Sometime

Sometime jazz club, located near Kichijoji station in Tokyo, Japan (website, map).

Guitarist Yudo Matsuo with Bonanza in 2012

Sometime, one of the must-visit jazz bars in Tokyo, perhaps derives its name from an old Glenn Miller jazz standard, or perhaps from the paraphrased Mae West quote “Come up and see me sometime,” a slogan which can be found on Sometime’s t-shirts and other merchandise for sale here.

This jazz club is a well-run local live house that features excellent shows and a great kitchen in an all-around authentic Tokyo jazz atmosphere. Local musicians are mostly scheduled here, yet international acts also occasionally pass through, and support for up-and-coming artists is paid worthy attention here. Also, this is not an elitist diehard-buffs-only environment, but curious listeners without a deep knowledge of jazz are also welcome. Sometime will also sometimes offer specially-priced events as a welcoming invitation to all to experience friendly live jazz.

The Harumi Nomoto Trio in 2017

Down through the stairs, the striking room itself sports a nice layout where the band sits in the middle and the audience seating wraps around them on various floor levels, from directly around the musicians, to a below basement-like alcove, and to an upper balcony as well. The best views are on the floor level where the seats may be quickly filled by customers with reservations, and the balcony and basement sections may feel a bit removed from the action.