In 2016, David Stuckey of Oregon Public Broadcasting wrote, "In the 1940s and '50s, Portland's jazz scene was a mixture of cultural progression and intense audio experience." In 2019, Willamette Week described Portland, Oregon's jazz scene as "constantly shifting" and said, "It often feels like the fate of Portland jazz hangs in the balance."
Jazz clubs in Portland have included Blue Monk, Brasserie Montmartre, Cotton Club, The Dude Ranch, Club Acme, Jack London Revue, Jazz de Opus, and Jimmy Mak's. The defunct restaurant Abou Karim also hosted jazz performances.
Jazz musicians with connection to the city include Mel Brown, Cleve Williams, George Bruns, Alan Jones, Nancy King, Glen Moore, and Esperanza Spalding.