For music lovers, the name “Blue Note” holds a special resonance. It’s a legendary jazz club that began in New York and has since expanded across the globe. And now, Blue Note has finally opened its doors in Hollywood. The opening night featured Robert Glasper, and despite it being a weekday, the venue was packed. I went that weekend to see one of my favorite singers, Alex Isley, live!
The atmosphere at the venue
The moment you step inside, you’re enveloped by the unmistakable atmosphere of a jazz club. The walls are lined with photos of the many legendary artists who have performed there over the years, giving you the sense that you’re surrounded by music history. Candles flicker on the tables, smooth neo-soul plays gently in the background—it’s the beginning of a special night.
I managed to grab the last seat at the bar counter, about 20 to 30 meters from the stage. Pretty close, right? One of the perks of sitting at the bar is that you can order drinks right in front of you—it was a great spot!
Alex Isley’s voice was pure magic
When Alex Isley took the stage, she carried herself with quiet elegance and a touch of glamour. Her soft, whisper-like voice instantly enveloped the room, and the way her clear vocals blended with the band’s sound was nothing short of breathtaking. I couldn’t help but think, every single song is just so good.
We swayed to the soulful groove of “Good & Plenty,” got lost in the silky beauty of her voice during “Such A Thing” and “Mine,” and melted into the dreamy phrase “Take me to the moon…” in “Into Orbit.” But for me, the highlight of the night was the nostalgic guitar intro of one of my favorite songs, “Hands.”
During her MC, she spoke about how happy she was to be singing at Blue Note and shared her heartfelt thoughts about her music. Her warmth and charm made me fall in love with her all over again.
About Alex Isley
Alex Isley is a gifted singer, songwriter, and producer who captivates listeners with her soft, crystal-clear vocals and beautifully crafted melodies, rooted in R&B and soul. A Grammy-nominated artist with numerous notable collaborations, she comes from a musical family—her father is Ernie Isley of The Isley Brothers. She studied classical voice and later majored in jazz at UCLA.
Often described as having a “silky and smooth” voice, Alex embodies the essence of neo-soul, blending elements of R&B, jazz, hip-hop, and soul. She also experiences synesthesia—a unique sensory condition that allows her to perceive music as color. During the live show, when she said, “Let’s do R&B therapy!” it truly felt like a healing session through music.
The Charm of Music and Space
One of the best things about Blue Note LA is how close you are to the stage. Even from my seat at the bar counter, I could see Alex’s expressions clearly—something you rarely get to experience at larger venues. Honestly, it even felt like we made eye contact many times.
That night, I ordered two of my favorite Old Fashioneds and a scallop appetizer. Both were delicious, but savoring scallops while listening to Alex’s voice? That was an unexpected kind of happiness. LOL! Only in LA can you enjoy scallops while watching Alex Isley live—truly. Music, drinks, and space all came together for a luxurious experience. It was one of those nights that could only happen in LA.
An Unforgettable Night
Even after the final song ended, the applause didn’t stop, and the audience remained wrapped in the afterglow. There were two shows that night, and at the early set I attended, there was no encore. When Alex left the stage, the lights gently came back on, and we were brought back to reality from what felt like a dream.
I was so satisfied I found myself thinking, “I wish I could stay for the next show too,” but unfortunately, the second set was already sold out. I left the venue loving Alex even more and feeling a strong desire to see her perform live again someday. Her voice—sweet, gentle, and deeply moving—was pure R&B therapy. Even after the show ended, her tender melodies lingered in my ears. It truly was an unforgettable night.
The Location of Blue Note
Blue Note LA is located in the heart of Central Hollywood, a lively entertainment district where music and film culture come together. I spotted a few industry-related buildings nearby, including Netflix Studios. The area is filled with bars and restaurants, making it a convenient spot to explore before or after a live show. Compared to the glitzy Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, this neighborhood feels more relaxed and easygoing—part of its charm.
For this trip, I stayed at The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood, which is just a three-minute walk from Blue Note. While the hotel primarily offers valet parking, there’s also a large self-parking lot conveniently located just across the street. One of the highlights of the hotel is its rooftop bar, where you can enjoy a drink while taking in the Hollywood skyline. That night, there happened to be a private poolside party going on. Under the open sky, people were spending the evening in their own ways, creating a scene that felt unmistakably Hollywood.
It was a special experience where travel and music beautifully overlapped. If you’re planning a trip to LA, I highly recommend making time to enjoy live music at Blue Note—it’s an unforgettable way to explore the city.
Blue Note LA
6372 W Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood
1400 Cahuenga Blvd,
Los Angeles, CA 90028
