Over the years, I've become a big fan of jazz so whenever I find a new jazz venue, it's usually news that I report to all my friends, family, and anyone else I can tell. The wife and I came across a new club last night. It's called the Pasadena Jazz Institute, located at the Paseo Colorado shopping center. The wife and I come here often to shop, eat dinner, or see movies, but we didn't know this club existed, probably because it's tucked away in the back where there is virtually no foot traffic.
The house band is called the Paul Lines Trio with Derrick Finch on keyboards, Tony Dumas on acoustic bass, and Paul Lines on drums. They were accompanied by guests Zane Musa on sax, and Ariah on vocals. They played 3 sets dedicated to bop and swing. They played a variety of Monk, Coltrane, Ellington, and Gillespie composition among others, and they did it spectacularly. They are the best house band I've even seen, period. We stayed for all 3 sets, from 8 pm to midnight.
Club is 2 months old. They haven't done much marketing so there are no lines to get in. Cover charge is $10 for now. There is no food, only liquor. They do have a website:
www.passjazz.org
Go check out the club and definitely check out the Paul Lines Trio. I had a camera with me - here's some pics. Lighting was a little screwed up (red, blue, and green incandescent bulbs everywhere and I had my flash turned off).