I'm seriously disappointed with myself that I hadn't actually heard of jam house before, I love…read morethis sort of place, so I'm glad it ended up being introduced to me. Owned by jools Holland you can expect to see some seriously awesome (and rather loud) live music, and quite a mixed crowd - we were rather entertained by a very grumpy looking middle aged couple. Drinks are reasonably priced, but it did take a very long time to get served, the staff seemed pretty chilled out, and there were a good number of pushy customers. The place is well kept, there are some pretty features like the ceiling and sculptures, and it's a good place for **proper** dancing. One thing I will say, is that it took an odd turn after the band finished, where it's went from soul, blues, jazz and a little 80s goodness that fitted in quite well to 90s club music, which just seemed really strange to us. Saying that, I would definitely go again.

Located in the heart of the jewellery quarter of Birmingham the Jam House occupies a traditional…read moreand Historic Georgian building with seating spread over three stylish yet informal airy floors. Both food and drink are expensive in here, but good quality and the live music is fantastic but stay away if you do not like it loud!

Best place to dance to live music. Great jazz gets your feet tapping even if you don't dance. It's…read moreon Saturday evenings, twice a month with live music from 8.30pm. Once a month they have a dance class before the live music starts, check out the website http://www.waterworksjazz.com for dates & info. It's £9 entrance (including dance class) pay on the door. The venue is a bit old and not stylish but there's a bar and dance floor also some parking (handy to bus or train). Good fun, suits people 40+ who've grown out of clubbing but want somewhere they can enjoy a dance. The music's great, the kind of jazz that has a proper tune - played on trumpet, trombone, saxophone, drums, piano etc. Give it a whirl.

I was extremely lucky to have played the 2014 Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival with my band…read more Birmingham's Big Bear Music run the festival with an abundance of passion and enthusiasm. This is most clear through Jim (the face of Big Bear) who is just a bundle of excitement for the city's festivities. Big Bear have an interesting history within Birmingham and are most definitely worth a Google! The festival is currently in its 30th year and awesome for a number of reasons; One: The majority of events are free. Two: They make use of some interesting buildings around town. (We played in Birmingham New Street Station and the Museum and Art Gallery among other lovely venues.) Three: Some very talented musicians from all over the world come over to play at the festival. During our stay, we were busy rushing from venue to venue as we had ten sets in six venues over three days, but we did manage to see a little bit of music in our down time. We were not disappointed! Catching gypsy jazz guitarist Remi Harris and his trio's outdoor performance transported us directly to the streets of 1920's Paris. Sublime!

Festival happens over the course of a whole week. Organised by Big Bear Music, this is a festival…read moredeserving of much more support from the City. I've travelled from Glasgow for the weekend and loving the whole thing. A wide and wild variety of acts, both local and international. Tell city is easy to get around and the venues all suitable. And each gig attended so far has been free! Highlight of the Festival? The Humors. All original material, delivered and performed with feeling and real skill. This band don't know yet just how good they are! Thanks Birmingham Jazz and Blues, hope to see you again next year!

Bearwood Corks Club is perhaps best known for it's connections to the Birmingham jazz scene and in…read moreparticular as the home venue of Andy Hamilton's band the Blue Notes - Andy Hamilton sadly died recently but their website confirms that gigs will continue. It's based on the main Bearwood Road High Street and served by the Number 11. Lots of incredible people have played here - perhaps most notably Soweto Kinch who is another Birmingham based musician doing rather lovely things at the moment is a member's only (including the Hockley Flyover show) and they will also be running gigs as part of the Birmingham International Jazz and Blues festival in July. It is a member's only social club so you may need to be signed in and the decor is perhaps a little faded but this is definitely a place to visit if you like jazz.

Taylor John's House is an intimate venue that puts on live music and is located in Coventry city…read morecentre on the edge of the canal basin. Live music is on most nights of the week and the venue has an excellent bar with some beers and ciders that you will not find at your standard bar. Taylor John's House specialises in putting on experimental and avant-garde music; everyone from nu-jazz sensations Polar Bear, to Canadian avant-metallers Nadja have played shows at the venue. The venue holds around a maximum of 200 people, providing an intimate and up close and personal interaction with the bands and performers. Taylor John's House is without doubt the premier venue for anyone interested in alternative music and art in Coventry. Students can also get a significant discount on most gigs. All in all, there is no other place quite like this for Coventry, I would highly recommened it.

If you haven't yet been to Taylor Johns then get there as soon as possible!!…read more It is a fantastic venue with live music on most nights with new, upcoming and varied artists visiting Coventry. The location is wonderful (right next to the canal basin), the venue is intimate but wonderful. The staff are amazing and everyone is there to enjoy the music and the friendly atomsphere

Very much looking forward to date nigh in a new venue. On paper this has it all! Funky eclectic…read morevibe, decor looks interesting and well thought through. Menu is fresh including a sharing fondue, This excited me and live jazz. Service over the telephone on booking my table was personal and friendly. All top marks so far. In the flesh I have one resounding remark " too loud !" We stayed for one drink, served by a hard of hearing bar man. I saw a friend on arrival who shouted " good luck eating hear you won't be able to have a conversation" we were shown to a lovely table and given a fab menu board. My partner shouted to me " we aren't paying £25 for a steak when we can't enjoy the atmosphere " we left our table and headed to the garden/ outside sheltered areas, where we were able to talk and finish our drinks. Over all, such a shame as its really ticked all boxes on paper. Too loud !! You are driving custom away