(China Daily)
Updated: 2007-07-20 10:13

The capital's hepcats and daddy-os descend in droves to snap their fingers to bebop beats in this jazzed-up joint. East Shore Live Jazz Cafe is the brainchild of saxophonist Liu Yuan, who is unfortunately known to many only as a former member of Cui Jian's band.

But those who drop in this Thursday or Saturday to catch the Liu Yuan Quartet would see why Liu is the jazzman with the plan for the Beijing scene. This dream team assembled by the capital's supreme saxophonist blows audiences away, with renowned pianist Xia Jia, bassist Huang Yong and drummer Izumi laying down particularly smooth grooves.

On Friday, audiences can catch the Golden Buddha Jazz Unit, while those who want to stretch their weekend as much as possible can see the Moreno Donadel Trio on Sunday. Acts take to the stage at 10pm on show nights, but the place would be packed long before then. So, it's wise to get there early to grab stageside seats.

Located on the otherwise largely forlorn east shore of Houhai, the venue is among the classiest in Beijing. Low lighting, dark wood furnishings and an exceptional panoramic view of the lake make this place seem like a movie set.

In order to maintain its designation as a jazz joint on non-performance days, the establishment is adorned with several framed posters of legendary jazzmen such as B.B. King and Louis Armstrong. And a glass paneled wall-inset showcases a collection of antique instruments, including a saxophone, trumpet, flute and retro microphones.

But the bar hasn't gone overboard with its themed decor and has successfully pulled off a niche decorating scheme, without the kitsch.

The westernmost wall of the bar's back section has been turned into a wall-to-ceiling window. Punters can perch on a raised platform that runs along its periphery to gaze at the bustling bridge and watch boats float below.

Beers start at 20 yuan, while East Shore's well-mixed drinks begin at 30.

Music maniacs in the capital would agree that when the jazzman comes to Beijing, he makes his way to East Shore Live Jazz Cafe.

East Shore Live Jazz Cafe
Location: 2/F, 2 Qianhai Nanyanlu, Xicheng District.
Tel: 010-8403-2131