RIP Round Midnight – And a Rundown of London’s Greatest Blues Clubs
The clock has struck and the final hour has come for the beloved blues Bar, Round Midnight. Since the announcement was made way back in October, it has been surprising to see that very little noise has been made online about such a well loved venue. Anyone that read my last article on Round midnight would see that I loved everything about that place – even the graffiti in the bogs. So now that it’s gone and the live music is no more, where else can us blues fans go?
Ronnie Scott’s needs no introduction, unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last half a century. For those of you that don’t know, this legendary establishment is one of the greatest live music venues when it comes to jazz and blues.
Having seen the likes of Buddy Rich, Count Basie and Miles Davis grace its stage; you can almost always be guaranteed to experience some quality music. Such experiences do however come at a price and you shouldn’t expect a chance to get up and have a jam any time soon.
If you’re looking for some quality sounds played by some of the most skilled musicians around, make a trip to Ronnie Scott’s the top of your list for live music in 2015 and you won’t be disappointed.
Alternatively, you can get through the door of the 100 Club for a smaller entry fee and although this Oxford Street venue hosts all manner of genres including rock, indie and punk to mention just a few, you can catch some decent blues most Tuesdays – you will need tickets in advance however but these will only set you back around a tenner a piece so it’s definitely worth a go.
The Blues Kitchen really is what it says on its metaphorical tin. Serving quality food at candle lit tables that thankfully have more of a cool and brooding vibe than a corny romantic one, you can go the whole hog and enjoy your music with some saucy ribs washed down with a craft beer from the venue’s extensive selection.
The variety of music here means that there’s something for everyone. If all you want to do is get your jam on then Wednesday blues jams are for you or if getting down on the dance floor is more your thing, then the Tuesday Swing nights should be just the ticket. Just remember, if you want to some food to fuel your moves, make sure you book in advance to guarantee yourself a table.
Although Round Midnight’s time is up, it’s clear to see that the clock is not yet ticking for the demise of many other great live music locations in the city – just so long as we keep supporting them and enjoying what the have to offer.
This short list is a mere taster of what the London live blues scene has in store and so as the final hours of 2014 have now drawn to a close it’s time to get 2015 into full swing and take advantage of all the great remaining clubs and bars that London has to offer.
Although most nights are sold out, tickets are still available for the wonderful Carleen Anderson at Ronnie Scott’s this Friday. Get ‘em while they’re hot!
Happy New Year and long live the Blues!
Nick Vaughn
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