Notorious is a popular jazz club in Buenos Aires. From the outside it looks like a CD store. Once you’re inside, the storefront leads down a corridor to a restaurant and jazz club in the back. The club is on Avenida Callao (pronounced cashhou) a few blocks from my apartment in Recoleta.
I stopped by to check it out and bought a ticket for last night’s jazz session. Notorious is open every day of the week, from 9:30 p.m. onward. Tickets are necessary for the early performance. A late show begins around 1:00 a.m., no ticket required.
La Fusa de Vinicius De Morales
Local and guest musicians are frequent repeat performers at Notorious. La Fusa de Vinicius De Morales is a group of Brazilian and Argentine musicians led by singer Josi Dias. They play the music of Vinicius de Morales, poet, musician, and a primary figure in Brazilian contemporary music.
The legendary album Vinicius in La Fusa, recorded in Buenos Aires, is the best selling album of Brazilian music in Argentina. Morales collaborated with many performers, including popular Brazilian singer and guitarist Toquinho.
Jorge Anders Jazz Orchestra
I bought a ticket to hear the Jorge Anders Jazz Orchestra. Jorge Anders beautifully recreates the music of Duke Ellington’s swing band. Anders composed arrangements for the Duke Ellington Orchestra between 1982 and 1987. He made his début in Buenos Aires and later moved to New York City where he and his quartet became part of the mainstream jazz scene.
Anders released albums in the United States and Argentina. The Jorge Anders Jazz Orchestra consists of 4 trumpets, 3 trombones, alto and baritone sax, piano, 2 tenor saxophones, double bass, drums, and a female singer from Brooklyn. The music they played highlighted the incredible skills of each orchestra member.
It can be awkward going out alone at night but since the club is near my apartment it seemed a great idea. It was one of the most pleasant evenings I’ve spent on this trip. You couldn’t ask for more mellow group – the artists performing and the fun audience. The sold out performance was an eclectic crowd in age and appearance – 20s to 70s. The music was flawless – fantastic musicians playing impeccable jazz!
The added attraction was the handsome and hilarious waiters who danced their way back and forth to the tables they were waiting. There wasn’t room for dancing but some people were dancing in their chairs!
Hi Sue,
Quite interresting to read about your experience with jazz in Buernos Airos. I wish I was with you, then we could also check out the bossa nova places and places for Brasilian shoro and samba. If you like the latin american bossa-jazz you should look for music with the Brasilian clarinet player, Paulo Moura. He was my good friend and helped me a lot with Tante Andante projects in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. Hes music is outstanding,..
Best regards from cold Denmark, Benedicte
Hi Benedicte – Well I wish you were here too – it would be more fun going out! I like Brasilian music very much. Notorious is easy since it’s so close to my apartment and I can walk there easily. Only a few more days here and then home – it’s time. The hardest thing about long-term travel is adjusting to so many different accommodations and of course none can compare to the comfort of home sweet home.
Stay warm! Hope to see you soon!