“Fancy a trip to London’s best music venue?” That’s how Jamie Cullum described the 606 Club. Prepare to enter a basement that has been vibrating with jazz since 1976. The 606 Club is a jazz club in Chelsea. You will find it at 90 Lots Road. It is opposite Lots Road Power Station.
Steve Rubie has owned and run the 606 Club since 1976. But the club’s story stretches back further. It was alive and kicking in the 1960s. Originally, the 606 Club was a small venue. It had just 30 seats at 606 King’s Road. In May 1988 it moved to its current location.
The 606 Club is licensed for 175 people. The 606 Club offers a wide range of music. Jazz, Latin, soul, R and B, blues and gospel fill the air seven nights a week. Sometimes you can even catch a Sunday afternoon gig. This makes it one of Europe’s busiest jazz clubs.
The 606 Club is more than just a venue. It is a supporter of British music. The club has a policy of booking British based musicians. This supports the local music scene. Many future jazz stars played here in their early years. Jason Rebello, Liane Carroll and Polly Gibbons all graced this stage.
Steve Rubie first visited the 606 Club as a teenager. It was the late 60s. The club was then at 606 Kings Road. He was fascinated by the tiny basement. It had outrageous characters and visiting musicians. In 1969, Steve Cartwright took over the club.
Rubie became the cook at the 606 Club. He needed a job while studying music. He managed not to poison anyone for 18 months. In 1976, Cartwright offered Rubie the chance to take over the club. Rubie initially refused. But he changed his mind and the rest is history.
The 606 Club moved to grander surroundings in Lots Road. Rubie has worked with many of the finest musicians in the world. A significant number of them are British or UK based. The music scene is the strongest he can remember.
The 606 Club has a speakeasy atmosphere. Non members can only buy alcohol with a substantial meal. The club offers an interesting menu. The head chef Jean Pierre creates all the dishes freshly. Fish dishes are his specialty.
The 606 Club presents the finest British live music. It offers jazz, soul, groove, Latin, R and B, funk, gospel and blues. It’s a place where characters hang out. Live music happens seven nights a week. Sunday is the special singers’ night. Fridays and Saturdays require advance booking.
The 606 Club aims to provide the best British jazz in a relaxed setting. The club pairs it with the best food at an affordable price. Musicians don’t have to be British to play. The club is fully air conditioned.
The 606 Club is a key jazz venue. It hosts a wider program of music. The club also has an ongoing relationship with the Royal Academy of Music. The 606 Club runs an exchange project with the Budapest Jazz Club in Hungary.
Tonight, you are not just attending a gig. You are becoming part of the 606 Club’s ongoing story. A story of music, passion and community. Enjoy the show.