The Brits stole rock 'n' roll from us.

We invented it, but the Brits have owned it since The Beatles released Please Please Me in 1963. America's added plenty of meat to the menu since then, but most of the best dishes have been served up in British kitchens. (Bet you never thought you'd see that in print.)

But rock wouldn't exist without the jazz and the blues, and those are both very much assuredly American conventions. They were born here, grew up here and they die and are reborn here every few years.

Lately, at least in the Mile High City, jazz has been on a bit of an upswing. There was a time when El Chapultepec (1962 Market St., 303-295-9126) was the only place to catch live jazz in town. The caliber of show you'd find there made it worth braving LoDo when it was still skid row, but there wasn't much opportunity for developing acts or musical diversity. In recent years, however, the landscape has started to change. Herb's (2057 Larimer St., 303-299-9555) is now owned and operated by former 'Pec house band leader Laura Newman, and jazz is on tap virtually every night. Dazzle (930 Lincoln St., 303-839-5100) is a more upscale counterpart, bringing in national acts to fill in between local acts every month. The Robusto Room (9535 Park Meadows Drive, 303-790-7363) remains the epicenter of cool in the south suburbs. And Jazz @ Jack's brings smooth jazz to the Pavilions.

Owned by a few partners, including Denver's smooth jazz darlings Dotsero, Jazz @ Jack's is a striking and beautiful addition to a Pavilions nightlife scene known more for its boisterous clubs (Coyote Ugly, Buck Wild Saloon, Lucky Strike Lanes) than live music.

Mrs. Buzz and I stopped in for the Cocktail Revolution's holiday party last week. The self-styled "urban improv" quartet may be on the more progressive side than some of the acts on the regular rotation (Nelson Rangell's Straight Ahead Series every Sunday, for instance), but the audience on hand was responsive and engaged. The group's infectious groove and street-smart swagger was matched only by the tasty cupcakes saxaphonist Jon Hegel baked for the attendees.

Jazz @ Jack's is across from the United Artists Theater on the third level of the Pavilions. It's split into two sections; patrons enter into an intimate, sleek lounge, and then continue on past the bar into the larger live music space. Long, cozy benches line the walls, punctuated every few feet with a table and chairs; small cocktail tables fill the room closer to the stage while higher bar tables provide a view and seating from the back. The sound system fills the space nicely; obviously designed for a jazz room, the clarity of tone is sharp; musical nuances are exposed yet not obtrusive. The room is the musical equivalent of a high end art gallery - everything is designed to showcase the piece. Meanwhile, the cocktail waitresses were attentive and friendly.

Jazz @ Jack's may be a little higher-browed than its LoDo contemporaries (Herb's, the 'Pec, etc.), but it's far from inaccessible. Given the choice to see a show here versus any number of other venues, it's definitely a winner.

Jazz @ Jack's

500 16th St. #320 303-433-1000

• Jazz @ Jack's does not validate parking. However, the United Artists theater does. See a movie, then follow up with a nightcap at the club.

• Dotsero plays Saturdays; Nelson Rangell on Sundays.

• Happy hour 7:30-9:30 p.m. every Tuesday: two-for-one drinks, bartender's choice.