If you are a jazz lover and planning a trip to the Far East, you must put Shanghai on your list of cities to explore. Dee McNeil, in the "PathFinders" magazine states, "Since Art and Music have historically represented cultures and people, it's not surprising that this city is embracing jazz, which epitomizes cultural freedom and revolution, and encourages improvisation and change. Shanghai, like its jazz musicians, represents a new generation that is playing it by ear and improvising their way up the economic ladder."
The following "must see" jazz haunts are listed:
- Go the the Peace Hotel and hear the "Old Jazz Band" - named for its members that are allmore than 70 years old. Their specialty is mixing jazz music with the American DixieLand Style of the 20's, 30's and 40.s. Make reservations or risk being assigned to the lobby where music drifts out of the performance hall.
- The Westin's Niche Bar is a comfortable room with plush sofas and accomodating armchairs. Jazz is played six evenings a week, and is international talent, rather than local.
- Pu-J's Bar inside the Grand Hyatt covers everything from traditional Chinese songs to New Orleans jazz standards. This is where East meets West and big business deals are made over martini's and music!
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