Birdland

Charlie “Bird” Parker was the kind of genius that comes along once in 100 years. His prowess on the saxophone is considered by many to have few peers. He lived hard in his short and sometimes tragic life, but his legend will live on forever through his prodigious catalog of vinyl.

The famous Manhattan nightclub “Birdland” that opened in 1949 was named in tribute to Parker, and also has an incredible history and storied past in jazz history. As the sign in the front proclaimed, it was known as “The Jazz Corner of the World.”

The original incarnation of Birdland closed in 1965.

Parker on the saxophone.

The front entrance to Birdland, located at 1678 Broadway Ave, in Manhattan’s Midtown neighborhood.

Greetings From Havana

The allure of cigars from Cuba, and their inherent elusiveness gives them a mystique. The classic look of the cigar bands and packaging is a master class in elegant design.

This is one of the recent boxes that I have enjoyed. The Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 is rather approachable and pairs nicely with a martini and your favorite jazz record.

Jack Kennedy smoking his favorite, H.Upmann Petit Upmann.

A Field Guide to the Birds - Peterson

A gift to my grandfather on the occasion of his 40th birthday. It was given to him by my grandparent’s close friends. He passed away when I was two and a half years-old.

This initial post is a tribute to the faint memories I have of him, as I am now just slightly older than he was when he received this book. I hope he would’ve enjoyed Navigator Archive.

A Field Guide to the Birds was orginally published in 1934.