All That Jazz: 5 Jazz Bars in Bangkok that Exude Soul
When asked about Bangkok’s nightlife, what comes to your mind? Is it jumping with the crowd to live local bands in pubs? Maybe it’s putting your dance moves to the test in the nightclubs with your favorite people? Or is it sitting at a rooftop bar accompanied by a smooth backdrop rhythm and looking over a breathtaking skyline? Whichever one you had in mind, it is clear that music is an element that can’t be removed.
As the capital of Thailand, Bangkok makes for one of the most vibrant, colorful, and energetic music venue in the world. Local and international musicians frequently perform in clubs, bars, and even national stadiums from time to time. Concerts are happening here and there every day, with music genres ranging from modest acoustic jamming to epic EDM music festivals. Somewhere in between the mix lies the classy and relaxing type of music we call jazz and finding a place to please your ears with some cool jazz is not a difficult task.
For those of you who are not a fan of jazz, the genre might not be all too familiar with the definition of jazz is highly subjective. As the legendary Louis Armstrong once said: “If you have to ask was jazz is, you’ll never know”. So yes, jazz cannot be defined as a certain way people play instruments, but more of a one-of-a-kind emotional experience for both the musicians and audience. Like art, jazz music hosts an invitation for the listener to invest a personal attentiveness. One can say jazz is the art of improvisation and reaching people with spontaneous music; it’s the passion of the musicians being played out into rhythms and tunes. Although this type of music may have originated from Western culture, Thailand is no stranger to quality jazz music.
It was back in the 1930s when Western music became widely popular in Thailand. People enjoyed the sound of classical music, show tunes, and tango, but it was jazz music that grew to dominate Thai popular music. The influential Khru Eua Sunthornsanan considered the pioneer in introducing Western music into Thai culture, soon set up the first Thai jazz band. This led to the invention of the timeless type of music called “International Style Thai Music” or “Pleng Thai Sakon”.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej is an accomplished jazz musician and composer himself. From the 1940s - 1970s most of his compositions are influenced by jazz and prominent figures in the genre such as Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, Benny Carter, and Johnny Hodges. Fast-forward to today; quality jazz is being performed every day in various venues and occasions throughout the country, with Bangkok being the center of it all.
Whether you’re a long time admirer of jazz music or a newbie who is just curious about the genre, we know you can use this lineup of jazz bars for whiling away your hours one of these nights. These are some of the best Bangkok’s jazz bar scene has to offer, from crowded compact bars to elegant hotel venue, have a pick for yourself which one fits your rhythm.
Brown Sugar: The Jazz Boutique
Since 1985 to this day, Brown sugar has been celebrated as one of the most popular blues and jazz club in Bangkok. Coffee restaurant by day, live music venue by night, this place is a must for those visiting the Old City. It’s a super-relaxing place that serves classic Thai food as well as crafty drinks for you to enjoy while you immerse yourselves in the tunes of the band. Even though the music usually starts around 9 pm, be sure to grab a seat way before then as it usually fills up by evening, especially on weekends.
Saxophone Pub
Established way back in 1987, Saxophone is another one of the city’s oldest jazz clubs and also internationally renowned for its music. When you first step in, you will be surrounded by jazz paraphernalia, record labels, and framed posters of jazz maestros. As you start to get comfortable with the cozy interior, be sure to treat yourself some popular Thai dishes and a cold pitcher of local beer. Located close to a popular spot like Victory Monument BTS Station, the venue is frequented by both locals and foreigners. Music usually starts around 11 pm and if you’re lucky, you might get to see some of the Thai musical legends, such as Koh Mr. Saxman, jamming on stage.
Jazz Happens
Established by a group of lecturers at Silapakorn University, this venue offers an affordable pleasant experience for anyone who wants something different from bigger jazz clubs mentioned above. The little boutique showcases both the musical talents and indie arts and decor from Silapakorn University graduates. If you find yourself around Phra-Artit Road, don’t forget to pop by for a bottle of beer and swing away with the crowd.
Bamboo Bar
Located in such an elegant venue like the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok Hotel, you know you will be able to find award-winning cocktails, the charm of the late 19th-century décor, and internationally renowned musicians. You can find yourself some classic jazz six days a week (no singers on Sunday nights), and you can be sure it will be magical. Soothe your senses with seductive jazz hits, beautiful atmosphere, and most importantly a world-class service from the staffs of the Mandarin Oriental brand that can make anyone feel special.
Black – The Jazz Spot
This place is serious. The dimly lit and sophisticated New York-style jazz club promises to be a more profound, uncompromising, and artistic approach to the Jazz music genre. So accompany yourself with a glass of single malt whiskey and join other jazz aficionados on the scene to experience the passion of Idris Dawud - trumpeter, vocalist, and songwriter behind the Serious Jazz movement and founder of Black.