About

Jazz Kissa

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ESP is heavily influenced by the century-long Japanese kissa where listening to music is the core identity. Traditionally, you find cafés playing classical or bars playing jazz on a high fidelity sound system all-analog. Different forms have taken shape as well. We can’t say enough about these places and owners, owing much to them and the music/musicians that inspire these sanctuaries of sound.

Jazz Kissa

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ESP is heavily influenced by the century-long Japanese kissa/kissaten where listening to music is the core identity. Traditionally, you find cafés playing classical or bars playing jazz on a high fidelity sound system all-analog. Different forms have taken shape as well. We can’t say enough about these places and owners, owing much to them and the music/musicians that inspire these sanctuaries of sound.

illustrated jazz kissa

Sonic Palette

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We are a bar that opens early, creating space to listen, drink, & settle in. The music is curated to match the energy in the room; afternoon selections ranging from ambient/forth-world experimentation to classical to psych folk and other zen vibes. The nighttime selection is a mix of international beats old and new, keeping the tempo in synch with the room and patrons. Think dub, jazz, motown, fusion, synth pop and other oddities with an analog sound present in all the records.

illustrated sun wheel album
illustrated I'm in need of love
Memoria das Aguas illustrated album
take a look illustrated album

Finding Our Sound

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During our stay in Tokyo, one of the primary goals was listening intently to each system until finding one that spoke to us. When first entering Swing, we knew we had stumbled upon something special. The western electric gear they were rockin’ is a pipe dream for now, so this is the next best thing:

  • Garrard 401 turntables beautifully restored by Audio Grail (UK)
  • 12” Thomas Shick tonearms with corresponding custom headshells/carts (Germany)
  • Condesa Carmen mixer (Australia)
  • 2 line magnetic 845ia single ended class A amplifiers (China)
  • Vintage Klipschorn speakers for the floor
  • Vintage Klipsch lowboy cornwalls for backbar

Note: All of our records are selected to provide optimal sound as well, the vast majority being either original pressings or AAA remastered from the original tapes.
We are by no means at the end of our audio journey, so we hope you’ll come along for the ride with us as we continue to improve.

Interested in hosting a private event at ESP?

Bring an event to ESP or have ESP come to you, we’d love to collaborate

CONNECT

1029 Santa Fe Dr, Denver, CO 80204

720-921-5502

hours

sunday – tuesday: 4pm – 11pm

wednesday – saturday: 4pm – midnight

first fridays we are open until 1 am 

we are closed the last monday of the month

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