| Rating |
Date Attended [v] |
Reviewer |
Gender |
Age |
Where From? |
Group Type? |
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excellent overview of jazz history of harlem
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| Sun, Aug 17 11:00 AM |
Ralamb |
Male |
60-69 |
Local |
Family Without Children |
| Paul is most knowledgeable about a number of areas of Harlem with numerous pictures of several of the neighborhoods and highlights of the historic districts. He knows of the many jazz clubs that used to exist and describes the great jazz musicians that lived in various apartments throughout Harlem. Very interesting to see some of the historic buildings and neighborhoods as they are constantly changing. |
|
No connection to Harlem; just a jazz enthusiast
|
| Sun, Jun 29 11:00 AM |
swhite |
Male |
30-39 |
Local |
Couple on a Date |
| It started great, with the story about the meeting place.
What I expected
To see the Apollo Theatre; Lenox Lounge; old jazz clubs; local jazz music stores with a connection to jazz musicians in Harlem; historical or famous sites that relate to jazz in Harlem.
Stories about some of the sites to provide context. Not necessarily famous stories, but I did expect some story-telling to put what we did see (Harlem) in context.
A visit inside to some of the more famous places in Harlem. A connection between the tour guide and the business owners that would allow a tour of the business.
What I got
A long walk through Harlem.
A view of old houses that some famous jazz musicians once lived. (but not much real context. It's one thing to say, Duke Ellington used to live here, but another to say that he lived here when he made this or that record because of some inspiration that came from the home.)
Stories about past tours where the group went on an impromptu open house, and the revelation that the home was either really expensive or really inexpensive.
Directions about which block to walk down and which side of the street to find the Apollo Theatre.
The CDs were a nice gesture. What might have been better is a collection of music that related to the tour besides the fact that it was jazz. For instance, what if one of the pieces was "kind of blue" and one of the places we visited was the place where a very memorable performance of it occurred, or where the inspiration of that piece orginated? That would have been an excellent tie-in to the tour. Then I would have thought of that context every time I listened to the piece.
My Sincere suggestions to the guide
Get to know the proprietors of the Lenox Lounge, Sylvia's, the Apollo Theatre, the store across from the Tree of Hope. Establish a relationship with them that will allow the participants to tour their facilities. Give the proprietors an incentive. Perhaps suggest a coupon for a participant when that participant visits the establishment. For example, one free iced tea, or appetizer at Sylvia's when you mention you were on the tour, or you bring in a coupon from the tour; half off at the Lenox Lounge when you bring in the coupon, etc. Then the proprietors will not seem uncaring because it appears that all they care about is their business. Their benefit is the free advertising and a chance to advertise more personally. Tell us a story about when the great deals are at the jazz clubs. Perhaps every Monday, really good local talent comes in, and you can get a seat. But that same group comes in on a Friday, and not only are the tickets much more expensive, but the place is packed solid. And make that story even better by providing personal experience. Maybe you saw one of the first performances of a now famous jazz musician at a particular club. That way, the participants will want to go back because of the possibility of having the same experience. that's it. |
|
New insights
|
| Sun, Jun 15 11:00 AM |
martinareich |
Unspecified |
40-49 |
International Tourist(s) |
Group of Friends |
| This was a very interesting activitiy, even for people not extremely interested in Jazz. Interesting new views on an otherwise underestimated neighbourhood Harlem with beautiful buildings and historic facts. |
|
|
Loved it! Paul is terrific.
|
| Sun, May 4 11:00 AM |
alitarogers |
Female |
40-49 |
Domestic Tourist(s) |
Other |
| We loved the program. Paul is very knowledgable on history, jazz and architecture. His enthusiasm is infectious. He has a very strong speaking voice. Good to listen to. |
|
|
The highlight of my visit to New York City
|
| Sun, May 4 11:00 AM |
tritton |
Male |
60-69 |
International Tourist(s) |
Individual |
| Harlem is a district that comparatively few tourists visit. They don't know what they are missing! Wonderful architecture, friendly neighbourhoods and, above all, fascinating places associated with the history and heritage of all styles of jazz. Paul Blair was a friendly and knowledgeable guide; for more than two hours he led us at a comfortable pace along street after street , nearly every one of which boasted apartments, houses & clubs where musicians who pioneered the development of jazz of all styles lived and played. We looked in at Big Apple Jazz (a chance to buy CDs and receive free jazz magazines) and Minton's Playhouse and Jazz Club and, as our walk was held on a Sunday morning, we could hear choirs singing as we passed churches of various denominations. These were evocative moments. Thanks Paul. |
|
|
Surprise Harlem!
|
| Sun, Apr 6 11:00 AM |
Leseklubben |
Male |
70+ |
International Tourist(s) |
Unspecified |
| My wife and I have been in N.Y. before, with limited knowledge of Harlem. This tour brought us up to date on history, walking thru highlights of architectural beauty, all the while being fed with info about interesting people, not least those of the jazz heritage.
Anne and Kjell Habert
Norway |
|
|
a thoroughly enjoyable experience
|
| Sun, Feb 24 11:00 AM |
CathyCross |
Female |
50-59 |
Domestic Tourist(s) |
Other |
| The Harlem Jazz Walk was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. We were treated to architectural highlights of Harlem, many unexpected. Everything from wooden town homes to stately mansions with incredible views of the city. We learned a good deal about local history, as it relates to NYC and to jazz. Welcome stops along the way included the delightful Settepani Bakery and Cafe, as well as a jazz record shop.
Our guide, Paul, was both engaging and knowledgeable. He talked about where people lived and played, both at the places that survived and those that are no more. These were not the burnt broken images of Harlem from the seventies, but a beautiful part of the city with a rich history of change.
Thanks, Paul! |
|
|
excellent guide
|
| Sun, Dec 9, 07 11:00 AM |
ciaranmc |
Male |
50-59 |
International Tourist(s) |
Unspecified |
| Excellent well informed guide. A lot of walking but the only way to see Harlem and rest stops were well timed and very good. |
|
disappointing trivia
|
| Sun, Oct 21, 07 11:00 AM |
sxg282 |
Male |
20-29 |
Domestic Tourist(s) |
Other |
| The guide was very enthusiastic about jazz however I think the group was not on the right tour as we did not seem to know about many of the artists he mentioned. I think the guide quickly realised this and largely gave up on showing/telling us lots of facts about the history of jazz in Harlem. However he did show us a lot of beautiful buildings in the area and he did explain a lot of the history of them.
If you want a jazz tour, then definitely know your stuff and choose this one. |
|
|
Interesting walk through beautiful areas of Harlem
|
| Sun, Oct 21, 07 11:00 AM |
jorgk3 |
Male |
40-49 |
International Tourist(s) |
Family Without Children |
| I can recommend this walk. Paul is very friendly and knowledgeable and has guided us through very interesting and beautiful areas of Harlem. |
