Jazz music has become a mainstay of the Gulf courtesy of festivals and concerts featuring the genre’s leading lights. Jazz at Lincoln Center Doha takes the affection one step further by becoming the highest-profile jazz club in this region. We visited the venue at Doha’s St Regis Hotel to sample the cool.
The concept
A meeting of two jazz traditions. The iconic St Regis Hotel in New York City has a hallowed history of hosting performances by the likes of Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Buddy Rich in its Rooftop Ballroom.
While the hotel continued to celebrate its great jazz tradition throughout the years, it took the bold step of cementing its credentials globally by teaming up with the American music institution Jazz at Lincoln Center to open a live music venue at the St Regis Doha.
Located within the luxury hotel, the venue marks the first overseas venture by Jazz at Lincoln Center. Since opening its doors in 2012, Jazz at Lincoln Center Doha (JALCD) has become a regional hub for jazz lovers to sample sophisticated tunes by leading artists.
The vision
It may overlook the Doha coastline, but JALCD is a direct New York City product. Before the venue was opened, the manager Isabella Murgu travelled to the original Jazz at Lincoln Center to be schooled by the artistic director, the great trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, about the philosophy behind the new venue.
“It was definitely the product of a great vision,” she recalls. “Wynton told me about the importance of such a venue. He said that if he were to invite you to his home, it would be a place that is full of soul. In a way hospitality and jazz music have lot in common in that you want to make the guest and musician have an experience.”
The set-up
Those expecting the grimy and smoke-filled rooms of classic jazz clubs, think again. You are in a luxury resort, so comfort and lavishness are on plenty supply here. A plush burgundy colour scheme abounds through the many couches, curtains and gilded dining tables.
The venue caters to both jazz aficionados and initiates. For those who want to concentrate on the tunes, small tables for two can be found near the stage; bigger tables for four are at the back. Groups can indulge in the comfy couches and benches in the middle section (far enough from the stage to warrant a few whispers), while standing room is available in the back.
The tunes
All performing artists are picked by Jazz at Lincoln Center and arrive in Doha with a mission to educate and entertain. “This is the aesthetic of the centre,” says the American trumpeter Dominick Farinacci, who recently completed his second live tour of the venue.
“We have a commitment to swinging, which is basically the foundation rhythm defining jazz and the blues. A lot of it is about the feel as well. So, for me, I can come here with that goal to swing, but also be allowed to express it in whatever way I choose.”
Farinacci said artists performing in the venue play sets to engage different crowds. “We want to create a programme appealing to all,” he said. “Whether you listen to jazz or not, I think the commonality of the people coming here in Doha is that they are musical lovers and that’s why I enjoy it.”
The food
A music-inspired menu is also on offer. The theme here is comfort food with burgers, pastas and a few American favourites. One hot pick is the Jazz Doha Jambalaya at 158 Qatari riyals (Dh159), a hot stew including crab, scallops, calamari and shrimps. Also worth noting is the Count Basie for QAR 218 (Dh219), a serving of barbecued short ribs, pickled vegetable and mashed potatoes.
• Jazz at Lincoln Center Doha is at the St Regis Doha in West Bay, Doha, Qatar. Free entry. For details, call 00 97 444 460 105 or visit www.jalcdoha.com