Sometime
サムタイム
Ishikawa Biru B1, 1-11-31 Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino-shi. (0422)21-6336.
東京都武蔵野市吉祥寺本町1-11-31 B1F
Cover charge is from 1,800 to 4,000 yen. Two sets at 19:30 and 21:00.
#sometimejazzclub
From the north exit of Kichijoji station. From Kichijoji Station (Chuo Line), exit in the main north direction (not the Inokashira Park exit). Out of the station, you will see a covered shopping street called Sun Road. Go up there, and NOT to the left down Cherry Road. After a hundred meters or so, turn left on the small side street called Penny Lane. About 20 meters on the right-hand side is a sign for Sometime and stairs heading down.
Sometime is one of the premier jazz clubs in Tokyo. Nestled into the shops, eateries and boutiques of Kichijoji, Sometime pulls in a crowd every night of the week. They book the best of Tokyo jazz and have established an atmosphere where the groups play their best. It's an institution in Tokyo jazz. Playing there means you have made it. Nearly every great player in Tokyo has been through here at some point in their career, and often all through their career, as the audience is always filled with the curious, informed and jazz-hungry. Most performers have a regular monthly gig set up and often appear in interesting re-groupings, swapping the role of leader on different nights.
Interestingly, though, the vibe is very laid back. With a nightly cover charge cheaper than almost any spot in Tokyo, you can wander in without taking out a loan. You can also wander in mid-set and not feel like you are interrupting. There is a constant in-flow and out-flow that is lively, without being a hassle. The wait staff are also excellent, sensing when you want another drink, but otherwise leaving you alone to enjoy the music. Drinks are reasonable and the food quite good.
The stage is smack in the middle of the club, so that from almost anywhere, you can hear well. However, from the back tables on the lower floor (it's split a bit) and one or two tables on the balcony floor the view is obstructed. Get there early or call ahead, or beg for a better seat during the break. You can always squeeze in and switch your seat if the first one isn't perfect. The sound is fairly good all through the club and you can really hear the drum without any miking or amping, as it's smack in the middle.
Seats that arc around just over the players' heads are cool because you can really see the musicians working up close. One could quibble with the kitschy interior and the acoustics, but after settling in for a few numbers Sometime starts to look and sound like one of the best spots in the city to hear music. There is now also a Sunday afternoon live show, which is quite busy usually, and an interesting way to spend a non-work day.
More than anything, the players relax as much as the patrons, thanks to the mystery vibe that makes all the difference. It's one of the older clubs in the city and some fans have gone there from college past retirement age. In general, musicians do not depart too far into open, free jazz, but neither do they play predictable standards. Musicians always play their best here and showcase recent compositions and new arrangements. The musicians are very close to the audience, too, so they have the human interaction that drives them to play hard and dig deep.
