Although live music in Kuala Lumpur generally consists of bland international pop, or amateurish pub rock bands, fans of jazz and blues are comparatively well served. Every month sees a steady stream of both local and overseas artists, playing to small but appreciative audiences. Here’s a selection of some of what’s on offer in late April, and early May.

Take a love journey back to the golden age of jazz

KL Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC)
From April 27 to May 1, KLPAC‘s Pentas 2 venue is the stage for Love Journey 2, a mixture of jazz and blues, set round a storyline about love and music. The songs includes classics from the golden age of Jazz, such as “Cheek to Cheek”, “Lover Man” and “Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby”. For a taste of what to expect, watch this short trailer. Performances start at 20:30 from April 27-30, and at 15:00 on May 1. Full price tickets cost 43 ringgit and are selling fast.

Get funky with The Jose Thomas Project

No Black Tie
This superb venue-cum-eatery makes the biggest single contribution to ensuring KL has quality live jazz and blues music. Unlike most of the city’s other venues, where music is an add-on to food and drink, at No Black Tie, the music takes centre stage. Events over the next couple of weeks include the Malaysian jazz-funk guitarist, Jose Thomas, and his band on April 28 (21:30, 30 ringgit), a three-night Blues Celebration featuring two bands a night from April 29 to May 1 (22:00, 40 ringgit), and the Latin jazz band Ireson on May 6 and 7 (22:30, 40 ringgit).

Join the blues celebration at No Black Tie

Alexis
This chain of upmarket bistros also does a great job of supporting live jazz music in KL. It stages performances every Friday and Saturday night, at its restaurant in the embassy district, with the next two being the Aya Sekine Band from Japan on April 29 and 30 (22:00, 25 ringgit), and the Eric Li Latin Jazz Quartet on May 6 and 7 (22:00, free). Table reservations are only available for diners. The first Monday of every month also sees a live jazz jam session at Alexis’ Bangsar village branch. The next one will be on May 2 (20:00, free). A dress code of no shorts, singlets or flip-flops applies to both venues.

Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre
Sentul Park, Jalan Strachan, Kuala Lumpur
T: (03) 4047 0910 (enquiries); (03) 4047 0900 (box office)

http://www.klpac.org

No Black Tie
17 Jalan Mesui, off Jalan Nagasari, Kuala Lumpur
T: (03) 2142 3737

http://noblacktie.com.my

Alexis Bistro Ampang
Ground Floor, Great Eastern Mall, 303 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur
T: (03) 4260 2288

http://www.alexis.com.my

Upstairs @ Alexis Telawi
29A Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru, Kuala Lumpur
T: (03) 2284 2880

http://www.alexis.com.my

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Tags: blues, jazz