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Come for the jazz, stay for the martini list at the M Lounge.

Monday Jun 26, 2006.     By Ben Rubenstein

Music Feed

"I like that you're lounging," one of the M Lounge bartenders said to my companion and I, gesturing towards our slouched postures and her bare feet, by then thrust onto the plush seat next to us. "Not enough people do that here."

Though we'd settled into our surroundings by that point, I completely understood why some patrons here might be reluctant to relax. When you first walk into the M Lounge, it's tough to decipher the mood. The long room that comprises most of it (there's also a small private space in the back) seems fresh off a photo shoot. Small candles flicker on every low table, tasteful lights hang from the ceiling to illuminate the beautiful walnut bar, and even the soft seats that line the walls seem in perfect order. Upon arrival, it's safe to say I wasn't really in my element; but isn't that what alcohol is for? We dug into the sizable martini list ($10-$14 a pop) and waited for the music to start.

Tuesdays may be "Hot Latin Nights" here, but on Wednesdays, there's a revolving door of groups who play a mix of classic and new jazz compositions. On this night we were treated to a quartet of sorts; the performance began with Chieko Yano on keyboard and Matt Young on bass, the duo soon joined by a saxophonist/oboist (I didn't catch his name) and vocalist Julie Volkmann. We chose a table at the far end of the bar, perhaps subconsciously realizing that the spectacle of our multiple martini spills might distract the musicians were we to sit closer. It proved to be a poor choice; unless the band intended to be accompanied by a martini shaker, we really missed the full aural experience.

The rest of the experience, however, was top notch. Defying my initial impressions, the M Lounge proved to be a very welcoming, comfortable place, truly living up to its "lounge" moniker. Owner and occasional bartender Reggie Marsh was attentive and friendly, as he and wife Maryann made the rounds to chat with the ever-growing crowd. Reflective of the incipient diversity of the South Loop, the population here was as varied as the outfits on display; we spied everything from suits and polo shirts to one (memorable) instance of short shorts.

Though the sounds might not always have poked through to the back, it was clear the music increased in quality throughout the night. Maybe it was the beer I caught the keyboardist chugging between sets, or maybe just the heat, but once she removed her suit coat and began to really play, the set was a little livelier. As the night wore on, I even found myself tapping my foot involuntarily; of course, those two Perfect 10s (Tanqueray and a twist) might have had something to do with it.

My only complaint? The two flat screens behind the bar were tuned to Turner Classic Movies all night, which meant we were treated to a healthy dose of Anthony Quinn in "Guns for San Sebastian." A fine contribution to the Western canon, I'm sure, but a little out of place for this venue. If you're going to go that direction, at least give me some Sportscenter...really, though, a little film noir would've been perfect.

Overall, the M Lounge did not disappoint; if you like a little pleasant music to accompany your conversation, you can't go wrong here. While I might have walked in a little tense, I left with a smile on my face. And it wasn't just because a guy stopped me to tell me how "hot" my beard was.

The M Lounge, 1520 S. Wabash, has live jazz every Wednesday night from 8-11 p.m.

Ben Rubenstein jumps under the covers every other week in an ongoing search for freebie music that rocks. If you know of a no-cover night he should check out, email him.