By Andrew Poretz***There’s nothing like finding a hidden gem in New York. Even better? A double gem. Hidden in plain sight is the stunning venue called “Somewhere Nowhere,” a two-level indoor lounge and open-air rooftop pool atop the Renaissance NY 
Chelsea Hotel on West 25th Street where The Hot Toddies Jazz Band, led by Gabe Terraciano, is currently in residence. The lounge, on the 38th floor, features music and dancing three nights a week. With a spectacular view of both the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building, it seems like something out of a Hollywood set designer’s idea of New York night life. It is the Wednesday night “Gotham Jazz” party that is the second gem that features The Hot Toddies. This band, under violinist Terraciano, features a rotation of top New York “hot jazz” musicians and vocalists performing, for the most part, jazz standards.
This writer visited the club for two sets at the band’s CD release event. At this show, the band’s lineup consisted of trombonist and pianist Jake Handelman, guitarist Justin Poindexter, tenor saxophonist and clarinet player Linus Wyrsch, bassist Brandi Disterheft and drummer and Toddies co-leader Patrick Soluri, along with vocalists Hannah Gill and 
Queen Esther. The band has what might be called a “deep bullpen.” In addition to the rotation of personnel, many of the band members double on multiple instruments and on lead and backup vocals where appropriate.
The CD is a delight, bookended by “Digga Digga Do” and “I’m In the Mood For Love,” both by composer Jimmy McHugh and lyricist Dorothy Fields. Most of the 11 songs are from the golden days of 1920s and 1930s jazz, with a new song, “Kilowatt Stomp,” written by bandleader Terraciano, whose fine jazz violin work is on every track.
Highlights of the first two sets included “’Deed I Do” (Fred Rose,Walter Hirsch) and “Mean to Me”(Fred E. Ahlert, Roy Turk), sung by Hannah Gill; “All of Me” (Gerald Marks,Seymour Simon) and “Our Love is Here to Say” (George Gershwin,Ira Gershwin), sung by Queen Esther; two vocalists’ duet on “In a Mellow Tone” (Duke Ellington,Milt Gabler); and “Saint Louis Blues” (William C. Handy), sung by guitarist Justin Poindexter. The band also accompanied the accomplished DeWitt Fleming Jr. for several thrilling appearances as a featured tap dancer.
There were many swing dancers in attendance, including many a millennial. Between sets, dance instructor Jaime Shannon gave group lessons.
The rooftop part of the club was unavailable, being used for a television shoot, but the manager kindly brought me up after the shoot to take photos. The venue offers light bites, in addition to a Gatsby-inspired drink menu. The lobster roll is enthusiastically recommended.
The Hot Toddies appear every Wednesday for Gotham Jazz at Somewhere Nowhere at the Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel, 112 West 25th Street. Reservations strongly recommended. Admission to the lounge is free.
For more information about The Hot Toddies, visit https://www.hottoddies.band.
Photos by Andrew Poretz
