B Flat
（ビー・フラット）
Akasaka-Ei Biru B1, Akasaka 6-6-4, Minato-ku. (03)5563-2563.
〒107-0052東京都港区赤坂6-6-4 赤坂栄ビルB1
Cover charge is 2,500 -3,000 yen, 2,000 -2,500 for students (sometimes more depending on a live), and about twice a month, they have no charge night! Cover is more for overseas acts, but you still get two full sets. Sets are from 7:30 and 9:15.
From Akasaka Station (Chiyoda Line), it's an easy 4-minute walk. From exit 5B, turn right (after wandering up to the street) with your back to the large ACT Theatre and TBS buildings. You go up hill a little, and on the right hand side you will see a bright red door and sign. Alternately from Tameike Sanno station (Ginza and Nanboku Sen), exit 12B onto Roppongi Dori. Turn right up hill on the small-ish winding street that goes up and over and down to Akasaka proper.
B Flat is one of the premier jazz clubs in the city, showcasing the very best in Tokyo jazz every night. After moving from its previous spot in Harajuku (where it went by the name “Keynote”), and with the passing of Sugiya-san, a wonderful manager with a bow tie and a great human being, the club's future seemed in doubt. But, the new owners are doing a great job and the selection of players, the service, and the sound remain consistently excellent.
More space means a bigger stage means larger groups, of course, and at least several nights a week, B Flat loads the just-raised dais with orchestras, big bands, and long front lines. That makes for a huge sound, and the sound system handles it with crisp perfection. Other nights, quartets to octets have enough room to expand into the big interior with straight ahead jamming and tight, solid swing. The stage and audience have the right interaction and connection. On a slow night you can sit close, but on a busy night, you can still hear really well. Musicians always seem to like playing there. There's room to move around and yet it is not too big.
Once a month or so, B Flat brings over well-known jazz musicians from America and Europe. On these nights the cover charge is higher, but with two full sets, rather than one short set (like some international, corporate-sponsored venues that do not need mention limit you to), it is a great value. The names of famous performers written in pen on the brick wall attest to the outstanding musicians that have performed there over the years.
B Flat is exceptionally good about reservations, so it is always wise to call ahead, even an hour or two, to get a slightly better seat. Tables for large groups are available, too. On no-charge nights, though, you have to get there early and line up, but how often do you get to hear great bands for nothing? They don't put just newcomers for no-charge night, either. Large pillars block a few seats, but hey, that's life. Sitting on the far sides of the stage is fine, though, and the sound still good. Food is tasty if you don’t have time to check out the many, many eateries in the area. Drinks are reasonably priced (for Tokyo), and service always good.