Scene In Detroit: Jazz Up Valentine's Day
By Amelia Kanan, CBS Detroit blogger
The photo this week serves its purpose because of its irony. Here's the thing, I had something very special planned for you today. My Valentine's Day gift to you readers. I was going to tell you that if you're a female, you need to paint those lips and fingernails red and put your favorite high heels on. And, if you're a man, do what you know us females love-take a shower, get clean and if your lady likes that cologne, spritz a bit on (if she doesn't don't).
Then I was going to give you a link to a page that held concrete research on how jazz listeners have the best love lives. This was going to make you intrigued to hear more, so then I was going to let you in on a secret, revealing all the raw jazz clubs in Detroit. I wanted to include places other than the usual suspects --gritty and smoke filled venues off the beaten path that showcased the superb talents of men with unknown names, blurred pasts and missing teeth.
But, my plan went horribly awry. Not only was my list of sources four years of out date and the clubs that are still around weren't showcasing the night I had planned for my research but also, none of them are that gritty. Long story short, I can give some venues but I can't vouch personally for them:
The Jazz Loft
529 Monroe, Detroit, Michigan; Tel. 313.962.7093
Bert's Jazz Marketplace
2731 Russell, Detroit, Michigan; Tel. 313.567.2030
They Say
267 Joseph Campau St, Detroit, MI 48207 Tel: 313.446.4682
However, I'm still on a mission to find exactly what it is I am looking for. This is just a story in progress so please stay tuned as it develops.
In the meantime, maybe you rather avoid going out anyway. Who needs a crowded place with over priced drinks? Staying in with your snuggle bug can be a "scene" in itself. There, you and your honey bunny can be the only two in the joint with the best seats in the house to experience performances from the best of the best. In this case, I can help with some album suggestions that I can truly vouch for:
If you're looking for something frisky but still lovey dovey check out "Wonderland" by Louis Prima (1960). Also, "Dinah Jams"-Dinah Washington and Clifford Brown
If you want something a bit sweeter and more tender-"Solitude" By Billie Holliday (1952)
If you want something that's purely instrumental, sensical and not too crazy but still solid sort of experience go for-"Back On the Street"-Earl "Fatha" Hines leading a sextet (1972)
And if you want something good, live and cheap ($5 on iTunes) then "The Night Thelonious Monk Played Paris" By Thelonious Monk (1969) is your best bet.
I wish nothing but love and jazz on this most tender of days.
