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Ortlieb's Jazz Haus
Check out the Official Ortlieb's Website
If there's one really consistent Jazz joint in Philly, it's Ortlieb's. This long narrow (it used to be a two-lane bowling alley) bar/restaurant is legendary. Located at 3rd and Poplar (where Bill Cosby would amuse Bootsie Barnes and friends as a child) it's not QUITE downtown, but you can get a cab there for about $5.00 (although how you get back is your own business).
Ortlieb's is run by Pete Souders, who is possibly Philadelphia's most enthusiastic tenor man. Pete was a victim of downsizing some years ago, and took the opportunity to study music and make a career change. One less Systems Analyst ?? Who cares ??? A club owner who loves jazz and the musicians who play it ?? Every city could use a few more. Pete keeps the Steinway grand in tune, has a decent sound system with monitors, and always hires the best cats in town. You can usually find Mickey Roker (Dizzy's drummer for years) behind the traps, Mike Boone at the Bass, and anyone from Uri Caine to Sid Simmons to Farid Barron at the keys. Bootsie Barnes runs an Organ Trio EVERY Wednesday, and the Tuesday night Jam Session has long given young players a well-needed chance for exposure and experience. Thursdays, you can sit in, if you're established, after the first set.
Ortlieb's is a musician's bar, and chances are, that there will be more players in the crowd than on the bandstand. A fair amount of sitting in takes place, and this is the spot where names will show up to jam after hours when a festival is in town. No cover, and (relatively) cheap (great selection) beer ensure plenty of students and impecunious but appreciative jazz fans packing the joint every weekend. You have to eat to get a table. The American-Cajun food will stop your arteries cold, but it's filling and down-home. This is not haute cuisine. Entrees range from $12.00-20.00 or so. It ain't Zanzibar Blue (and that's a GOOD THING!) No poseurs in the crowd, and everyone there knows who's on the band at any given time. Overall, in the downtown area, there is no better place to hear Jazz. Period. Check out the Citysearch view.
Bassist Mike Boone and trumpeter Roger Prieto have just released a new double CD - "Live at Ortlieb's" which features many (if not most) Philly's best jazz musicians in an exciting live format.
This is a unique and valuable snapshot of Philly's current jazz scene. "Live at Ortlieb's" capture the variety and intensity of our finest players in a comfortable setting being cheered on by loyal local fans. This kind of excitement can't be captured in a studio session.