The best live jazz venues in Singapore

Bring your appetite for a tipple or two and some good ol' tunes to Dempsey's latest addition. The cocktail bar and listening lounge houses a live music programme dedicated to all your favourite classics, shelves of scotch and whiskeys from all around the world, as well as wine vintages, on top of the occasional ingenious concoctions. Plus, there's an invite-only private den where all inhibitions are to be left at the door.

Jazz things up at Cool Cats, the NCO Club's live entertainment lounge, which sees a rotation of resident artists gracing its stage. Lay eyes on the secretive speakeasy that exudes the enigmatic charm of the prohibition era. Plus, its cocktail menu is inspired by moments in music. There are 14 tipples available that cover everything from 1800s ragtime to legendary jazz artists Billie Holiday and Duke Ellington.

Before Lulu’s Lounge turns into party central after midnight – with high-pulsating DJ sets spewing hip-hop beats from its speakers – the nightclub wedged next to Pan Pacific Singapore starts the evening with some slow-burning jazz jams. Its programme lineup features the seductive neo-vintage outfit The Steve McQueens, soul-funk quartet Trumpet Z and the Boogie, and the super funky Ruckus and DIGit. The best part? There’s no cover charge.

For live jazz music set against the stunning backdrop of our city skyline, Monti is the destination for a musical romantic escapade. Every night from 7.30pm, let the restaurant’s resident jazz band carry you through the night with soothing blues and funk as you dig into hearty plates of Italian dishes. The lineup changes monthly with regular appearances by jazz stalwarts Jeremy Monteiro and Stephan Francis.

Whisky and caviar aside, this luxe lounge at the St Regis Singapore also does its jazz nights right. With its walls painted deep red and plush leather seats to match, Astor Bar is the closest thing you’ll get to a New York jazz club here in Singapore. Every day from 6pm ’til late, rhythm and blues extraordinaire Ron Sinclair enchants guests with his soulful crooning and bewitching piano skills.

Mojitos, Cubanos, Latin music – and even sweet, sweet jazz – you’ll get them all in spades at Bob’s Bar. Besides rum-based cocktails and a menu of bar bites that range from the familiar (wagyu beef sliders, anyone?) to the mildly exotic (Ensalada Serrana), the joint gets a shot of Cuban charm thanks to its live house band that takes the stage over the weekend. Oh, and an alfresco terrace means you can sip on your sundown cocktails in style.

Its smack-in-the-CBD location means it’s yet another watering hole for the post-work set. Apart from the other bars within distance, The Powder Room's flapper ’20s Art Deco-style interior oozes an irresistible bougie charm, giving you the richness your after-work session deserves. The atmosphere here is further elevated with live jazz bands and playful drink mixes that encourage you to loosen your tie or kick off your heels.

Be serenaded by some of the hottest up-and-coming jazz acts in Singapore as you indulge at this Japanese-French restaurant. Held twice a month on selected dates, Lewin Terrace’s Jazz Immersion nights have seen the likes of Carol Gomez, Daniel Chia and Miss Lou amongst others on its roster. So expect a vast number of modern jazz performances that see musicians give their own spin on the genre.

It’s hard to miss Blu Jaz Café. Bathing the corner of Bali Lane with its bright blue neon lights, the alfresco joint typically attracts a bustling crowd of young and old with its regular live music sets. The space hosts a list of household jazz names and impressive young talents on stage including keyboardist Aya Sekine and saxophonist Nicole Duffell. Be sure to keep tabs on its socials for updates on its music programmes.