SOFT jazz and good food were the claims to fame of The Embers, one of the legendary locations from New York City’s golden era of jazz clubs. The restaurant and nightclub, formerly located at 161 East 54th Street between Third and Lexington Avenues, was opened in 1951 by jazz musician Ralph Watkins who had also been involved with other notable jazz clubs such as Bop City and the Royal Roost.

The distinguished jazz acts that performed there over the years included Joe Bushkin, Dorothy Donegan, Geroge Shearing, Marian McPartland, Jonah Jones, Red Norvo, George Barnes and Carl Kreiss. Art Tatum, Buck Clayton and Teddy Wilson were among the artists who recorded there.

Sunday nights were reserved as a showcase for new talent.

We found this 1953 review from Robert W Dana: ‘As you’re eating the well-prepared food you relax to Bunty Pendleton’s piano playing. Her choice of show tunes is always warm and lilting. Later in the evening, Red Norvo and his musicians and the Jo Jones group alternate on the bandstand. Red’s soft, harmonious vibes playing, augmented by the dexterous string work of a guitar and bass, and his selection. of classic tunes with a progressive twist, make him extremely popular. On the other hand, the Jo Jones group offers muted jazz in a different range. Jo, a familiar figure at the Embers, is the driving drum force behind the Joe Bushkin Quartet when Bushkin is there. Tyree Glenn comes on to Join the group, playing lively vibes, Glenn then goes into a muted trombone solo that is something to hear. The group joins him on some mellow tempos, with Jones’ soft drum solos a highlight. The Embers is a right comfortable place, with pickled pine panels stained to a mellow shade, a large, make-believe fireplace in the rear and a series of banquettes that can put you to sleep with their comfort. Service Is alert and swift but not in your way. The waiters, like Ralph, make friends with everybody.’

The Embers closed in the 1960s.