I Love NYC: Marjorie’s Eliot’s Parlor Jazz
Sunday afternoon jazz concerts at the Triple Nickel
I discovered Marjorie Eliot’s Parlor Jazz when my jewelry instructor’s friend came from Sweden to visit New York City. He was a jazz aficionado and made the trip to scout out jazz venues for his tourist groups. How did I not know about this? Curious, I met him at 555 Edgecombe Avenue, the landmark building known as the “Triple Nickel.” Notable residents included Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Lena Horne, and a host of other African-American artists and musicians.
The lobby was resplendent with stained glass and ornate ceiling work reminiscent of a bygone era. A gentleman led us to the third floor to join a line that snaked around to Marjorie’s apartment. At the appointed time, neatly arranged folding chairs welcomed us to the living room, kitchen, and hallway. After the seats were filled, patrons politely packed themselves against the wall and then spilled into the hallway.
We listened intently to Marjorie’s soft voice announce the program. The cushion of quietude attuned my senses to the present moment. As the jazz trio performed, the afternoon sun moved across the room, casting spotlights on the avid…