Can Blue Note become the new hot spot for L.A. jazz?

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In 1981, Danny Bensusan established the Blue Note in Greenwich Village, which soon became a thriving hub for jazz greats. Legends like Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah Vaughan, Oscar Peterson, and Lionel Hampton graced its stage, while Chick Corea, Peterson, Keith Jarrett, and James Carter all recorded live albums within its walls.

44 years after Danny’s son Steven emerged on the scene, he is now expanding the iconic Blue Note to Hollywood. With establishments in locations such as Waikiki, Milan, Napa, Tokyo, and more, this renowned venue will officially open its doors on Thursday. Notably, Blue Note fixture and emissary Robert Glasper will be performing two sets every Thursday and Friday.

As a movie lover, I can’t help but feel that Los Angeles holds a significant place in our industry. A considerable portion of the film world thrives there, making it a key location for us. Not only is it a significant city, but we aspire to be recognized as the West Coast headquarters within this dynamic landscape.

Just as the events in Los Angeles this turbulent year, the club’s path has been rocky. Initially planned to debut in late March, the opening of the Blue Note was postponed due to setbacks in construction caused by the wildfires in January.

Bensusan mentioned that they were acutely aware of the circumstances and felt no need for haste. Therefore, several delays occurred due to construction issues, permit approvals, and so forth. However, they preferred not to expedite the opening process.

Initially, the March 26th date was firmly set, with the club’s director of programming and talent buyer, Alex Kurland, having already scheduled most events for the entire year from that point. However, when everything got delayed by over four months, Kurland was forced to reschedule the entire calendar of events.

It’s a delicate act and a challenging puzzle, as it involves rescheduling and rearranging when artists are available and what suits them best, according to Kurland. The outcome isn’t always predictable since each situation is unique. Regrettably, some artists had to cancel due to commitments in their home market or travel difficulties to the West Coast. Fortunately, everyone was cooperative and understanding.

It was clear to everyone that when the venue was prepared for its grand opening, renowned Blue Note regular Robert Glasper would take center stage as the headline act.

Kurland stated that the club wouldn’t commence operations without Glasper as the initial performer. They share a strong bond and have similar visions, and Glasper was eager to kick things off. Essentially, it’s a collaborative endeavor where everyone is fully committed.

glassPer is now closely linked with Blue Note due to his yearly October stay in New York City, famously called “Robtober,” as well as organizing the Blue Note Jazz Festival Napa towards the end of August.

Each year, Glasper assumes control of the New York City branch, but those involved are firm in their conviction that the Blue Note Los Angeles will embody all aspects of L.A., maintaining its unique identity as a separate entity altogether.

The unique spirit of Los Angeles, its local artists who embody and represent this city, will undeniably influence the atmosphere at the Blue Note, as Robert Glasper, the cultural representative and partner of the L.A. location, explains. Our goal is to make the Blue Note in L.A. feel authentically LA, not like a transplant from New York City. We aim to let Los Angeles express itself through the Blue Note.

As per Kurland’s assertion, that strategy has already been put into action and will undeniably influence the reservation process going forward.

He mentions that some artists performing at Blue Note will be making their debut there, which is significant because they’re striving to book and showcase fresh and innovative talent. Instead of relying on acts with whom they have a past connection, they aim to foster new relationships and provide opportunities for artists to have their first experiences at the Blue Note. These could be performers who are more commonly seen in larger venues, such as Charlie Puth or Ben Folds.

A significant aspect of Blue Note’s style involves creating distinctive moments by fostering unique partnerships or inviting unexpected artists to perform, such as Stevie Wonder or John Mayer spontaneously joining the stage following their time in the audience.

Glasper and Kurland strongly endorse and anticipate numerous interactions with Los Angeles-based musicians.

From a programming perspective, every day’s objective is significantly collaboration-focused, and it’s beneficial to view booking as unique instances instead of merely scheduling dates. What Kurland emphasizes is the importance of meticulously selecting and organizing exceptional bookings, not just those that are available on tour or open in the calendar, but rather, those that have been carefully curated and programmed.

In Glasper’s imagination, it would be fantastic if Stevie Wonder could spontaneously drop by and perform music outside his usual repertoire. It’s not just about seeing the legend do what he does best, but also about witnessing him explore other genres, particularly jazz, perhaps even playing a piano trio set. In my thoughts, this would be the ultimate moment. Secondly, I dream of Stevie Wonder collaborating with Herbie Hancock for an unforgettable joint performance.

Bensusan notes that the Los Angeles menu offers a broader selection of vegan dishes compared to the New York location, along with unique LA-inspired items like Peruvian scallops and a crunchy tuna taco made from crispy rice.

In contrast, Bensusan highlights that what sets this L.A. location apart is its unique feature of having two spaces: a main room (the A-room) for established acts, and a secondary room (the B-room) designed to nurture emerging artists, as well as provide opportunities for spontaneous jams, podcasts, and other events.

Besides excitement about launching our first club, I’m particularly eager for the second space, dubbed ‘B side.’ This area will serve as a platform for us to host up-and-coming artists who might not yet fill the main room. Our goal is to nurture their talent by giving them opportunities, promoting them within our marketing and advertising, and ultimately helping them secure more performances.” (According to Bensusan.)

The given room will cater to multiple roles. It’ll offer a platform for budding acts that might not be ready yet for the Blue Note stage, but have the potential to perform there in the future. Additionally, it could host artists who are currently underplaying elsewhere. Kurland further considers programming this space in conjunction with the Blue Note, aiming for a harmonious connection between the artist performing in the Blue Note room and the DJ playing in the B side. The goal is to strategically enhance the overall atmosphere and curation of the performances. It’s all part of a bigger plan.

For Glasper, it’s crucial to have the two spaces because he aims to transform the Blue Note into a premier musical hub in Los Angeles as a cultural ambassador.

As a movie enthusiast, I find myself captivated by the dynamic cityscape of L.A., brimming with talent and legends. Yet, I’ve noticed a gap – a void where everyone can express their creativity freely. That’s why I envision Blue Note to become that very haven.

I dream of transforming it into an evening gathering for artists, much like the legendary jam sessions L.A. once hosted. Just imagine, every night you could visit this place, knowing it’s a hub for artistic exploration just as Tuesday nights were in L.A., or Monday nights at another iconic spot.

This endeavor promises to be a beacon of opportunity for countless creators, offering them a platform to express themselves and immerse in the arts. It’s not just a location; it’s a community that cherishes and nurtures creativity.

Although Bensusan, Glasper, and Kurland all recognize Blue Note L.A. as a versatile venue, Bensusan’s long-term aspiration at the close of each day mirrors his father’s from 44 years ago in New York City. With a sense of pride, he declares, “Our aim is to establish the epicenter of jazz in Los Angeles.

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2025-08-11 13:32