Le Apartomatic

Have I ever mentioned that I love beer and jazz and Wes Anderson?

And in case anyone wants to jazz up their party playlists before the holidays, the song featured in the commercial comes from the 1958 soundtrack to "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" performed by Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers.

(Video directed by Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola).

Anita O'Day

I'm off to see this movie.

Update: So the movie was terrific and sad and inspiring for the jazz lover. Even better was Anita's 1958 performance of Sweet Georgia Brown at the Newport Jazz Festival (and the crowd in attendance). It can be viewed here.

Good News: The movie is now out on DVD.

Lush Life

"I'll live a lush life in some small dive" - Billy Strayhorn (1915-1967)

I am not sure if the owner of Atlanta's Lush Life Home and Garden had the lyrics to this jazz standard in mind when naming his store, but it is always what I am reminded of when visiting.

Lush Life is the type of shop Jeff Lewis would patronize (in the supportive definition) if he was a local. The aesthetic is masculine and modern, yet as lush and lively as the sign on the door suggests.

And it is the only house in Atlanta with two live palms in front--not an easy feat in our winter climate.

I look forward to seeing what Lush Life's Bill Hudgins plan is for the front porch and terrace of Atlanta's upcoming Christmas House. Above is an example of one of his simple and chic arrangements photographed for Christmas House sponsor, Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles.

And in case you are unfamiliar with the aforementioned tune, I suggest picking up a copy of John Coltrane's version, recorded in 1957. It would make a great stocking stuffer!

My Jazzy Valentine

I just learned that the legendary Dave Brubeck Quartet will be visiting the "Classic City" of Athens, Georgia this week. While tomrrow's Valentine's Day concert is sold out, there are still tickets for tonight's show.

In case you are looking for a last minute Valentine's gift, I suggest the remastered version of Brubeck's classic 1959 album Time Out. While this may be considered Jazz 101 for some, it remains one of my favorites. Below is a 1961 performance of "Take Five" off of Time Out.

For more hardcore jazz aficionados Ken Burns Jazz is a must add to the DVD collection. With almost 19 hours of documentary footage, you will become a veritable expert on the subject of jazz history. I watched the original 2002 broadcast on PBS and was the lucky recipient of the box set for Christmas this year.

Fantasy Bar

Tory Burch's luxe, lacquered and mirrored bar puts me in the mood for a Harvey Wallbanger on the rocks and a little Chuck Mangione playing on the hi-fi.  (Photograph from Vogue Living: Houses, Gardens, People).

What better to add to the fantasy than lighting a few of Burch's own votives, made of bamboo extract, fresh citrus, water jasmine, dewy greens, osmanthus, sandalwood, white musk and amber.

For a similar vibe at a fraction of the price, try West Elm's Red Currant candle. I have this one myself and it smells divine (at $6.00).