Where to hear live jazz, blues and soul music in Brisbane

If you’ve got Georgia on your mind and want to find your own brown-eyed girl, perhaps you’ll find her at one of Brisbane’s live music bars – specifically those with a little more soul...

Forget the cover band playing Wonderwall at your local pub, pass on the soundscape artist at the nearest gallery space, and don’t bother with underground indie band – it’s time to get your groove on and put those jazz hands to good use.

Brooklyn Standard, Brisbane City

With free live music six nights a week, there is never a bad time to visit Brooklyn Standard. As the beers flow and the pretzel bowls empty, hit the dance floor to the funky tunes. Funk, soul, blues, jazz, swing – Brooklyn serves it all.

Tip: Wednesdays are dedicated to the blues. First Wednesday of each month is Jam Night. Find out what's on via its Facebook page.

Brisbane Jazz Club, Kangaroo Point

It’s perhaps our most underrated bar. This riverfront jazz club has million-dollar views of the CBD and serves up live jazz every week. Catch the free CityHopper ferry over from Eagle Street Pier and soak up the atmosphere from the deck with drinks at pub prices.

Tip: As Brisbane’s dedicated jazz club, this place has all sorts of cool festivals and events running through it. Check its website for gig details and tickets.

JMI Live, Bowen Hills

Jazz Music Institute (JMI) is the only school in Brisbane that offers classes and courses specializing in jazz performance so it seems only right that they have an epic jazz sesh on Thursday nights. The intimate setting allows for great acoustics and atmosphere so go along to hear some of Brisbane's resident or up-and-coming jazz performers. 

Tip: Live jazz starts at 8pm, but head along early or stay a little late for the two jam sessions that start at 6pm and 10:30pm.

The Press Club, Fortitude Valley

Since 1998 The Press Club has been bringing its own brand of funk to Brisbane’s bar scene. Step through the doors and into the steampunk-esque cocktail bar for a wild night of live entertainment. Tuesdays are RNB, Thursday is roots 'n' rockabilly, Friday's are live bands and across the weekend it mixes it up.

Tip: Check the music line-up online. 

Remy's, Paddington

Every Thursday, Remy’s hosts live jazz to soothe your soul so you leave feeling loose and jazzy fresh. They also do great burgers and brews to really loosen you up.

Tip: It starts at 6pm, but get there early for a good seat.

Cobbler, West End

This whisky bar in West End stocks more than 400 bottles of the spirit and features live jazz every Friday night from 8pm to midnight. Even better, keep it going on Saturdays when DJs spin funky old-school soul tracks.

Tip: It is staffed by one of the top 25 bartenders in the world – leave your drink choice to the professionals.

Cardigan Bar, Sandgate

Cardigan Bar is Sandgate's neighbourhood laneway watering hole that provides a great place for people to meet and sip delicious drinks. The boho atmosphere is complemented with folk, jazz, and blues music nightly from Thursday to Sunday and the odd Wednesday. 

Tip: There's often food trucks on-site or you can BYO food.