Browny

“Jazz music has always been on the fringe of things, so when Akira Nakatomi was looking for a place to open his Jazz caf?E& bar twenty-one years ago, Oyafuko-dori was the obvious spot. ?Browny? is named after one of Nakatomi`s favorite artists; the legendary trumpeter Clifford Brown, who tragically died at the age of 26. As you might expect, this venue is a dimly lit den, with a counter bar, low tables and an upright piano tucked into one corner. The shelves of one wall stock Nakatomi?s music collection, consisting of more than 2,000 Jazz LPs and several hundred CDs, while the other wall is a gallery of LP jackets – reminding us that Jazz looks as good as it sounds. Speaking of sound, two huge JBL monitor speakers powered by McIntosh amplifiers and fed by Thorens turntables deliver a natural analogue sound that despite high-tech specs, even CDs can?t match for sheer aural quality. Nakatomi spins a wide range of Jazz, but his personal preference leans towards Four-beat Black Jazz, Hard Bop, New York Black Jazz, and the like. But as he says, ?it?s all good? it?s up to listeners to interpret the music by themselves and make it their own?. Sure, he?s extremely serious about his Jazz, but not all of his customers are aficionados and everyone is welcome. Prices are reasonable: shots of Bourbon and Whisky start at 600 yen, with bottles of Kirin beer setting you back the same. Food items such as Chili Beans, Beef Stew and Mixed Pizzas go for about 1,000 yen each. There?s a 500 yen cover charge, but that includes a dish of mixed nuts ? and of course all that great Jazz music, with optional commentary by Nakatomi!

Address: 3-8-13 Hatano Bldg. 1F
Tel: 092-761-3129

Open: 18:00~03:00
Closed: Never
Prices: Charge 500 yen, but waived for non-alcohol orders, Kirin beer 600 yen/bottle, Guiness 700 yen/bottle, Chili Beans 1,000 yen”