Jazz is everywhere, from music to fashion, dance to design but that's not all...according to psychologists it can also reduce our stress levels.
So why not escape all of the seasonal stress this Christmas, and unwind to some great jazz instead? Here's six of the best jazz nights we've uncovered in Cardiff.
We've also got some great live jazz at Ffresh too including: Fraser and the Alibis, Clifford Brown/ Max Roach Revisited and the Nat King Cole Story featuring the silky-smooth jazz vocalist, Atila.
1. Café Jazz
Café Jazz serves up fresh jazz every Tuesday to Saturday night. On Tuesday night's 'The Preservation Jazz Society' features good-time jazz with the best modern jazz from local and international artists every Thursday.
Café Jazz is open seven days a week for you to escape the crowds and bathe in a melodic evening of soothing music.
2. Gwidihw Café Bar
Gwidihw is a café bar and club, providing a space for alternative and independent music to flourish, including its 'Jazz society Jam nights'. Anyone and everyone are welcome to have a few drinks, play an instrument or just listen to some great jazz.
3. The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Unwind on a Friday afternoon and step into the weekend at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Every Friday from 5.30pm – 7pm the college hosts 'Amser Jazz Time'; a jazz club featuring two bands each week where you can catch the future of British jazz for free.
4. Tiny Rebel
Tiny Rebel has jazz nights on the second Thursday of every month. Presented by Echo Music, free jazz nights run from 9pm – 12pm at this award-winning brewery.
Tiny Rebel is the youngest and only Welsh brewery to win Champion Beer of Britain, so if you want to kick back with some super tasty ales and enjoy some guest jazz music, then this is the place for you.
5. The Flute and Tankard
'Live at The Flute and Tankard' hosts jazz nights every Tuesday and Wednesday upstairs in the pub. Located in Cardiff’s city centre, the jazz nights feature local bands as well as national touring groups.
The pub also fully supports the musicians so all profits made from the live sessions go straight to the performers.
6. St David’s Hall: Jazz on the Level
Located in the Level 3 Lounge, Cardiff’s own Capital City Jazz Orchestra regularly play their 'Jazz on the Level' nights, featuring well-known and special guests.
There's always plenty happening at the National Concert Hall with live entertainment, workshops, bars and coffee shops and it's also home to the annual Welsh Proms Cardiff so well worth a visit.