13. 7. 2020

Jazz in Prague. Where’s the best place to listen to it?

If you love jazz, we’ve got some notes on where to go. These are the key places in Prague where you can tune in to jazz. The clubs are open again - they’ll be happy offer you a seat, and unlock an enjoyable experience for you. Sound good? Have fun!

Jazz on the water at Jazz Dock

The youngest of Prague’s jazz clubs is the uncrowned prince of the Prague jazz scene. In this modern floating space on the Smíchov embankment, you can see young, progressive jazz bands, the biggest world stars, as well as proven matadors of the Czech jazz scene and other genres – the program is as diverse as the local audience, which includes everyone from students to expats to jazz-loving seniors. But that’s not all! They also have great cocktails and – a rarity at a jazz club – tasty food. With the Vltava gently flowing by outside, Jazz Dock simply must be experienced, whether during a concert or just stopping by.

The legend called Reduta Jazz Club

Who hasn’t heard of Reduta? This internationally renowned club can be found on Narodní třída (National Avenue) in the heart of Prague. Reduta was already a center of theater, music and political life during the Communist era, and it played an important role during the Velvet Revolution. Many world-class stars have played here, from Wynton Marsalis to Chick Corea, not to mention Bill Clinton’s memorable saxophone solo. Today, Reduta is once again primarily a jazz club, and the local retro atmosphere and great acoustics make it sound especially good. 

Jazz and Blues Club Ungelt

Know where else jazz always sounds perfect? In the thousand-year-old Romanesque cellar where this club is located. It’s situated in the very center of the city, a short walk from Old Town Square. Ungelt offers a fantastic program and an atmosphere so cosy that you’ll feel more like a member of the band than a listener. 

Cosmopolitan U Malého Glena

Perfectly intimate and yet beautifully buzzy. Such is the jazz club U Malého Glena in the Lesser Town. The club, popular with locals, visitors and expats, is located in historical cellar of a baroque house on Karmelitská Street. Foreign and local jazz and blues leaders play in the relaxed, friendly atmosphere. And on Sundays, you can be the star at one of their regular jam sessions. 

AghaRTA Jazz Center

Legendary jazz trumpeter Miles Davis would have loved this basement club near Wenceslas Square. It’s named after the legendary trumpet player, composer and band leader’s famous double album – unfortunately he died the day before the club opened. But his style lives on here. AghaRTA plays primarily modern and avant-garde jazz, of which Davis was a pioneer. It’s played here every evening, the prices are reasonable, and the quality has been high for a long time, as evidenced by dozens of reviews. It’s an ideal place for a drink and a healthy helping of jazz in the heart of Prague.

Now’s a great time to listen to jazz in the intimate environment of clubs – the usual crowds are missing, so you can enjoy a relaxed evening. High quality music is the key to a perfect experience of the metropolis.

 

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