It is eclectic music. It is upmarket chic that the average man may avoid. It is jazz. Or rather, that was jazz as many people - even so-called music lovers - viewed the age-old genre.
However, the equation of 'Jazz = exclusive chic fun' may be a thing of the past, as more bars and restaurants swing toward the newer forms of jazz.
This year, a spate of international jazz artists - including Annie Ross and Georgie Fame - and increasing performances by jazz diehards such as Allen Youngblood and Eugene Pao, have seen the birth of a new rhythm on Hong Kong's live music scene.
With the advent of new 'types' of jazz, such as acid jazz and jazz fusion which appeal to a younger audience, and easier access to jazz recordings, the snowball just keeps getting bigger.
As a long-time provider of jazz in Hong Kong, the Jazz Club was probably the first to feel the change. 'Several years ago, people would find it hard to find live jazz music, but now it is not [difficult],' said club manager Joe Henderson, who has brought in seven sell-out international acts in the past six months.
'Wan Chai seems to be the place to go on Sunday. The Rickshaw Club has some jazz gigs. Swing, BB's, Dali's and even hotels have regular jazz.