Kobe Jazz Review: Satin Doll
Satin Doll is a big space. Unlike the closed, darkened corners and hushed ambiance of Sone, Satin Doll is open and almost echoes with the legends who have played at the bar in the past. Their autographs hang on massive canvases on the walls. The lights are moderate, the piano and drum set at the front of the room illuminated, but somehow askance. I never got the feeling I was seeing a main event at Satin Doll. I also never found the place crowded.
Looking at their schedule for the month, there are no really big names, no stars outside the standard rotation of Kobe’s middleweights. There are a few good newcomers who play here regularly, especially aspiring young pianists like Asami Yato, whom I saw play a confident set one Sunday evening. For the most part, though, it seems Satin Doll’s focus is not on the jazz, but on the food and drink they serve.
The drinks are mostly whiskeys, with a solid cocktail menu. Prices are actually cheaper than many other jazz bars. The French cuisine is a little pricey, but worth the expense. I’ve been drawing a lot of comparisons to Sone here, and in truth you could call Satin Doll a “poor man’s Sone,” but you’d be doing it an injustice. Satin Doll has a different charm.
Perhaps Satin Doll’s glory has faded, but it remains a stable reminder of Kobe’s jazz history, and a reputable, cheap spot for a quiet night of relaxing jazz entertainment. Try it a couple of times to see if you like it. More than Sone, Satin Doll strikes me as a good first date spot, but please, make your own decisions.
MUSIC: $, usually 500 – 1000 yen, check schedule for specifics.
FOOD: French, $$
DRINKS: $ – $$
JE NE SAIS QUOIS: 4/5. It’s old, tired, and quirky! I like it!
OVERALL: 3.5 / 5. A good spot for the curious and first-time jazz listeners.
Web Site: http://www.satindollkobe.jp (Japanese)
Calendar: http://www.c-a-s-net.co.jp/kobe/cgi/schedule2.cgi?action=9999
Map:Â Satin Doll is in the Bacchus building, on the second floor, over the crepe shop. (http://www.satindollkobe.jp/map/map.htm)
