Sam First – Jazz Club & Bar

The funny thing is – a last minute trip to Hawaii helped me discover Sam First. How? After my flight from Kona landed at LAX, I began flipping through my Instagram stories, as the plane waited for a gate. One story, from a connection I’d made at the DTLA Brews & Bike Crawl by Just Ride LA, made me stop. It looked like he was at a jazz bar in Los Angeles. Immediately, I was curious.

Since Blue Whale closed during the pandemic, I had been yearning for a new favorite live jazz venue in Los Angeles. Could this be it? I wanted to find out.

So naturally, after a phenomenal dinner with Matt at Somerville, it was only natural that we follow up our New York style, Harlem inspired night with jazz at Sam First.

Before the Michael Ragonese Quartet began their set, Matt and I took a moment to settle in and explore the ambiance of the venue. We casually browsed the cocktail menu, intrigued by its creative offerings, while soaking in the atmosphere.

The space itself was captivating, with its unique warm tones creating an inviting, intimate vibe that felt almost magnetic. Around us, a diverse group added to the energy. I felt the anticipation of everyone there for one wonderful goal: to listen to and appreciate live music in Los Angeles.

We both began the evening with the GREEN BEAST (Pernod Absinthe, Lime Juice, Cucumber, Ginger Beer) cocktail.

As the music began, my heart swelled with pleasure. This – this – was what I’d been looking for in Los Angeles. Especially, after starting the evening off at Somerville.

Similar to my experience at The Jazz Club at the Aman Hotel in New York, being present at Sam First was an elevation of the senses. No one dared speak during the performances. We all stared, attentive and at time clapping, to the beats and tones of the professionals before us.

That’s what I love about live music – it’s like you’re listening to the rhythm of life itself.  Ever evolving in the next note; the next dummer’s beat; the next pitch.

After the first act, Matt and I ventured outside to the patio. There, we were told that patrons could actually sit outside and enjoy the patio complimentary while listening to the music from inside. This worked for us, as there was more conversation to be had between us.

For this, we both ordered and sipped the SMOKE N’ BITTERS (Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, Don Julio Reposado, Cane Syrup, Angostura Bitters, Habanero Bitters) as our nightcap.

As the beats of the rhythm took up again during the second act, we were enthralled with having the music be the backdrop to our conversation. Most importantly, the outdoor heaters were set perfectly to ensure that I wasn’t too cold.

Before we knew it, four hours together had flown by. Between music, laugher and the pleasure of being present in the moment, I felt like I was discovering a new part of Los Angeles.

Jazz and cocktails at Sam First was an experience in letting the city lead me toward experiences that make life better.

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