Manchester is well-known for its music scene, but one genre we don’t talk about enough is jazz. Having said this, there are plenty of places around town to enjoy the sultry sounds of blaring saxophone, riffing trumpets and gorgeous piano, so here’s our run down of the best jazz clubs in Manchester to get your fix, whether you’re after a cosy evening of slowly sipping, or a raucous night of improvisation.
1. The Blues Kitchen
Although a national name, The Blues Kitchen hosts Manchester’s best musicians seven nights a week; filling the room with classic blues, soul, R&B and quite often, jazz. Hang with the crew into the small hours indulging in cocktails, craft beers, bar food and the largest selection of bourbon in the city, not to mention incredible jazz from classic tunes whipped up by the house band, to modern takes from worldwide stars such as Kamaal Williams, who will be dropping by in May. Check out what’s on here.
📍 The Blues Kitchen, 13 Quay St, Manchester M3 3HN.
2. Matt & Phred’s Jazz Club
Matt & Phred’s is one of the most loved live jazz clubs in Manchester, located in the heart the Northern Quarter. The team is most proud of the plethora of outstanding musicians who have graced the little stage, and the roster never disappoints, with musicians performing live every night the club is open.
Bookings are available for tables (call 0161 273 5495), but walk-ins are also accepted if you want to stand up − the team also warns: If you book a stage side table on a Friday or Saturday night be prepared to have people dancing around you. For a quieter night try a Wednesday or Thursday night for a more intimate, laid back gig. Find listings here.
📍 Matt & Phred’s Jazz Club, 64 Tib St, Manchester M4 1LW.
3. La Gítane
La Gitane is a lively jazz club in Manchester, with a stylish interior and frequent live music shows, creating a special and cosy atmosphere. It offers the finest in Jazz, Blues, Soul and Latin music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with established bands and performers co-coordinated by well known Manchester musician Matt Nickson, saxophonist and founder of the quintessential Matt & Phred’s Jazz Club. Keep up to date with listings and special events here.
📍La Gítane, 79-81 Bridge St, Manchester M3 2RH.
4. Royal Northern College of Music
Founded in 1973 through the merger of the Royal Manchester College of Music and Northern School of Music, the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) is continually recognised as one of the world’s most forward-thinking conservatoires. The college often welcomes world-renowned musicians to perform, alongside concerts put on by incredibly talented present and past students, so the choice is yours when it comes to what to see.
There are concerts on several times a week, plus countless workshops and masterclasses, and jazz pops up more than you might think − you can peruse what’s on here.
📍 RNCM, 124 Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9RD.
5. Band on the Wall
Although mostly known as being a springboard for indie bands and championing young artists, Band on the Wall is, perhaps surprisingly, built on jazz. In March 1976 the London-based Jazz Centre Society (JCS) appointed Ian Croal as its first Regional Organiser. The post was based at North West Arts Association (NWAA) offices in King Street, Manchester and the JCS would have a significant impact on the future of Band on the Wall, with the JCS holding Jazz Sundays there from day one.
The modern offering from Band on the Wall still incorporates parts of its past, enlisting jazz musicians old and new to grace the stage along with the rest of its roster. Find listings and tickets here.
📍 Band on the Wall, 25 Swan St, Manchester M4 5JZ.