Creating the Perfect Autumn Jazz Listening Nook
With the rise of feng shui and self-help books like Marie Kondo’s “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up,” people are beginning to realize and prioritize the importance of creating a cozy home environment. To truly make a house (or apartment!) into a home, you need to cultivate warm spaces that invite you and guests to relax and unwind. Whether you just moved into a new studio or you’ve been living in the same creaky house for decades, it’s never a bad idea to shower your home with a little tender love and care.
So, this autumn, why not create the most perfect jazz listening nook? I know what you may be thinking–a “listening nook”? What the heck is that? Well, a nook usually refers to a corner, a snug little spot where you can curl up and doze or read. But since music is our forte at Night is Alive, we are assuming that you will be listening to jazz music in your autumnal nook! Maybe you even have an old record player collecting dust in your attic that you could drag out and revive? No matter what, we’ve got some songs to help inspire your home decorating!
John Di Martino, Harry Allen, Dave Stryker and others – Imagination
At the outset of any new project, the most important thing is that you use your imagination. The sky’s the limit! Let your imagination soar; let it roam free and wild. No idea is too outlandish at this early stage–maybe you want your nook to feel like you’re inside a hollow tree. Maybe you want to feel like you’re looking up at the night sky. Or maybe you really just want a velvet chaise lounge. No matter what you want, allow this song, from Night is Alive’s album Call Me Irresponsible to inspire your imagination.
John DiMartino, Joe Magnarelli, Wayne Escoffery & others – Tell Me Why
Once you’ve captured the vision, the dreamboard if you will, of your listening nook, it’s time to shoot for the moon! Why do you want this nook? Why is it important to create a homey space? Reflecting on your goals will help to make the dream a reality. This song, from Night is Alive’s album Old New Borrowed and Blue will help you to refine and focus your vision and land among the stars.
Lorca Hart Trio – Introspection on the 401
Did you know that Zen Buddhists believe that the clutter, or cleanliness, of your home helps to create your mindset? The clearer and more organized your surroundings, the clearer and more organized are your thoughts. It’s a positive feedback loop! So, while creating your listening nook think about your habits and routine–what will create the clearest path to organization and enjoyment? Let this song from Night is Alive’s album Colors of Jazz inspire your introspection.
Bill Cunliffe, Tim Horner and Martin Wind – Interiors
Picture this: after weeks of traveling and family obligations every weekend you finally have a Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday all to yourself. You get home from work, take off your sweaty work clothes and toss them in the hamper then take a long shower or bubble bath. After putting on your pajamas, the take-out food you ordered is at your door. You get cozy in your new listening nook, turn on this song–from Night is Alive’s album The Border Widow’s Lament–and settle in. Between bites you contemplate the interiors of your home–where do you feel most safe? Where do you still want to redecorate?
Check out this music and more on Night is Alive’s albums page.
written by Jacqueline Knirnschild
Photo by Alisa Anton on Unsplash
