Yokohama Jazz First
Classic, old-school jazz digs with great musicians
〒231-0033 横浜市中区長者町 9-140 第二吉田ビル 1F
Number Two Yoshida Building 1F, Chōjamachi, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0033
From Keikyu Hinodecho Station京急日ノ出町駅, cross over the Ooka River and it is three streets down on the right. You can see it from the large street (and bridge). Alternatively, from Sakuragicho Station, head through the lively Noge-cho area, about a ten-minute walk, just three streets after crossing over the river.
Cover charge runs from Y1,800 to Y5,000 depending on the performer. Showtime on weekends often starts in the afternoon. Weekdays open at 18:00 or 18:30, with music from 19:00 to 19:30. Please check the schedule carefully. Two-order minimum.
045-251-2943 (evenings 18:00～)
045-252-8414 (daytime 09:00～)
Online form on the website
https://www.facebook.com/modernjazzlive
https://www.instagram.com/yokohama.jazz.first/
@yokohama.jazz.first
Yokohama Jazz First (sometimes called Modern Jazz First) has been running since 1968. It’s old-school in all the right ways and sounds great. It seats around 30 people, so it feels intimate. The sound system delivers clarity that brings the music straight to you, no matter where you sit. The atmosphere feels like stepping back in time to an era when the music had no gimmicks or attitude, just the music.
Most of Japan’s greatest jazz musicians have played there, and they keep a lively schedule of top-notch musicians, some experienced, some younger. The line-up is always carefully selected. I always see musicians I haven’t heard of before, but should have. It’s clear from their presence that the musicians are proud to play there and feel at home in a space that is so devoted to jazz. The vibe soaks into the music, and vice versa. Some musicians play their own style, but most play straight-ahead jazz, with vocals from time to time. Occasionally, blues and other music take the stage.
Be sure to check the schedule closely, as the starting times vary from day to day. Saturdays and Sundays often have afternoon shows, so check the time to be sure. There is not live jazz every night, though, and the venue is sometimes rented out for private events. The schedule’s unpredictability is part of the fun, as it is with jazz, but check before you go.
Food is quite tasty, though there is not an extensive menu, just enough to fill you up if you didn’t have time to stop in one of the many shops in the Noge area. Drinks, too, are standard-issue but with 3enough choices to appeal to most tastes.
This is a lovely, appealing jazz space that is easy to like and easy to return to. Spot the classic Yokohama life buoy hanging on the wall, and you’ll know you’re in the right place.
Koki Nishimura Group