Jazz has become ubiquitous in Bangkok. Almost as predictable that a youth-oriented place, say a club in RCA, is going to play hip-hop or house, it’s an equally safe bet that an establishment targeted at more mature customers, say a new hotel bar, is going to play jazz.

Now here’s a novel idea: a jazz bar in RCA.

Jazz It (21/39-40 Royal City Avenue, Block C) is a new venue located directly across the street from Route 66 in the pedestrian walkway behind Re-Feel. But before you abandon another lackluster FHM bikini show at Route in search of the hip cat sounds of Thelonious Monk, you should be warned: Jazz It may have been given the wrong name—but then misleading nomenclatures are all the rage these days (think Khao San on Thonglor and Thonglor Samosorn in RCA). Instead expect the bunctious grooves of the Black Eyed Peas and their kin.

About a third of the floorspace has been devoted to a large stage, flanked by heavy velvet curtains bathed in violet light. The stage easily accommodates the Maria Band, a six-piece outfit that plays nightly (9:45-11pm). Playing everything from Aerosmith to hip-pop favorites, this able act with two sweet-voiced singers gel like bread and butter. And these guys can actually harmonize. After the band finishes its set, the place gets considerably more upbeat (and louder) with the arrival of DJ Magic Muffin and her bag o’ house.

Black metallic tables with stiletto-thin legs and chairs populate the audience area. In the back of the club is a black light billiards table (B30/game), which surely can’t be good for your eyes (but it’s a cool idea nonetheless). Behind it is a funny wall that looks like it’s covered in Astroturf. (It’s plastic ivy.) Drinks come at predictable prices (Heineken B140, JW Red Label 750ml B1,300, JW Black Label B1,900, mixers B50). If you’re looking for something a little different, try a refreshing margarita (B150, virgin B100) made with real fruit.

Jazz It is a strange animal, but the feel of it makes it stand out in RCA. However, where “following the crowd” seems to be an unspoken rule, Jazz It’s obscure location may prove fatal. Hopefully for their sake the good name and killer drink promotion they’re now running will help Jazz It find the audience they deserve.