Monaco has always been great for nightlife but with “Moods”, the little Principality has really surpassed itself. This jazz club has been open for at least a year but we just got around to visiting it last night. It’s not an aversion to jazz that made us slow to rush over there (certainly not) but a fear that an evening out would set us back the price of a sportscar. Not so.

Moods looks like it would be costly. First, there’s the location behind Monte Carlo’s Cafe de Paris. Then there’s the ultra-modern but somehow comforting decor. The staircase that leads to the entrance has a whooshing wall of water on each side and the interior is surprisingly spacious and extremely well-designed. There are several bar areas, walkways and even a book corner with sofas that border the stage and main floor. The sight lines are good from nearly everywhere and the acoustics are top-of-the-line.

Drinks run from €10 on up and there’s only a cover charge for the more renowned groups like Stefano di Battista or Paola Fresu.

We were most charmed by the music of Pink Turtle and Lillian Boutte that presented  New Orleans-infused versions of rock, soul and pop classics. Musically unusual (how about ‘Satisfaction’ to a bossa-nova beat?), Pink Turtle also put on a great show, with the musicians doubling as performers, singers and comedians.

Moods is open Tuesday to Saturday from 7pm on although the music starts at around 9.30pm. For more information and the program, see www.montecarloresort.com