Smalls

Killer music on regular basis.. I wish there were more places like that!

This club really doesn't do it for me and no I am not a Jazz cynic.

This Jazz "club" is wedged between 2 restarants on either corner.  From a certain perspective it would be hard to find it.

Smalls is definitely the right name for this place.

I also was aware of the $20 cover per person to listen to live Jazz.  I guess it wouldn't have been as stiff if my friend and I came at 7:30pm and stayed for the 6 hrs or so duration from set to set to set.

Isn't there a discount for just coming later into the night only having enjoyed the 2 later sets?

Night clubs and lounges have this policy depending on the night.

It is Monday night I'm sure you can spare the stiff cover or at least give it wiggle room.

You are then led a narrow stairway leading downstairs.  

Once you are there you are lead to a room much better served as a prep kitchen for Subways sandwich shops.  

How do I know this you ask?  I did it as a summer job when I was just a baby.

The bar area is to the right and it is rather tight on seating 8 MAX.  

I'm surprised how the bartender is able to perform her pouring duties so nimbly when she could hear the orders over the loud Jazz at least.

The "other" seating that is where spectators should probably seat was decent but there were a lot of heads in there tonight so I was left standing since being the gentleman that I am I offered my female friend the seat.

I also spotted a "stray" cat wandering in.

Not sure if that is the club's cat but what if someone was allergic to cats?

Are they supposed to get up and re-situate themselves in the horde of people in that place?

Not a chance.

I didn't mind actually as I am accustomed to standing up for long periods of time.  But it would have been a nice bonus.

The first set that I did watch/listen to was FREAKING amazing.  

I am not a Jazz connoisseur but 2 white guys + a Jewish guy = JAZZ.

The guy on the piano was just playing music to EVERYBODY's ears, the bass was bringing it down, and the guy on the drum was playing like he having a seizure while on Xstacy.  

I know because my view of him was through the reflection in the mirror right above where he was seating.

At the same time I also noticed that they had a smaller version of a NBA shot clock that tells the time.

Definitely, added class...

I think not.

They did have a drink special of a combo with a can of Pabst and a shot of Old Crow Whiskey for $7.

If you are going beer, SKIP the Crooked Tree India Pale Ale.

It is WAAAYYY too bitter.

I think this is the third beer with "India" in its name that I didn't like.

Avoid this like STDS.

But the rest of the prices on cocktails were $12 +.

What was interesting about this particular night was this...

What is it about a white girl and an Asian man walking towards the exit that attracts black guys to have balls of steel?

If I wanted to see that I'd go to a theater and see Superman.

You're not him.

Now, given on any particular night we could be "just friends" but how does one judge that when the guy (me) is walking 2 inches right behind the female?

Not 1 black guys but 2.  

I've heard of AFFIRMATIVE ACTION but AFFIRMATION DICK-ACTION?

You can keep that in yo pants.  Thanks.

Of course, maybe one of the black guys thought he was effing with the wrong Asian and he isn't wrong so he tried to be smoothed and said "oh you got a mask too..."  referring to the mask given out to participants of people who went to go see Sleep No More.

Just then HIS white girl walked in.  lol...

I guess I didn't have to AFFIRMATIVE REACTION him.

I'm laughing because maybe I should have let him "try" to kick it a little longer and see some Jerry Springer shyt unfold.

But I'm all about the class.

This club might not be though.

Clientele here is mostly white or Asian (male and female were roughly balanced).

But I would advise white girls or just any girl that is above a 5 on the hotness scale to really be wary when coming to this club.

Maybe I should just say be careful NOT to get drunk here.

You might really find out what all the Jazz is about.

Wonderful experience. If you enjoy a intimate club experience, and appreciate jazz music, look no more, you've found it at Smalls. There is a $20. door (but 1/2 price after 12:30am, maybe no charge depending). No drink minimum. A very casual atmosphere, fantastic musicians - occasionally with some surprise players - We got to see Johnny O'neil play piano, it was fantastic. A most memorable evening.  A must do in NYC for the jazz enthusiast.