I honestly can’t remember the last time I sat in a cafe without rushing somewhere or worrying about my life. But today, I came across a piece of music that didn’t just remind me of those times—it practically took me by the hand and led me back there. It’s a bit sad that modern coffee shops rarely play such enchanting music anymore, because that’s where the real magic happens. I’m talking about “New York City Cafe” by the French producer Nicolas Kluzek, better known as Evening Stroll.
The track feels effortless and incredibly atmospheric, rooted in the finest jazz traditions. It opens with delicate, almost imperceptible piano notes that fall like snowflakes at the start of a musical journey. A moment later, a colorful double bass enters the scene. You get this distinct feeling of walking into a warm cafe from a freezing, frosty street, where you are genuinely welcome. A wonderful beat with crisp snare drums escorts you to your table. To me, this rhythm felt reminiscent of the legendary Enigma—those similar percussion patterns that provide a tonic effect alongside the warmth of live instruments.
Make yourself comfortable, because at the track’s core, gentle horns join the familiar piano and bass, weaving an atmosphere of domestic cozy. It’s as if the music is saying: “Relax, you are safe.” There’s a brief second of respite before you dive back into this warm embrace that dissolves into a brilliant hip-hop beat.
After listening to this release from the Sphere of Hip-Hop label a few times, I’ve realized that if I owned a cafe, I’d play tracks like this on repeat. Creating an atmosphere isn’t just about good service; it’s about a rich musical backdrop, which Evening Stroll captured perfectly. The true wealth of this composition lies in its ability to offer the warmth of a city cafe even to those as far away from it as I am. Even with a simple cup of coffee at home.
Ultimately, “New York City Cafe” reminds us that comfort isn’t always a place—sometimes it’s a sound. It tells us that even amidst the noise of the world, there is always a quiet corner waiting for us, as long as we remember how to find our way back to ourselves.
P.S. If you enjoyed this escape into the city’s warmth, take another journey with our feature on Worldtraveller’s Summer Study, where morning light meets a sense of pure weightlessness.
