The Jazzlab

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The Jazzlab

Brunswick, VIC

The Jazzlab
Words by Staff

The Jazzlab may have only opened in 2017, but it has a long proud legacy courtesy of its owner, Michael Tortoni.

LIVE MUSIC: A 200+ capacity concert venue with a wonderful atmosphere.

FAMOUS FOR: sustaining the legacy of Bennetts Jazz Club, which was regarded by many as the greatest jazz club in the world.

INFAMOUS FOR: it’s a self-described “hardcore jazz club”. The Jazzlab pushes sonic boundaries, it’s not a lounge, folks.

The previous owner of Bennetts Jazz Club (which hosted the likes of Prince, Maceo Parker and Harry Connick Jnr, just to name a few), Tortoni is also a legend in the scene for helping save the Melbourne International Jazz Festival back in 2002 when its funding was cut (he’s been the artistic director since).

It’s no surprise then, that The Jazzlab is one of the places to be during October every year, but its real influence is sustaining Melbourne’s proud jazz culture all-year-round. It’s been invaluable for the careers of so many incredible Australian musicians, but it’s equally known for attracting world-class internationals as well. This month, Alma Zygier will be recording her first live album here across three nights.

The JazzLab also holds some strong aesthetic similarities to Bennetts Lane, with the furniture and long bar relics from the iconic venue. It also has a strong community ethos, regularly hosting schools and other organisations.

During the week, the venue caters to serious jazz aficionados and can be a hub of experimentalism. On the weekends things can be a little more accessible – they host an impressive array of talent and it’s the perfect time to drop by and acquaint yourself with the venue.

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