Some people prefer to hit the streets on their own.  We applaud that spirit and would like to offer our assistance.  As far as we know, there is no other service set up to help the New York visitor with unbiased advice on where to go and how to get there.  Let us help you maximize your New York City jazz adventure by providing the current information that no guide book or website could ever hope to provide.

The Consultation Process Step by Step:
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2- Let us know if you are interested in a particular style of jazz, or not.
3-  Feel free to ask any initial questions.
4-  We will set up a meeting at a cafe or your hotel lobby for the consultation, or email  you with the results of our research.
5-  This usually lasts an hour and is payable by cash, Visa or MasterCard.

• Consultation fee is only $50.00/hr. with a one hour minimum.
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    How did my 16 year old son Matt and I end up in Tompkins Square Park at the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival?!  What a way to start off our tour! Matt was so thrilled to listen to one of the best musicians in the land - Joe Lovano.  It was fitting that Charlie Parker's residence was right across the street from the park.

    We didn't think it could get any better than listening to Joe Lovano wailing on the sax, but it sure did get better.   Now we were off to Harlem and our journey was complimented by your interesting stories - like the "Great Day in Harlem Picture," and the "Tree of Hope."

    Gordon, check out the video I took, as we approach the Apollo Theater and by former President Clinton's office building.  We are getting closer to the hidden jewel of Harlem - The American Legion Post # 398.  I apologize for the lighting problem inside the legion - but you would have to agree that the people inside lit up our spirits with their warm, friendly neighborhood style.

   Gee, they really knew how to have a great time! Matt and I commented that the Legion was so "unspoiled" by tourists, and Matt even suggested that we do not mention the name of this particular Legion in case you decide to share this note with the general public.

   The front row seat was the place to be as Seleno Clarke hammered that Hammond B3 Organ accompanied by an excellent guitarist and an outstanding drummer. In a short time Seleno was talking to Matt and introducing Matt to the patrons who all seemed to know one another.

   It was a dream come true for Matt as he ably played his sax with the outstanding musicians assembled. He will never forget  his many solos and especially the extremely warm reception.

   Matt and I are basically small town kind of people, but everyone was so supportive: a gentleman named Doc was helping me find an electrical outlet to recharge my battery, a lady name El was predicting a fine musical career for Matt and Nate Lucas, the organist, was inviting us to the Lenox Lounge for a birthday celebration for his 91 year old father (his dad at one time played with Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington, and Nat King Cole).

    Later in the evening I was tempted to chow down on some delicious soul food.  MMM -good! Matt passed on the soul food and he later told me he was busy  chatting with the lone female member of the Legion and with the Commander of the Legion.

    Gordon, thank you so much!

    Call it serendipity or what - it all started when I invited Matt to accompany me to the Tennis Teachers' Conference in New York City. Realizing that Matt's true love is music, I figured that I would check the internet to find one jazz establishment to visit.  Well, I found your web site and you know the rest of the story...

Gordon, Matt would like to express his feelings:

    Hi Gordon,
    Just recently I was watching the video from our jazz tour in New York. As much as I was annoyed by my dad's video documentation on the tour, I now appreciate it! I have great memories captured on tape that will last forever. As you know, I love jazz. Charlie Parker is one of my all-time favorite jazz musicians. You can imagine how excited I was listening to jazz giant, Joe Lovano, play "Bird's" music at the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival.   

The highlight of the tour for me, however, was sitting in on sax at the jam session in Harlem. Now, I've seen some big name jazz groups such as the Count Basie Orchestra and Maynard Ferguson's Big Bop Noveau Band. I never would have thought that hearing jazz at a small club in Harlem would rank as one of the best musical experiences in my life!

The music was incredible and the people were friendly and supportive. The American legion Post had an authentic jazz atmosphere. It was jazz at its purest form.  Thank you so much, Gordon, for an amazing time in New York.
                       
Sincerely,

Matt  Kane
Auburn, MA

Jim Kane
Auburn, MA

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My friends and I were lucky enough to find Gordon on the internet and arrange a personally guided tour of New York's best jazz establishments. With no prior contact with Gordon I must say in total honesty that Gordon proved to be so thoroughly knowledgeable of jazz locales and players that he could attune the tour to our personal tastes and experience with jazz.   
   
His caring, professional, and at the same time friendly guidance made the tour the hit of our week-end in New York. His experience has made him the essence of a tour guide. He makes you feel thoroughly at home in New York and in the various clubs and has followed up that evening by answering many follow-up requests for information as a matter of genuine courtesy.  
   
No to be too lengthy, Gordon is truly a "find". He can make New York jazz come alive for the newcomer or aficionado. This sounds like a paid commercial. I can assure you it is totally spontaneous and the result of his outstanding work as a tour guide. The others in our group of Philadelphia doctors, lawyers and professors thoroughly subscribe to the above.  

Jack Dobbyn
Philadelphia, PA

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Gordon,
Hey! from North Carolina. Thanks so much for the taste of Big Apple jazz last week. Showman's was authentic Harlem, and we were so close to the stage at Smoke that the trombonist nearly hit me each time he moved his instrument!

I recommend that others get in touch with you if they want a relaxed -- even personal -- encounter with the late-night jazz scene. The evening was casual yet professional. It's not so much a tour as it is a chance to hang out with an enthusiastic jazz buddy. That, I suspect, is a unique offering.

Much success with introducing others to the joys of New York and NYC jazz.

Regards,
Phillip Daquila
Durham, NC

Gordon,

When we describe our visit to New York the evening with you is always a highlight. I did a lot of research but I never would have found the places you took us to. Thank you again for your help. I think you might want to rethink your prices though. It was beyond a bargain. I don't see how anyone could afford NOT to use your services.

Thanks,
Sharon Verrall
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

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My husband and I would like to thank you for the experience we went through with you. That jazz tour we took with you in New York was an amazing adventure.  Those places we visited, the whole atmosphere in them, the people performing, the environment... everything was tops. And we thought we had seen jazz before!! We were completely mistaken.  

Again we have to thank you for your company because that was also part of the whole experience. The way you know the places, how much you know about jazz, and the people who are part of the hidden jazz scene in New York.  These places we went to, we would have never been able to find them on our own, there is no way we would have seen these places without you. 

We want everybody to know that this tour is a must.  A must-do, a must-see, a must-experience. Don’t miss it.  A really unforgettable treasure.  Thank you, Gordon. Thank you very much. 

Adrian Stoppelman 
Graciela Rodriguez 
Buenos Aires, Argentina

Dear Gordon, 

I just wanted to follow up and thank you so much for the wonderful experience David and I had with you on the Harlem Jazz Tour recently.    We had a fabulous time that night.  The memories are strong, clear and very happy.  I have told a number of people about you and will continue to do so.  I think the service you provide is unique and very good.  I recall testimonials on your web site from former clients, let us know if we can be of any help in providing you with testimonials or other promotions. 

Best to you and thank you again for a great time.

Sarah Richardson
Iowa City, Iowa

Dear Gordon,

Thank you so much for guiding me to that fantastic Monday Night Harlem Jam.  Without your help I could have never been exposed to such a wonderful true jazz experience like that in my life. I now know what is the real jazz , the music and the atmosphere.

Hopefully seeing you again.

Sincerely,
 
Osamu,
From far away country,
Chiba, Japan.

Dear Gordon

Your tailor-made tour of jazz clubs was the indisputable highlight of our visit to New York.
I can think of no better way to get acquainted with the New York jazz scene. 

Regards from your Dutch connection, 

Kees Broekhof 
Trombonist and jazz enthusiast, 
Oegstgeest,
The Netherlands

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