To some, it may be an added comfort to hear background music while eating a meal.

In an effort to attract more diners during the pandemic, a city restaurant trying something new.

The Chop House on Main has started Jazz on Mondays.

Owner Amber Carlson noted patrons can expect the same upscale dining experience they always have but this time there will be live music to enjoy.

She added that since the pandemic shut down the restaurant in March, it took a good hit, financially, and “yes we are hoping to attract more people with Jazz night.”

While patrons dine, Carlson said, they can enjoy Jazz music by Razz and Friends in the background. “We have just recently started reopening on Monday nights, so they have been slower and we wanted to help increase the reservations that night.”

Carlson said the music will be performed from approximately 5:30 to about 8 p.m.

Ralph Rasmusson, better known as “Razz” has been a music educator, band leader, and Jazz afficionado. Ask him about Jazz music and he will give you insight, history, and advice about playing the genre. He loves Jazz. When talking with him, you will learn about music — not because he is trying to educate you about music, but rather he can connect music in some way to your life. In educator language, it allows listeners to draw on their own experience to make a new experience.

Razz has had the privilege of working with hundreds of talented students — many of whom have developed great careers — all of whom did all the work themselves. “It’s always fun to see where their efforts have taken them,” he said.

Waiting to play, Razz, said this new gig reminds him of a time when clubs and restaurants in Jamestown and the area were scene of many live bands.

Since starting with a trio in 1962 at the Vikings Lodge, he continued working with various bands in Jamestown and Warren, Pa. “I think I probably played every bar and dance hall in Jamestown the next 50-plus years,” Razz said. “I played with Joe Prince at the Moose club, and many years with Busty Muzzy at the Italian and Swedish clubs. This amounted to two and three nights a week for all this time. I had the privilege of playing with many bands of the area — it was the most fun way to unwind at the time — most bands played standards from the 30s 40s, so you could drop in on a gig and join the band,” he said. Razz is a wealth of information when it comes to jazz history. And listening to him speak, you see the smile on his face, and you can tell he enjoys listening as well as researching current and older trends in music. Whether it’s big band swing, smooth, dixieland, be-bop, or fusion, after talking with him, you will take away a whole new understanding of all that jazz.

The restaurant’s website chophouseonmain.com, said, “We have taken the necessary steps to make sure our guests are kept safe with everything going on. Masks are required until seated and all tables are spaced at least six feet apart.”

The Chop House On Main is located at 2-6 E. Second St., Jamestown. For more information call 708-6978 or also visit facebook.com/ChophouseonMain.

“I’m not quite sure of my expectations just yet as we’ve never done live music at the Chop House especially since the pandemic started, but I’m hopeful it will be a good turnout,” Carlson added.