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Domicile was a legendary jazz nightclub based in Munich, Germany, and it is not known to have had a venue in the United States. Established in 1965 by jazz enthusiast and promoter Ernst Knauf, Domicile quickly became one of the most important and influential jazz clubs in Europe during its heyday from the late 1960s through the 1980s. Its atmosphere, characterized by its intimate setting and exceptional acoustics, made it a preferred venue for both local jazz aficionados and artists from around the world.
The club was often highlighted for its commitment to creative freedom and for providing a haven for musicians eager to experiment with new forms and ideas. Over the years, Domicile garnered a reputation for being a melting pot of cultures where American jazz legends shared the stage with rising European stars, nurturing a vibrant community and serving as a breeding ground for musical innovation. While the club’s structure remained fundamentally unchanged, its location in Munich and its focus on quality live performance established it as a mainstay in the city's nightlife until its closure in 1988.
Domicile’s cultural significance is further underscored by the role it played in fostering the growth of modern jazz in Germany and continental Europe, bridging artistic movements across the Atlantic, and being immortalized in numerous recordings and live performances. Notable artists who performed at Domicile include international legends such as Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Getz, Chet Baker, Art Blakey, Oscar Peterson, and Dexter Gordon, along with prominent European and local talents like Albert Mangelsdorff, Klaus Doldinger, and Volker Kriegel. The club’s eclectic booking policy also allowed for collaborations and impromptu jam sessions featuring musicians like Don Cherry, Ronnie Scott, and Joe Zawinul, further cementing Domicile’s place in jazz history.

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UPDATED : 9 August 2025 at 06:36