This basement club has been in business since 1919. It was a neighborhood dive that hosted open jam sessions for years. In 2001 it was taken over by Queva Lutz who has made it into one of New York's finest music establishments. This place is the real deal: history, atmosphere, and above all great music without the great-big price tag.

Emerging musicians are encouraged in early sets each night that are provided without cover charge. The later shows (Starting at 10) feature established artists for surprisingly low covers - $5 to $10 with a 1 drink minimum.

The crowd has been described as " ... the usual assemblage of New York City's most talented and attuned musicians and connoisseurs, all dropping words on each other about one another"

Rob Clement recalls a night at the 55 from a couple of years ago:
"Wayne Krantz was wailing on guitar, surrounding himself with some of the most dynamic players on the scene today. Keith Carlock, Lincoln Goines, Dave Binney were there with him every rhythm change as though they had their own internal wiring.

As my eyes roamed over the room to see if anyone else "got it" as well as I did, I was blown away to see Paul Schaeffer standing next to the band (it's not a big club, as you know). In the corner, Cecil Taylor was sitting with Anita Evans (Gil's widow) who had come in with Lew Soloff who was at that moment jamming with the group with some of the most far out trumpet sounds I've ever heard. The place was rocking! [I've] Got to say, this is what a music night should be."

We at the Jazz Police highly recommend this club.