Jazz in Japan | Apollo

Apollo アポロ

Funky basement room with loose, fresh jazz

EIKO Bldg B1, 2-9-22 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
〒155-0031 東京都世田谷区北沢２-９-２２ EIKO下北沢ビル地下１階

Shimokitazawa Station (Keio Inokashira Line, Odakyu Line)

2,000 to 3,000 yen, plus bar charge 800 yen and drink order. Sets from 19:30. No food. Just drinks and great music.

https://ameblo.jp/430416apollo/

https://jazzshiryokan.net/jazzDB/livehouse_detail.php?recordID=H329

https://www.facebook.com/XiaBeiZeBarApolloaporoShimokitazawaApollo

https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/280536939/xia-bei-ze-apolloaporo-shimokitazawa-apollo/

Apollo is not much bigger than the Apollo that carried men to the Moon, but it sure is more cozy. The vibe is laid-back and relaxed, and there’s not only no miking but hardly any place to put a mike! Located on a neat little back street of one of Tokyo’s hippest, most music-loving areas—Shimokitazawa—Apollo is more of a newcomer to the jazz scene, but it’s made a name for itself.

This four-meter square space on the basement floor is packed with black and white photos of musicians and real instruments hung on the old yellow walls. Lighting is by bare bulb.

The “stage” is the space nearest one corner. There’s no need for amplification. A grand piano would be nice, but where would you put it? Instruments hang from the walls like at many neighborhood clubs where musicians of all stripes used to go to jam.

The music is cutting-edge, experimental, free, and sometimes straight-ahead. Musicians clearly love playing there, as the space’s underground feel always kicks them into high gear. It’s a cool atmosphere for an intimate music experience.

Get there early to get a decent seat. Drinks are good, and they’d probably rustle up some food for you, but it’s better to eat at any of the hundreds of eateries in the nearby areas.