Excited by the prospect of experiencing original live music in Nanjing? Then look no further! I would like to share with you my reviews of several places I have recently frequented and the music I have heard!
The Magpie, Qinghua district.
If you enjoy jazz, this is a popular venue to see established and emerging musicians perform every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday evening. I relaxed at the bar and watched a local group perform improvised interpretations of classics and originals.It can get very busy, if you plan on going, arrive early to guarantee a comfortable seat with a good view of the band!
My ratings: venue: 8/10. Concert: 7/10.
Olympic Park, Polly Theatre, Jianye district.
This was the first time I have experienced Vivaldi’s Four Seasons played live and the Daniel Hope and Gstaad Festival Orchestra did not disappoint! An exhilarating performance in a grand space designed for grand music!
My ratings: venue: 9/10. Concert: 9/10.
1701 Live House Music Park, Yuhuatai district.
The main destination in Nanjing for international bands, and their first stop on a three/four-venue nationwide tour that includes Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Beijing.
1701 is an especially good multi-venue destination to experience professional musicians, performing jazz and alternative genres. On the second floor, in a space with a great sound system and P.A. I watched the very loud German band Unprocessed; a technically gifted group of musicians, creatively fusing various sub-genres
of progressive metal/metalcore. If you like face-melting riffs, roaring vocalisations and big melodic choruses, these boys may well just be up your street!
My rating: venue: 9/10. Concert: 8/10.
1701 Live House Music Park, Yuhuatai district.
In an excellently designed building inspired by the architecture of a church’s ceiling (to enhance acoustics), I watched another German band; a jazz trio called Replikae.Fronted by a lead saxophonist with exceptional control, they demonstrated mesmerizing virtuosic intricacy and incredible emotive expression. As is sometimes the case with jazz ensembles, a lot of material is only performed in concert, making the experience even more rewarding.
My rating: venue: 9/10. Concert: 9/10.
Sesh, Qinghua district.
A hip and intimate psychedelic themed café/bar who serve coffee in the day and alcohol by night. Sesh is a favourite haunt for young local musicians, post gig.If you are here on the off chance an impromptu session is happening, you are very fortunate!
My ratings: venue: 9/10.
I hope you enjoyed my reviews. I heartedly recommend checking out these venues if you haven’t already. Happy listening!
