For several years now, Harlem Jazz has been holding onto its reputation as one of the liveliest spots in town for great live music including from some of the hottest acts to have hit the town at one time or another. These include resident American singer K’Alyn as well as recent Grammy nominee, Wayna who was a regular here for several months during 2007. Harlem Jazz’s formula works because it seems to be unerringly focused on superlative, live music – the kind you’re definitely going to groove to. Even if reggae wasn’t really your thing, you would almost certainly find something likable in the infectious grooves that the appropriately Rastafarian looking band is usually throwing down.
Located right around the tip of Bole Road (just off from the Ring Road roundabout), Harlem Jazz is easy to spot anytime after 10pm due to the long line of cars you will see parked in front of it. Sometimes accompanied by a traffic jam nearby too. Walk in the gate (after an obligatory pat down) and you will be greeted by a courtyard which often has an open fire pit spewing delicious warmth for those cool Addis nights as you may be likely to encounter around the Christmas holiday season. To the left is the main structure which houses a bar in the main area with the stage at the far end of the room. There is a larger bar and lounge area off to the right from where you can also get a peek of the band through some openings in the wall between.
One of the more immediate senses you might get entering the main area is one of movement. It seems like everybody is grooving in some measure to thumping music from a rather good sound system. There is usually a heavy (and active!) expat presence at Harlem Jazz and of course visiting Diaspora, Returnees and so forth. Usually, trying to push forward to the stage or either one of the bars will mean that you’ll find yourself in tight quarters as those tend to be the spots that most of the revelers try to inhabit. But movement overall goes well with Harlem Jazz’s focus on music – and you will definitely get your fill of some great sounds there. It all starts with a great sound system and even better bands. Whether it’s the Mehari Brothers or another ensemble, instrumentation is usually spot on and makes for an excellent backdrop to standout performers like the aforementioned K’Alyn. As we’ve said before, danceable music is what you’re more likely to find here and apparently what most regular patrons here prefer. Despite it’s name, if you’re looking more for jazzy mellow, then Alize just up the street will probably be a better fit for you.
But for fun , groovy times accompanied by great music, look no further than Harlem Jazz.
