New York has been jazz's first city since the 1930s, and you can catch big names at one of Manhattan's legendary clubs any night of the week. Unfortunately a considerable lightening of the wallet is required; when you're paying $75 for a one-hour set, even a giant like Oscar Peterson begins to feel a little pricey.
With planning, though, you can hear great music for a fraction of the price. Yes, go to Birdland (315 West 44 St) because you can't not go to the 'jazz corner of the world'. But go late Mondays, from 10pm onwards, for the 'Cast Party' open mic with pianist Billy Stritch or catch the Friday Night Big Band between 5.30-7.30pm; both only $10.
From there you really can take the A Train half way up to Harlem to the cosy velvet booths of Smoke (2751 Broadway) where Tuesdays and Wednesdays are Hammond organ
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nights. Generally there's no cover charge from Sunday to Thursday.
Down in the Village, entrance is only $5 at Zinc Bar (90 West Houston St), a long cellar so narrow customers brush past the saxophonist to get to the restrooms. The names on the bill may not be familiar, but a Friday night in such intimate quarters with usually excellent African and Brazilian bands is quite an experience.
Powerhouse electric guitarist Mike Stern performs every Monday at the West Village's 55 Bar (Christopher Street - $15 cover), and the price is similar early in the week at a new addition to the higher-end clubs, Jazz Standard (116 East 27th St). Or you may be lucky enough to hear a terrific young band busking on the subway. That's free; although if they start playing Eddie Harris's I Need Some Money that's a cue to tip, buddy. 
FIRST POSTED SEPTEMBER 7, 2006
 Nigel Kennedy goes jazz
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