Velvet Lounge

The Velvet Lounge is one of Chicago's premier jazz clubs. Hundreds of world renowned jazz musicians have played in the club making the Velvet Lounge one of the leading venues for live "free jazz." Saxophonist Fred Anderson has kept one of Chicago's most notable jazz clubs going almost single-handedly for nearly a quarter century — as club owner, sometimes bartender, and resident mentor. Passers-by would hardly suspect it, but Anderson's divey Velvet Lounge, its bleak black facade crowned by a tattered "Old Style" beer sign, is known by aficionados worldwide as one of the cradles of contemporary jazz. Dozens of acclaimed albums have been recorded at the club, including Blue Winter, featuring Anderson, drummer Hamid Drake, and double bassist William Parker.

The Velvet Lounge relocated in 2006 since the old venue was slated to be torn down to be replaced by condominiums. The new location is only a block away from the old venue.

Many prominent musicians have honed their jazz abilities by playing at the Velvet Lounge early in their careers, particularly in the Sunday night jam sessions. Over the years, the sessions have been hosted by various prominent Chicago musicians. The classic lineup of the early-mid 1990s featured trumpeter Billy Brimfield, saxophonist Art Taylor, pianist Jim Baker, bassist Mike Cristol, and drummer Ajaramu (Gerald Donovan). Since the early 1990s, the "Velvet Graduates" who have come up through the Velvet scene include tenor saxophonist David Boykin, baritone saxophonist Aaron Getsug, bassist Karl E. H. Seigfried, and drummer Isaiah Spencer.

See also

• List of jazz clubs

External links

• Official Website