Octave has closed down

More bad news I'm afraid. I was in Covent Garden this week and found that Octave has closed down. That's one less decent central London bar and one less venue where you can go to hear live jazz.

According to their website though, they do plan to reopen elsewhere at some point:

"Octave Jazz Bar & Restaurant in Covent Garden opened its doors for the final time on Saturday 11th July 2009. However this isn't the last you heard of Octave - The management are currently looking for larger premises and hope to re-open the in the very near future."

Octave's General Manager, Brendan Lucey, is quoted as saying:

"We would like to thank our loyal customers and musicians who have been supporting our establishment for the past five years. Our 3-tiered approach of live jazz, cocktails and fine food proved very popular and we are looking to relocate to larger premises."

http://www.octave8.com/

The Black Gardenia to close

Sadly, I've found out that the wonderful Black Gardenia club in Soho will be closing in mid-November to make way for the new Cross Rail line. So get down there while you still can! Though quietier than weekends, Tuesdays are particularly recommended as there is live blues and jazz from the delightful Mika Doo (the closest you'll get to Billie Holiday in London?). Tuesday is also the only night of the week when admission is free (there is a cover charge after 9pm on all other nights).

The Black Gardenia, 93 Dean Street, London, W1D 3SZ

Jukebox Jam relaunches in West End - Fri 11 Sept

After two years in the East End (at The George Tavern), Jukebox Jam is moving to a great, new, central London venue on Friday 11th September. With its juke joint feel, Peter Parkers Rock 'n' Roll Club (also home to The Vout-O-Roonie) could have been tailor-made for this hot rhythm & blues hop.

Resident DJs Liam Large and Michael Jemmeson will be joined by special guest Jazzman Gerald for a night of 50s and 60s jump blues, r&b, ska and a little boogaloo.

There will also be live performances from Tom Colborn and an excellent garage / r&b outfit called The Dirty Robbers (as you can tell from the name, they are heavily influenced by The Sonics, though play some great blues too) with a handsome young vocalist whose scream is sure to drive you wild.

Jukebox Jam are also celebrating their 2nd anniversary by launching a reissue label, in association with Jazzman Records, promising to feature "nothing but raw 50s / early 60s R&B". The first two 45rpm releases will be available to buy on the night for £5 and will hit record shops shortly after, retailing at £8. These releases are:

JBJ-1001 - Rose Mitchell – "Baby Please Don't Go" b/w Jo Ann Henderson - "Baby Please Don't Go"

JBJ-1002 - Joe Tex – "Pneumonia" b/w "Pneumonia" (alternate version)

And as if that wasn't enough, there will be free mix CDs given away on the night too!

With the possible exception of Musical Fever (which happens to be on the following night - Saturday 12th September) this looks like being the best night out this month, so make sure you don't miss it!

Jukebox Jam @ Peter Parkers Rock & Roll Club
4 Denmark Street, London, WC2H 8LP
Friday 11th September. 9pm - 3am
£4 before 10pm / £6 after