The Jazz Voyager

Off to the Northwest coast of America to hang out at the Easy Street Records & Cafe to see what I can find in the way of vintage jazz wax or compact discs. Located in the business district called The Junction at 4559 California Ave SW, Seattle, Washington 98116, it was established in 1988 by owner Matt Vaughan, who had the vision to combine two failing and ready to close record stores into one.

This eclectic hangout’s cafe, sitting next door to the store, serves American breakfasts, burgers & salads. So for this Jazz Voyager it looks like it’s going to be a long, fun day of hunting and dining. Hosting in-store performances, Rolling Stone, Time Magazine and The Travel Channel have all given nods to this music and dining destination. Open seven days a week from 9a-9p, closing at 7p on Sunday. For additional info call 206-938-3279.

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The Jazz Voyager

For the next few weeks, this Jazz Voyager is going mining for some rare jazz wax collectibles and my next stop is the Jazz Record Center in the Big Apple. I will be heading downtown between 7th and 8th Avenues to 236 W 26th St #804, New York, NY 10001 to see what I can discover.

Since opening in 1983 this venerable spot has become renowned for the buying and selling of rare & vintage jazz records, CDs, DVDs, books and magazines. So I know there will be a treasure trove of items to add to my collection and gift to friends. We have to keep exposing jazz to others while increasing personal knowledge. The hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

For those of you who are unable to travel to the City, they host an online site at jazzrecordcenter.com and they will ship your items to you. All you have to do is pick a category, email them with your requests at jazzrecordcenter@verizon.net. Information can always be obtained by calling 212-675-4480.

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The Jazz Voyager

The City That Never Sleeps is once again the destination for the Jazz Voyager to catch the happenings at Minton’s Playhouse. Located on the first floor of the Cecil Hotel at 206 W 118th St, New York City 10026. The club was established by saxophonist Henry Minton in 1938 and was the home where Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie gave birth to bebop.

The club has gone through two closings and remodelings and as of 2013 revived by Richard Parsons, is now once again a vibrant upscale venue for the jazz tradition. The cuisine is American fare with appetizers, salads, seafood, meats, and vegetarian dishes ranging from $14 to $48 with side selections averaging $8.

This week’s excursion will make this Jazz Voyager hurry up to Harlem to enjoy the second set with saxophonist T.K. Blue as part of the Jazzmobile Residency. Reservations are required and can be made online or by calling 212-243-2222.

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The Jazz Voyager

The Jazz Voyager’s next stomping ground is the Big Easy and Maison Bourbon situated in the heart of the French Quarter at 641 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130. Dedicated to preserving the genre and is one of two remaining jazz clubs still left on the Street.

Live jazz is always going down at Maison and this classy live jazz club has a balcony, beamed ceilings, brick walls, and a gleaming bar. This is where Harry Connick, Jr. cut his jazz teeth and best of all, it’s where you’ll likely see the jazz superstars of tomorrow perform on their stage.

Leroy Marshall Band is on tap for this excursion but this Jazz Voyager won’t leave without partaking of some fresh, hot beignets. For more information, food and beverage needs call 504-522-8818.

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The Jazz Voyager

The Jazz Voyager is traveling to San Diego, California to discover what the Cafe-Bar Europa has to offer in the way of jazz. Patterned after the small bars one visits in southern Europe, it is located at 873 Turquoise Street, 92109. The atmosphere is bohemian, the lighting is dim and the cuisine is inspired tapas of southern Europe

Hosting live music every night, this is one of the only jazz clubs where you can bring your dog and they too can enjoy the jazz in their enclosed outdoor patio.  And for those who need a little extra kick as the night wanes on they have an espresso bar.

This week’s voyage is an adventure as I will be sitting in on Fred Hardy and San Diego’s finest for a set at 7:30pm. No prior knowledge of his playing but I do know it will be straight-ahead. If you need more information the number is 858-488-4200.

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