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 and musical manifestos 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 there!
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 improvised style, rhythmic complexity, variations in dynamics and timbres, and the fusion of other genres such as Blues or Ragtime.
Whether it’s the piano, the guitar or the drums, among many other instruments that can give sound to this musical genre, jazz has even had several subgenres: Dixieland in the early 1900s; Swing in the 30s and 40s; Bebop in the early 40s; through 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 might be able to 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 for learning this musical genre.
But there are other places, and that’s what we’re going to show you in this guide, with some of Lisbon’s best venues where you can listen to a good jazz band.
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Hot Club of 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.
His jazz club in Lisbon is one of the oldest in Europe and has already been declared one of the 100 best 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 several concerts by the students and musicians of this house all over the city.
Address: Praça da Alegria 48 (Avenida da Liberdade)
Távola Jazz Bar
Located in alvalade neighborhood, távola Jazz Bar 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 decor 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 Bar an ideal place to enjoy good music and good food.
Address: Rua Coronel Bento Roma 16 (Alvalade)
Camones – Arts Bar
Camones – Artes Bar is one of the liveliest cultural venues in the city 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 jazz manouche 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 as what it really is: it’s a normal café that serves food and drink to those who pass by and stop in the area Alcântara, neighborhood where it is located.
The time of the week when it seems to transfigure itself is on Thursdays, which is the day 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 Villain
Just above Rua Cor de Rosa, in the Cais do Sodré, is one of the bars with live music the most interesting in the city, 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. And 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 took this space on the banks of the river and gave it a life beyond the usual bars in this part of the capital.
At Titanic Sur Mer you’ll not only order your favorite drinks, but you’ll also enjoy 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 easternmost part of the city, more precisely in the neighborhood of Marvila.
Here you can eat, read, watch concerts and party! In fact, Fábrica do Braço de Prata is a small cultural center that has already become a destination of choice for those who like to have a good time.
Address: Rua da Fábrica do Material de Guerra 1 (Marvila)
Map of jazz clubs in Lisbon, and the list for your phone!
Os melhores sítios onde comer, beber e ouvir música ao vivo em Lisboa