Josephine Baker was born in Saint Louis in 1906 and arrived in Paris, France in 1925 to perform as part of a theatre troupe called La Revue Negre.

That was the beginning of France’s love affair with jazz.

Then came the likes of Django Reinhardt, a Gypsy from Belgium, who formed the all-string Quintette du Hot Club de France along with his violin-playing partner, Stephane Grappelli.
American jazz musicians who were struggling to be recognized and accepted at home, found a city of jazz lovers waiting with open arms. Parisians were wild about Dexter Gordon, Dizzie Gillespie, Miles Davis and Charlie Parker. And the love affair continues today as cool jazz clubs thrive, offering a variety of musical styles, from traditional to contemporary, Gypsy musette, to fusion. Jazz is definitely alive and well in Paris. Pick up a copy of Pariscope at the newsstand to see who is performing locally. Summertime the city plays host to great jazz festivals such as the Paris Jazz Festival (www.parcfloraldeparis.com) and the Villette Jazz Festival (www.cite-musique.fr).

NEW MORNING
7-9 rue des Petites Ecuries
10th Arrondisement
Metro: Chateau d’Eau
www.newmorning.com

Big names in jazz perform in this garage-like room, packed to the gills with devotees. Tickets can be purchased from the box office and at the door. But advance purchase is recommended. The website will have upcoming events.

SUNSET/SUNSIDE
60 rue des Lombards
1st Arrondisement
Metro: Chatelet
www.sunset-sunside.com

Two quality jazz clubs are run here. Sunset is geared towards electric jazz, fusion and modern trends in the genre. Sunside is only a few years old and replaced the club’s restaurant, in order to fill the niche of acoustic-only, more traditional sounds.

LE CAVEAU DE LA HUCHETTE
5 rue de la Huchette
5th Arrondisement
Metro: St-Michel
www.caveaudelahuchette.fr

Down in the cellar of a 16th century building, this historic jazz club, dating from 1946, is classic. It evokes the era of the Cotton Club and the Savoy, with its ever-popular dance floor. It has always attracted top talent and jazz afficionados. Go to the website to read about the room’s fascinating history, and for the current schedule. This could be the place to learn how to swing.

LIONEL HAMPTON JAZZ CLUB
Hotel Meridien, 81 blvd Gouvion-St-Cyr
17th Arrondisement
Metro: Porte Maillot
www.jazzclub-paris.com

Daily jazz in a venerable spot, named after the beloved
vibraphonist who died in 2002.

LE BAISER SALE (The Salty Kiss)
58 rue des Lombards
1st Arrondisement
Metro: Chatelet
www.lebaisersale.com

Another classic, Paris jazz club with music every night. The website is chock full of info and the history of the club.