Detroit jazz can't be summed up in one word. But how about three--Baker's Keyboard Lounge. OK, it's certainly not the only jazz club in town, but it's inarguably the most important, with a nearly seven-decade history of hosting the finest musicians from around the world (Tommy Flanagan, Art Tatum, John Coltrane, Dave Brubeck and scores of others) and helping to launch Detroit greats such as Marcus Belgrave, Elvin Jones, Earl Klugh, James Carter and Alexander Zonjic.

Located at 20510 Livernois Ave. just south of Eight Mile Road, Baker's became a music room in 1939, when Clarence Baker began operating the sandwich shop his father had opened four years earlier. Local pianist Pat Flowers brought crowds in, and the younger Baker expanded the room and focused on songs rather than supper. Baker's reputation was such that luminaries such as Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald stopped by after performing at other Detroit venues--and wound up getting on stage themselves. Baker's piano-shaped bar also inspired Liberace to build a piano-shaped pool at his home in California.

Clarence Baker retired in 1996 and sold Baker's to Juanita Jackson and John Colbert. They continue to book music and have also installed a full lunch and dinner menu (two words this time--peach cobbler). Baker's is open six days a week and closed on Monday.

Noted by historians as the final place that Harry Houdini ever performed, today the Majestic Theatre Center is one of Detroit's hottest spots for nationally renowned  jazz, blues, rock and Reggae concerts.
 
For some additional notable jazz spots around that state, check out the short list below:

Overlooking the Detroit River, you'll find Seldom Blues, Detroit's premier jazz restaurant and supper club.  This upscale establishment brings a unique downtown dining and entertainment experience to the Motor City.

Offering chic dining, superior service and classic American cuisine with an international flair, Sweet Georgia Brown's a stylish and welcome addition to the metro area's dining scene and a very fashionable venue jazz enthusiasts. 

Ann Arbor's premier jazz and blues gathering place, the Firefly Club features live music seven nights a week and a small, but mighty dance floor.

At  Billy's Lounge in Grand Rapids, every night is filled with an eclectic mix of live music ranging anywhere from open-mic nights to jazz, R&B, rock, funk, folk, and Reggae.
 
For casual elegance, cool grooves and nightly jazz, Grand Rapids has another cool little spot known as Crush at The B.O.B.  The popular club features progressive DJ's on weekends.

Lansing's Temple Club is the hot spot for blues bands, jazz musicians and jazz lovers in the Capital city.

Czar's 505 brings an avant garde atmosphere and the best jazz, blues, alternative rock, and other snappy music on the club circuit to St. Joseph.