New House, Old Song
The House of Blues & Jazz's move to the Bund was as much of a venue upgrade as it was a relocation, but the new venue maintains an Old Shanghai vibe, just with a major facelift. The dim lighting, wood paneling and comfortable furniture creates a more reserved alternative to HB&J's glitzier Bund peers. Carlton J. Smith and his band have also made the move to the new venue, and although they had to combat some visa issues, their R&B and jazz tunes go down as smooth as ever. However, if the black and white photos of Robert Johnson, Duke Ellington and other giants of blues and jazz on the wall are any indication of the bar's standards, live music fans in Shanghai may soon have a new regular spot. In the meantime, HB&J is still a solid place to enjoy a Lady Day record and a relaxing drink from their extensive drink menu. They have everything from Latin cocktails, like mjoitos (￥68), to draft import beers, like ￥60 Erdinger.

Nicholas Alexsovich

Add: 60 Fuzhou Lu 福州路60号
Tel: 6323-8326