On October 4, I made one of my periodic jaunts to New York to indulge my passion for traditional jazz. Before Covid I used to go once or twice a month in the spring and fall, when bad weather was not as likely to affect my travel plans. Now I go less frequently, even though gigs have pretty much returned to normal, because other things on my plate reduce opportunities.
My targets on this trip, on an unseasonably warm day, were the Louis Armstrong Eternity Band’s regular Wednesday show at Birdland, and later, Terry Waldo’s Gotham City Band at the Zinc Bar in Greenwich Village.
A few changes have taken place with the Armstrong show. It still starts at 5:30, but now there is only one set lasting approximately 75 minutes instead of two sets with a 15- to 20-minute intermission. With only one set, it’s not as easy to chat with the musicians unless they come to the bar in the back of the room or go to the restroom. Also, the show has been moved from the ground floor theater to the basement cabaret. I liked the upstairs better because it was easier to get a seat closer to the stage, and even the seats farthest to the back were up a couple steps, which helped the view of the stage. Downstairs, once the music starts the house lights are turned almost completely off, making it hard to see what you’re eating. At Birdland, in addition to the cover charge, which is now $30 (plus a fee if
