JZ in the afternoon

It's criminal to live so close to the fantastic JZ Club and actually get to the place as infrequently as we do, but we're determined to mend our recidivistic ways after spending a thoroughly spot-on Sunday afternoon there this weekend. There are few other places you can just blunder into from the street and, without spending a groat (though yesterday the Guinness proved too much of a draw) to be blown away by some great music and a convivial atmosphere. And this was all before the billed show for the day.

Yep, yesterday's afternoon showcase by students of Steve Sweeting's Jazz voice class exemplified why the club is so special; it's not just the consistently high quality live shows put on by the regular and visiting musicians, but also the club's ethos of community engagement (check out all the classes they have lined up for next semester), as well as the complete lack of pretension in the place.

Though that won't stop us donning a polo neck and beret and sanguinely stroking our facial hair next time we go.

JZ, 46 Fuxing Xi Lu, near Yongfu Lu, Metro Line 1 Changshu Lu Station. 复兴西路46号,近永福路. Tel: 64310269.

Photo courtesy of Youjung Choi.