Originally Posted by
OliverB
I tend to prefer smaller venues that book local combos / feat. weekly residencies and I get the sense that places like Blue Note and Cotton Club are a bit more commercial/touristy. If you've been to the Blue Note on W 3rd, you should get the idea... that's just not really my scene.
No Blue Note and Cotton Club are not touristy. Just polished. Ronnie Scott's is a close comparison. Great rooms, great sound and always have a selection of fantastic and top tier acts. The smaller places get mostly local talent or second tier overseas talent and I am not looking for a deal, just talent. Locals are too stiff on average and I find the play to be uncomfortably tight. Go see Benny Green and then see any local talent and you'll know what I mean. A great room is a only great when a great act is playing. I am about the music not the antique or gritty nature of a place. Not a college student scraping by anymore.
NY clubs are so varied and fun, and for that matter Boston is the same way. But in both paces you have insanely great talent chasing even better talent and so it is far less of a crapshoot than it is here.
The best idea for a show anywhere and even more so in Tokyo is to choose the act not the venue.
Originally Posted by
OliverB
If you enjoy classical or just want a bit of respite from the teeming pace of the city,
I do love classical but in proper venues. My favorite is the Musikverein in Vienna. I also love Suntory Hall here. This is the level of professionalism I like best.
Respite from the busy pace of Tokyo? No thanks. I live here in large part because of the buzz. Born a city kid and have always felt the same way.