From a rapper’s grandiose penthouse delight to the sleaziest dive bars spinning vinyl, PAPER is giving you a first-hand look into the Big Apple’s most hype-worthy music experiences in Seriously, What Are You Doing? — straight from the music editor's mouth. Are you or someone you love feeling restless in the city that never sleeps? Here’s what you should be doing (seriously!).
Every year, only once a year, I head to Café Carlyle to see Hamilton Leithauser's (of The Walkmen) winter residency. I love the teeny little jazz club, with its hand-painted walls and dangerously good martinis they've been serving since 1955. It's special, a treat, a delicious splurge that hits me the same way a super sweet decadent slice of cake does. It's perfect every once in a while, but I'd be a bit mad if I tried to eat it everyday.
Enter Close Up a fresh, relaxed, red-hued jazz club located on 154 Orchard Street in NYC. It's got all the sweet music, yummy drinks and a vibe that gives you an excuse to put on your best fits, all without any of the pomp. Owned by 20-somethings, aimed at 20-somethings and sat right in the bustle of the Lower East Side, the new spot is as approachable as they come.
On the night I stopped by I was pleasantly surprised by the space high school friends Daniel Gaynor and Solomon Gottfried had created. I felt chic and in-the-know without feeling out of place, everyone was friendly, the menu was sensational (I’m still daydreaming about the empanadas) and that’s even before we get to the music. Later, speaking to Daniel I find out how much of a labor of love the club was. How he and his friends pulled together resources (like vintage chairs from his parents) and know-how (like the DIY sound engineering that makes the quality of the room sonics hit you where it needs to) to make their dream of a less stuffy, younger option for enjoying jazz possible.
Domo Branch Trio took the stage on the Saturday. I donned my best silver boots and sipped on sparkling wine (still thinking about that, too) at Close Up. The music was mesmerizing and I even remarked later on my lack of desire to pick up my phone — nary a desire to scroll in sight. Domo, a young New York drummer who (literally) fits the Close Up bill, brought a delightful energy to the room, and by the time the music stopped I was already plotting my return to the club.
It was the kind of evening that reminds you why you came to New York City in the first place. A dimly lit room full of well-dressed guests happy just to hear a good set with a drink in hand and (again) no cell phone in sight. It made me feel good about where the city and the music that makes it run are heading.
If you’re ever up for a little bit of optimism and a lot of good music, hit me up and we'll go to Close Up. See you there.
Photography: Annika White, RJ Meyer, Lauren Hogan
