New York and it’s surrounds are loaded with famous or popular clubs as well as smaller jazz venues.

One of my favourites is the Iridium at 1650 Broadway at 51st Street, and the reason is it has a jazz atmosphere.

I always feel I am just a number at either the Blue Note or Dizzy’s Club-Coca Cola. At the former one is crushed into long bench like tables, sometimes you are even facing the wrong direction so you have to turn around when the music starts to be able to see the musicians. It’s a get-you-in and get-you-out after the set is over type of club. With the exception of the Sunday Brunch, it can be expensive.

The latter is so pristine it doesn’t feel like a jazz club. The people sitting having dinner gave me the feeling they were there because it’s THE jazz place to be seen. I’ve been there twice and both times felt out of place and that the staff were doing me a favour by serving me. It gave me the feeling of being ripped-off. Of course the music at both is always good.

At the Iridium, a smallish basement club there’s a buzz, a little funkiness, I’ve always found the staff friendly and a whisky is about $11. There is a full dinner menu, the sound is good and they use a Steinway piano. The highly respected restaurant guide Zagat, rated the Iridium a 22 in it‘s Nightlife section, which is extremely high. So Iridium has the atmosphere, the music and food plus one feels welcome. The prices are very acceptable. It’s not unusual after the first set for an announcement that you can stay for the second set at no extra charge, except you must pay the minimum, about one drink. It reminds me of the Church who put on a jazz night and outside was a notice No Cover, No Minimum.

I’ve seen and heard some wonderful sets at Iridium. Two recent ones that stand out was a tribute to Benny Goodman featuring clarinettist Ken Peplowski and some outstanding cornet playing from Warren Vache. The second was a set by clarinettist Eddie Daniels with pianist Bob James, bassist David Fink and drummer Joe LaBarbera. The night was recorded and I look forward to hearing it, especially Daniels composition “Tango Nova” inspired by Astor Piazzolla. Reading my notes about the clarinet solo I wrote “An incredibly beautiful solo. Technical but deeply sincere. This is a real sensual Argentinean tango.”

This is where Les Paul reigned every Monday night for 12 years. In respect to him Iridium Monday nights are now guitar nights, featuring the original trio that backed him plus special guests the calibre of Stanley Jordan, Pat Matino or Mike Stern.

I haven’t met Ron Sturm who has owned the club for the past 15 years, but I have met the manager Scott Barbarino. He’s a big guy with his finger on the pulse always walking around checking on things, and very accessible should there ever be a problem.

I’d love to hear any comments about those of you who have visited the jazz clubs of New York City.