The Jazzcat

Wherever Rocco is doing a jazz club, I like to call it Rocco’s

but, its real name is Café Metropol. Café Metropol is one of the coolest of

underground jazz joints in Los Angeles.

Not because it is literally underground, but just because not many know about

the Arts District and the wonders that downtown LA has to offer.

 

I know that you may think that James Brown is the hardest

working man in show business but, if that is true, Rocco runs a close second.

Rocco books the music, manages the café, he is the host, the server and the

buses the dishes.  This is a guy with the

most love and passion for this music.

Everywhere that Rocco is, you can expect there to be some of

the hippest music happening. Tonight, Jon Gordon is in town from New York City with Joe

Bagg on organ and Mark Ferber on drums.  Rocco

books the local cats but, he also knows the music so, if there are some hip

eclectic players that are making the music happen, he will make sure that they

have a stage to be heard.

Rocco is known for cool hangs and this is no exception. He

owned his namesake, “Rocco’s”  in Bel

Air, moved to a cool coffee house/theater spot in Hollywood, then to a gallery performance

space at Barnsdall Park in Hollywood and now he is located downtown in an area

that may seem obscure but, will soon be know for the place where the players

play and hang!

Most Angelinos, who never plan to motor east, may find the

terrain a bit tricky, but with a little adventure, a little ingenuity and jazz

as the treasure, the pot of gold can easily be found. Café Metropol is a

restaurant with a nice eclectic menu by day and a paradise of jazz music by

night. (Don’t worry, you can still order the great food in the evening as

well.)

So come down to the place where the food is good, the jazz

is hot and Rocco Somazzi is in the house. Don’t tell me that there is nowhere

exciting to go, or you are too tired, or “downtown is so far”. Get on

Mapquest.com my people! If you are cool, hip or just pretend to be, take an

adventure and make your way down to Café Metropol. Mention that you saw it on “The

Jazzcat.net”! it won’t get you anything but a smile, great service, great music

and a good time. What more could you ask for!

For infomation on up coming performances click the picture above

 

LeRoy Downs