A gem of a jazz classic that captures the arrival of spring, paired with a heartwarming story

Violets for Your FursMatt Dennis

Matt Dennis – “Violets For Your Furs” (1957)

This is a song composed by Matt Dennis with lyrics by Tom Adair, written for the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra.

Its Japanese title is “Kōto ni Sumire o” (“Violets for Your Furs”).

It is said that the song was inspired when the lyricist Tom saw Billie Holiday wearing a fur coat at one of her live performances.

Looking UpMICHEL PETRUCCIANI

Looking Up (Live)

Michel Petrucciani, a jazz pianist from France.

Anyone well-versed in jazz piano will know him—he’s such an exceptional player that he’s often hailed as “the greatest jazz pianist in French history.” His musical style, influenced by artists like Bill Evans and Keith Jarrett, is truly captivating.

His piece Looking Up is one of his signature works, a modern jazz number with an upbeat, spring-themed vibe.

The Shadow of Your SmileTony Bennett

TONY BENNETT-THE SHADOW OF YOUR SMILE.wmv

This is a song composed as the theme for the 1965 film The Sandpiper, starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

While the film itself didn’t make much of a splash, the song was well received and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song that same year.

Tony Bennett, who performed it, also won a Grammy Award.

Cool Struttin’Sonny Clark

Sonny Clark – Cool Struttin’

Cool Struttin’ by Sonny Clark, released in 1958.

A beloved classic and a staple of modern jazz.

Sonny Clark is on piano, Art Farmer on trumpet, Jackie McLean on alto saxophone, Paul Chambers on bass, and Philly Joe Jones on drums.

Sakura StampSaori Yano

Sakura Stamp

Released on March 23, 2005, Saori Yano’s album “Sakura Stamp” is a captivating work that heralds the arrival of spring.

This album shines with collaborations from accomplished musicians such as trumpeter Nicholas Payton and tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander.

The title track, “Sakura Stamp,” features a gentle, warm tone that evokes the soft breezes of spring.

It’s a recommended pick not only for jazz fans but also as the perfect companion for a spring drive or picnic.

Yano’s fresh, vibrant performance seems to symbolize springtime in Japan, making your heart dance with joy.

Some Other SpringBillie Holiday

Some Other Spring

Billie Holiday, the jazz singer affectionately known as Lady Day.

Perhaps because she grew up in a harsh environment as a child, she carried that background with her into her later years and led a troubled life, yet her music and vocals are still highly acclaimed today.

One of her spring-themed songs is “Some Other Spring.” When you think of spring songs, you might imagine something bright, but this one is a mature take: she resolves to completely forget the man she parted with and finally fall in love this year.

A Lover’s ConcertoSarah Vaughan

sarah vaughan – A Lover’s concerto

The original version of this song was performed by the American girl group The Toys in 1965.

The original melody is said to come from the 18th-century classical piece “Bach’s Minuet.” In Japan, it became famous as a beer company’s commercial jingle.