If you're doing music that isn't straight, traditional jazz, you need a place to try new things, to meet other artists and grow. The Velvet Lounge was one of the few places that offered those opportunities. ... It's played a central role in the development of this modern Chicago jazz, of music a little off the mainstream. |
It's been a Mecca to modern jazz musicians. You can't talk about the development of this music without talking about the Velvet Lounge. |