. An in-house sound engineer ensures the superb sound system purrs flawlessly. What's specially nice is that the noisy "talkers" mostly sit outside, allowing the "listeners" to be at peace with the music. Plan of having dinner as the food is as good as the music.

Sweets Records at 440/10 Thonglor on the main road between soi 14-16 (above the 7-11) is getting more and more active with it's acoustic evenings. Every visit there has been wonderfully rewarding. To remind you, this is a very intimate, small setting, perfect for "listeners", with the audience absolutely silent while music plays. Bobby, the owner, is trying out caffeinated Live Jazz sessions every Saturday at 3 pm starting January 25th with a set coffee menu at B250. Contact him through the facebook page to get on his event mailing list.

The Cotton Club premises at Shanghai Mansion, Chinatown (beginning of Yaowarat next to Scala Shark's fin) is under major renovation, and the resident Siam Swing Band now play (Tue-Sat) on the ground floor open air bar right on the main road! The great visibility ensures a packed audience most every night, with few getting up once they've sat down. To remind you, this is probably the only jazz venue in Asia that mostly plays Swing, New Orleans, & Jazz from the early 1900s.

Smiles Jazz & Bistro on Ruam Rudee is proving itself worthy, with good jazz all five nights it has a live band (Wed-Sun). Looking forward to more roving musicians becoming aware of their jam sessions on Sunday, specially pianists who can take advantage of their baby grand.

Iron Faries on Thonglor underwent major renovation last year, and feels four times its previous size, with the same warm, cosy and unusual decor. Now there's plenty of space upstairs to sit closer to the jazz band. Go early, as this venue is always busy.

Forgot to mention some months ago that Admiral's Pub, Hotel Mermaid Bangkok, (Sukhumvit 29) no longer have live music.

dekestone · January 21, 2014

Nice update S0S, thanks for that. I haven't been to Cotton Club for months and didn't know about the renovations going on. Will definitely get over there to catch the swing band.

JazzTourist · March 4, 2015

Thanks for all this info! My impressions of some of the places above, after playing the tourist a couple weeks.

tl;dr -- Don't miss the Sunday jam session at CheckInn99, and do visit the Siam Swing Jazz Band at Cotton Bar, Yaowarat. Otherwise, your mileage may vary.

Saxophone - great music, vile cocktails. Website schedule obsolete; was there Thu, excellent latin jazz band, though no room to dance. Place feels too commercial to have a great vibe, though. But, good music.

Jazz happens - charming, but students playing. I'm not exactly demanding, but even then wasn't always able to enjoy the music.

Iron fairies - not quite jazz. Drum, bass guitar, jazz guitar, vocalist. Some standards (all of me etc), but mostly jazzy versions of pop songs. Good cocktails though.

Smiles - went there Friday at 7:30, and the place was initially completely empty. So before you go, perhaps check if it's still around. Good female jazz vocalist with guitar accompaniment. But place very quickly felt 'noisy', even with only about ten people around. Also, no real charm to the place apart from the music. Personally, i left after the first set, and wouldn't bother to go back.

Cotton bar - They swing alright. Siam Swing Jazz Band, three cool geezers. Great fun, and I made sure to drop by a second time. Cocktails decent and relatively reasonably priced. Their facebook page has them performing Tue-Sat 9-11pm, but the singer mentioned Wed-Sun at the gig.

CheckInn99, Jazz on Sukhumvit, Sunday afternoon Jam session - good talent, good variety, very enjoyable. Strongly recommended; if you're reading this thread, you want to go by here. However, note that waitresses are pushy with drinks, and i got stiffed over the happy hour prices (ordered a whisky and coke, from the happy hour menu, get 'which whisky?' I say just whisky and coke, but waitress insists i choose. I don't know what they have, just say 'Jack', since it's bottom shelf and every place has it. Then get an inflated bill, since 'Jack isn't part of happy hour'. Very unsympathetic.) Regardless, if you enjoy jazz, you want to go here.

AboveEleven - has a jazz quintent on Thursdays, 9-11pm. Haven't been here on Thu, only for the salsa on Wed, so can't comment on the quality of the jazz, but worth a visit as a tourist. Good view and good cocktails.

dekestone · March 6, 2015

We should also add Wolff's on soi 11 (next to Apoteka) to the list. Live music 3 or 4 nights a week, some of the same musicians who used to play at the now defunct Niu's on Silom, i.e., Jerry Byrd and Dan Phillips.

ChiangMike · March 9, 2015

possibly the best thread in the entire history of mankind.

sorry i don't have anything to add as the places i know have already gotten their due (been to saxophone anyone? ). just a thanks for this thread, it's a keeper.

ummm one question i suppose - and I'm definitely reluctant to ask it - anyone aware of any jazz places with open mic nights where audience members may have a few moments of glory? (i play percussion).

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The Unauthorized List Of Live Jazz In Bangkok

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