Originating from the oldest communities in New Orleans, in the United States of America, the musical genre Jazz is considered one of the greatest and most relevant artistic-musical manifestations of all time. And, in case you didn’t know, you can also listen to jazz in Lisbon, in some of the most incredible places we know. But we’ll get to that!
Jazz: what it is and where it was “born”
Originating in the United States at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century , and created from various religious traditions in that country’s largest African-American communities, especially in New Orleans, this musical genre has become recognized worldwide for its improvisational style, rhythmic complexity, variations in dynamics and timbres, and the fusion of other genres such as Blues or Ragtime.
Whether through the piano, guitar or drums, among many other instruments that can give sound to this musical genre, jazz has even had several sub-genres: Dixieland in the early 1900s; Swing in the 30s and 40s; Bebop in the early 40s; up to Latin Jazz in the 50s and 60s; and Jazz Fusion in the 70s and 80s.
Throughout the 20th century, jazz always adapted to various musical universes, “breathing” extremely melodic and rhythmic notes and measures.
Chet Baker, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington and Coltrane are just some of the best-known jazz artists, with songs that have gone down in history and that you can probably hear in one of the jazz clubs you can go to in Lisbon.
Jazz in Lisbon
As soon as we talk about jazz music in Lisbon, we quickly think of the Hot Clube de Portugal, an established venue in the country where you can learn this musical genre.
But there are other places, and that’s what we’re going to show you in this guide, with some of the best Lisbon venues where you can listen to a good jazz band.
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Hot Clube de Portugal
The Hot Clube de Portugal is a non-profit association founded by Luiz Villas-Boas in 1948 with the aim of promoting and disseminating jazz in Portugal.
Its jazz club in Lisbon is one of the oldest in Europe and has already been declared one of the best 100 jazz clubs in the world by the renowned American jazz magazine DownBeat.
Although this jazz club doesn’t have a very regular program in its own space, you can attend various concerts by its students and musicians all over the city.
Address: Praça da Alegria 48 (Avenida da Liberdade)
Távola Jazz Club
Located in the Alvalade neighborhood, the Távola Jazz Club was once an alter house, now transformed into one of the most incredible venues where you can listen to the best jazz musicians in Lisbon.
The décor retains the charm of yesteryear, but the music has been completely renovated to focus on this genre, with live performances from Tuesday to Saturday.
Best of all, you can accompany these evenings with great cocktails and snacks, making the Távola Jazz Club an ideal place to enjoy good music and good food.
Address: Rua Coronel Bento Roma 16 (Alvalade)
Páginas Tantas
This is one of Lisbon’s most emblematic jazz bars and it’s right in the heart of Bairro Alto, where some of the best nightlife in the capital still exists.
It has been in existence for over 20 years, and is known for its welcoming atmosphere and regular program of live music, almost always in trio format.
Address: Rua do Diário de Notícias 85 (Bairro Alto)
Camones – Artes Bar
Camones – Artes Bar is one of the liveliest cultural venues in the Graça neighborhood, always with a lively musical and artistic program for all tastes.
Every Wednesday, Camones – Artes Bar hosts evenings dedicated to Blues and Jazz music: on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month you can listen to Gringo’s Washboard Band; and on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, a tribute to Django Reinhardt and a Jam Session.
The first part of the concert features four incredible manouche jazz musicians, and in the second part you can join them on stage!
Address: Rua Josefa Maria 4B (Graça)
Tickets: at Fever
Café Dias
There’s no better way to define Café Dias than what it really is: it’s a normal café that serves food and drink to those who pass by and stop in the Alcântara area , the neighborhood where it is located.
The time of the week when it seems to transfigure itself is on Thursdays, when it hosts jazz music sessions, always at 7pm.
The well-known Alexandre Frazão, on drums, and guitarist André Santos, were among the last musicians to stop by.
Address: Rua Pedro Calmon 3B (Graça)
The Good, the Bad and the Villainous
Just above Rua Cor de Rosa, in Cais do Sodré, is one of the city’s most interesting live music bars, which also offers incredible jazz sessions.
Every month, between Monday and Sunday, there’s a line-up full of new music for you to discover, including some of Lisbon’s best jazz musicians. Admission is always free, but you should reserve a table to get closer to all the tunes.
Address: Rua do Alecrim 21 (Cais do Sodré)
Titanic Sur Mer
The well-known and multifaceted Manuel João Vieira has taken this space on the banks of the river and given it a life beyond the usual bars in this part of the capital.
At Titanic Sur Mer, you can not only order your favorite drinks, but also watch live music and even cabaret shows.
Address: Rua da Cintura do Porto de Lisboa (Cais do Gás)
Braço de Prata Factory
One of the city’s most ambivalent cultural spaces is located in the eastern part of the city, more precisely in the Marvila district.
Here you can eat, read, attend concerts and party! In fact, Fábrica do Braço de Prata is a small cultural center that has become a destination of choice for those who like to have a good time.
Address: Rua da Fábrica do Material de Guerra 1 (Marvila)