Live Jazz by Yves Saint Laurent, 1998

This one takes your head for a spin! LIVE JAZZ comes in the clever guise of a folding screen, whose facets, literally reflect the multi-dimensional aspects of the fragrance, and it's namesake. The design details on the bottle are all about Contrast ! -And if you can't already guess, you're going to find out WHY! The Opening blast is lemony cooool, high-lighted by spearmint. The lemon and grapefruit are peel, not juice. The accord is airy, fresh, bitter green, and almost aquatic. A hint of grassy herbs in the background distinguishes this scent from other "freshies". But sooner than you can change into beach attire, a creaminess creeps in -brought on by the amber in the base. Like someone threw in a bar of DOVE moisturizing soap. This accord transitions into the "Mid" -where dinner is served! Spicy nutmeg is the catalyst that begins to "cook" everything in it's warmth. The herbs morph from plant-like, to food-like; reminiscent of the minty, lemony dish of seasoning that come on the side with your Vietnamese Noodle Soup -dominated by coriander (read cilantro), and simmering in a creamy rhubarb broth. What keeps this from turning altogether savory, is the sweetness of vanilla in the base, throbbing like a consistent beat. This is wayyyyy interesting...save for the average projection, and longevity. 4hrs max and it's a skin scent on me. LIVE JAZZ is basically a Funky trip to Mabel's kitchen, to hear her nephew's jazz trio improvise, WHILE SHE'S COOKING ! (lol) The brilliance of this fragrance to cross-reference two cultural elements from African-American History: Jazz Music, with Soul Food! -spoke cleverly for it; and despite my resistance, earned a place in my collection. But Is it recommended? I can whole-heartedly testify to it's wear-ability, but not as much for it's performance. Inspite of the intellectual shenanigan -LIVE JAZZ (as an everyday fragrance) is ultimately an unpretentious, versatile, and unique, alternative scent. It all depends on whether you have room on your Playlist -for something as interesting, but just as flawed as...well, Live Jazz ! Longevity: 7/10 (base notes) Projection (fall temperatures): 6/10 (in mid) Art/Creatives: 8/10 (bottle and concept) How: year round, daytime, casual, unique, comfy. (test it first though).

Mint, mint, minty mint. If you don't like the smell of mint I'm telling you right now, STAY AWAY. However, should you be someone who also feels uplifted and refreshed by the smell of fresh mint then by all means get on the wagon. Live Jazz opens with a sharp and vibrant blast of cool mint tinged with a great grapefruit and lemon note. Nothing 'toothpastey' about it. Though I cannot say that it smells like natural mint either, it definitely doesn't smell synthetic. Perhaps this is the other notes fuzzing it up. And fuzz it up in a good way they do. While sharp and quite powerful, Live Jazz never feels overwhelming. Strong but not thuggish in its persistence I never feel like its driving a nail in my head. However, I can imagine this being one that would really make you feel sick if you already had a headache. As Live Jazz dries down a floral quality begins to show. I understand no flowers are listed in its creation, but this is what I get. A subtle and slightly creamy rosy sort of accord. Maybe it's the rhubarb coming into play as I have no idea what rhubarb actually smells like. But I'd bet my money on the coriander as the doppleganger. All the while the mint plays on while vanilla harmonizes. Live Jazz seems to have excellent projection and decent longevity. No major quibbles there. But I'd say about 3 sprays max or you'll really be gassing people. The stuff is so invigorating and sharp that I really don't see any problem with using it in cooler weather either. It'll get noticed just fine. If you're looking for something very masculine, this probably isn't it. Very unisex. But if you enjoy mint do try. This is one of the most uplifting and fresh fragrances I've ever tried and retains character through and through unlike many that lose their initial charm after their topnotes fade away. Well blended and smelling of quality ingredients. Great stuff. Thumbs up!