New jazz venue TTing now open on Nanyang rd
In fact TTing has already been open for nearly four months, but has yet to do a formal grand opening. Like any fledgling business in Shanghai, it’s their first year so they’re still struggling, but slowly the place is building a following–not just for the jazz-pop band performing in the main room but also for the pool tables and VIP nightclub vibe happening downstairs.
In fact I went in a few weeks ago hoping to check out the band, which is led by former JZ all-star big band tenor saxophonist Tang Ying, but when I showed up I was told they had already finished for the evening. I was incredulous, as it was barely eleven p.m. at the time, but apparently they play from 7-10 p.m. rather than trying to compete for listeners with the later-night jazz venues. Fair enough.
So when I returned a few days ago at the appropriate hour, I was disappointed to miss the band’s show yet again–I was told the band is now only performing two nights a week due to the high musician overhead and low revenue situation the club is in. So if you are ready to check them out, go on a Friday or Saturday night between 7 and 10 p.m. On Fridays, the show features a female singer who has an eclectic style drawing on jazz, pop, and R&B. On Saturdays, the show features the electro-jazz-pop-funk sounds of E-Groove, a group Tang Ying has played with for a few years already.
If you make it, let me know how it is in a comment here! I do still intend to go hear them, I can’t go wrong the third time (hopefully).
TTing, next to Big Bamboo on Nanyang lu, near Xikang lu behind the Portman Ritz-Carlton. Live music every Friday and Saturday from 7-10pm.