Teadot

Eau de Iceberg is (basically) clean and lemony vetiver over labdanum. Not that complex, but quite well done. There's a labdanum-rich viscosity, that allows for multi-season use; and the citrus is quite natural. The particular labdanum here, throws a thin swath of grey leather onto the lemon soapiness in the "mid"; and is what gives this likeable but straight forward composition, some character. Although not enough, perhaps. But still a rather relaxing and very wearable clean scent with mild projection, and good longevity on me. Not for younger, energetic tastes. .

The extremely affordable price certainly adds to it's appeal. Not a jump up for joy discovery, but certainly a gently uplifting "cheapie" that's worth more than it's price tag.

“Ocean” is more a sketch, than a fully rendered seascape: Instead, it's simply a log macerating in a pond of violet and artemisia. "Oasis Wet Wood", done. It's simple, and it's linear; and as such, I like it a lot. "Marketing" should have stopped at that. But to call this "Ocean"? That just brings up a whole new set of expectations. This is barely "seashore".

As far as "flankers" go, it's somewhat disappointing. If "Rocky Mountain" painted a different "portrait" of HeWood, "Ocean" simply drew a mustache on him, and left it at that !! Essentially just adding Calone to the original, isn't going to make this a great "flanker". In fact, the biggest disappointment here, IS that “water" accord. Which comes off as being still, and murky -lacking the salt infused energy of the sea. Blame it on the patchouli in the "base"; working against the ocean effect. It both, dulled, and "grounded" the composition -even though it technically gave the fragrance great longevity in the end.

Alberto Morillas is usually formidable. But Daphne Bugey really should have asked Jacques Cavallier, instead ! To partner-up her HeWood with the beautifully vivid ocean in his Bvlgari Aqua pour homme (or even, Aqua Marine). The result could have been my new "signature". As things stand, I still like it. I Just don't love it. *Sighhhh...*

Longevity:9/10 (in base)
Projection (summer temperatures):8/10 (in mid)
Art/Creatives: 6/10 (concept and scent execution
only-bottle stays status quo in this series)
How: casual, work or play, summer only,
by yourself picking lint out of your navel.

LIVE JAZZ comes in the clever guise of a folding screen. It's multi-facet panels (literally) reflect the multi-dimensions in Jazz and juice. 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 cool, high-lighted by spearmint. The lemon and grapefruit are more peel than juice. The accord is airy, fresh, bitter green, and "ozonic". A hint of grassy herbs in the background distinguishes this scent from the pack. But sooner than you can change into summer gear; a warm creaminess creeps in. This accord transitions into a "mid" -where suddenly, the (dinner) table... Flips !

Amber 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. Personally, the addition of vanilla made this otherwise strangely refreshing scent a bit nauseating to my nose. But I must admit. This is wayyyyyyy interesting...and will no doubt leave few heads unscratched.

LIVE JAZZ is a funky trip to Mabel's kitchen... To hear her nephew's jazz trio improvise, while she's cooking ! Certain food-like qualities to this composition (cilantro and rhubarb) may well be Pierre Bourdon's inspired cross reference of Jazz Music with Soul Food ! (Food for thought, anyway : )

In-spite of the intellectual shenanigan -LIVE JAZZ (as a casual fragrance) is ultimately an unpretentious, versatile, and unique alternative scent. Do I recommend it? 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, free-spirited,
laid-back. (Worth testing).

But because it's (almost) Great.

A striking Tangerine-Orchid-Incense, oriental.

Rare is the orchid in men's "designer" class fragrances. This particular rarity is simultaneously Musky (in it's orchid), Arid (in it's incense), and Muted (in it's tangerine rind) : As opulent as it's concept may imply, "SOLO Absoluto" possesses a tonal balance that boasts very little contrast. Resulting in a lack of dynamism. Without any acidic brightness pass the opening, it very quickly became ashy, life-less, and claustrophobic. Like a beautiful gilded and bejeweled sarcophagus. Grand, but somber. Warm... alas, aloof.

This is very much a Niche type work of... "art": Exquisite to admire on a blotter, but not necessarily as wearable, IMO. (Save for maybe with a poker face, for an upper-hand in business negotiations, LOL). Stunning bottle design and execution, to boot. Rather a disappointment.

*Sighhhhh...*

"Speak softly, and carry a big stick." ...Theodore R. Roosevelt Jr.

Musky springtime florals sharpened gently by citrus, and sweetly spiced by cardamom...floating over a creamy soapy base -to produce a JONES CREAM SODA like effervescence on my nose. But as the title quote portends, POWER's floral-centric character speaks with delicate diction. Recommended ONLY for the guy with a big enough "stick" to pull this off !

Easily unisex. A solid spring/summer spirit lifter.