Melody of Motown

One thing I've learned on my many visits to Detroit is that it is a hot spot for real music. Not the fake crap you hear on the radio. F*** this, F*** that, B-words, B-words, Money, B-words. More like the smooth sounds of a saxophone swarming the air like a light smoke, sweet sultry voices like the sounds of crashing waves on a beautiful sunny day. Jazz creates such a peaceful, care-free atmosphere that should be present everywhere you go. Sadly, that is not the case, but in Motown it is! Nicknamed after Motown Records, a record company founded in Detroit by Berry Gordy Jr in 1959. This label was graced with voices of legendary musicians like The Temptations, Diana Ross, Billie Holiday and Marvin Gaye. There are now so many discreet and accessible spots for Jazz lovers to get lost in their passion of music. From the classy aura of Cliff Bells to the antique feel of Cafe D'Mongos, there is always a spot for people of all shapes and sizes to engulf themselves in authentic Jazz. If you’re the mood to dress up nice, drink expensive cocktails and eat a bountiful seafood dinner, all while you enjoy a live Jazz performance, Cliff Bells is the right place for you. Right on 2030 Park Avenue, is the former busiest night crawl corner of Detroit in the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s.

As I walked into the bar, I instantly felt important with the affluent ambiance of the wrap around bar and the dim lighting, along with the live Jazz music caressing my eardrums. Almost every single face was lit up with smiles and light airy conversation added a sort of melody to the music. This was my favorite part of the place. There were no judgments, no hostilities, no complaints. Just good, clean, honest fun.

Now, if want to see live jazz and you didn’t shower today or feel like it, The Jazz Loft right off of 529 Monroe street in Greektown is one of the best places to be. Not only is it very dimly lit, but very secluded. You would never know it was there without word of mouth. There is a man standing next to a bland doorway on the streets of Greektown guarding the door into the club, which is technically called Exodus. Door opens at 9 pm and closes at about 2 am. Some of best jazz bands in the city play here every Monday night. You will only understand why if you visit yourself. The passion the musicians exude is written plainly on their faces as they present their precious talents. You can tell just by looking at them that they live for these moments. 

The place is so small, yet so comfortable and homey, until you walk outside. The patio is set up so sensually with white curtains decorated in every corner, couches, chairs and tables set up for small talk, deep conversations and kindling of love and a view of the city below it. The patio was a reason in itself to visit.