12/23/08

Good music, bad experience

by ajf125

I've been to vanguard twice, and the jazz is great. The host however, is very rude and it turned into a horrible experience for me this evening. While I was waiting for my party at my table and the place was already filling up the host kicked me off my table and offered a few random seats on the back. When I protested he raised his voice at me. When I jokingly said "thank you for your wonderful hospitality" he suggested that he will call the bouncers to kick me out of the place if I said another word to him. I felt like a first-graded being disciplined by the school principal, despite the fact that I paid $35. I would have left instantly had my party not been my girlfriend and her parents whom I was meeting for the first time that night. It was a degrading and embarrassing experience for me.

09/05/08

Horrible Experience - Talking Throughout

by joedanielsnyc

Went to see Terrell Stafford late August '08, and there were two guys talking throughout the show. Quite a disturbance to us and several surrounding couples.

So, after the first set, the two motor mouths met in back with Mr. Stafford. Were they Village Vanguard management? who knows, but they seemed more like groupies or wannabes.

All others in the audience (probably tourists) had far better manners than these two.

What a shame to have such a wonderful music spoiled by constant blabbering.

Terrell Stafford Sir, if the talking fan boys were yours, please leave them at home.

joedanielsnyc@gmail

• Pros: Amazing music?
• Cons: ...with narrative voice-over

03/03/08

Always a good time

by nonogarou

I'm not a jazz fan but I've been there almost each time I came to NYC. And I certainly will next time too

• Pros: Music, Atmosphere

12/04/06

This intimate basement-cum-jazz shrine deserves to be designated an historical landmark--after all, it's been open since 1935.

by Contributor

Down a steep staircase, the 123-person capacity interior is small, warm and very red: A red-carpeted stage, draped in red velvet, is softly illuminated by stage lights. The room gets crowded when filled to capacity (which is often). The Vanguard's natural acoustic wonder is augmented by a sound system installed by RDA (which did the Metropolitan Opera). Optimum listening is at the seat next to the drums, or by founder Max Gordon's old favorite spot under the "new man/new woman" mural. The sound is so exquisite that more than 100 live recordings now bear the moniker "Live at the Village Vanguard."

11/16/06

Best jazz club in the City, hands down

by maureenuw

Others just can't compare - the Vanguard is still the best place to hear jazz. Even though it's crowded, the drinks are small, and the cover has gone up, I still recommend it for all jazz lovers out there.

• Pros: Historic
• Cons: Crowded, small drinks, high cover charge

07/15/06

Old School Boho NY, cash only, make reservations

by creativelolita

My aunt is a huge Jazz fan and I am a newbie...we went to see The Heath Brothers and it was a blast. The venue is quaint and very cool and the music was great. The crowd ranged from the young and hip to the old and hipper to those who took themselves way too seriously. The only bad thing was the service. We had the angriest, nastiest waitress I have ever encountered. There was a big in my aunts drink and it took her 30 minutes to replace it and got angry when I asked her about it just thinking she was swamped and needed a gentle reminder. Still...it was a great night. Check it out--a lot of fun.

• Pros: Good Value, Great vibe, good music
• Cons: Attitude of the staff

05/18/04

Good Jazz

by jackryan

While I think the blue note draws better talent drummer wise....sorry I'm impartial....this place is quiet nice to listen to jazz. Old basement feel with tons of famous faces on the wall. You are packed closer together than the blue note and they seat you, were as at the blue note for late shows you can seat yourself. We got a couple free drinks with the purchase of the tickets on a Friday nite.

09/19/02

Awesome Jazz, Surprisingly Intimate

by corporatepunkrocker

Now I know where this place earned its reputation. The music was stellar, the drinks were above average and the space, while certainly small, made up for its lack of size (or perhaps that was one of its finer qualities) with excellent low lighting, making for a surprisingly intimate evening even considering our close proximity to other couples.

• Pros: ambiance, lighting, great music

07/29/02

Heavyweight Champion

by britrane

This is, hands down, the absolute best place to see live jazz anywhere!!! Serious musicians call for serious audiences - everyone including the wait staff respects the no-talking policy here, allowing the listener distraction-less listening. Along with an astounding history, the acoustics of the room make everything sound that much better...

• Pros: Incredible Music, Historic Club

06/17/02

Jim Hall

by Jason

I'm not the most avid jazz fan in the world but I do appreciate fine musical talent. My visit to Village Vanguard this past friday was a first but will not be the last. Walking down the steps and into the basement floor of this legendary landmark fills your senses with wonder. This club has had them all and it was no wonder to catch Jim Hall playing on the Friday night we chose to go. The room is small and seating is crowded but your seats are almost on top of the musicians.

• Pros: Historical Value, Great talent
• Cons: Very small