[2026] A Curated Spring Jazz Collection That Evokes the Arrival of Spring

Afternoon In ParisJohn Lewis

John Lewis – Afternoon in Paris (1949)

A classic piece led by Modern Jazz Quartet’s pianist John Lewis, recorded in 1956 in collaboration with rising Parisian musicians.

It features Barney Wilen on tenor sax, Sacha Distel on guitar, Pierre Michelot on bass, and Connie Kay on drums.

It’s a refreshing number that evokes the unhurried flow of an early afternoon in Paris.

Spring Is HereBill Evans

Spring Is Here (Album Version)

Like weaving pale light, the delicate tones spun from the piano by American pianist Bill Evans sink deep into the heart.

Recorded in New York in December 1959 and included on the album “Portrait in Jazz,” this piece beautifully captures both the joy of spring’s arrival and the fragile feelings that, for some reason, keep one from embracing that joy straightforwardly.

The conversational interplay of Scott LaFaro’s bass and Paul Motian’s drums renders loneliness and the pain of heartbreak with even greater depth.

It’s a track to savor in a quiet room at the turn of the seasons, when spring’s light and shadow intersect.

A gem of a performance recommended for those who wish to touch the subtleties of life.

My One And Only LoveJohn Coltrane & Johnny Hartman

john coltrane & johnny hartman / “my one and only love”

Originally composed in 1947 by Guy Wood as a piece titled “Music from Beyond the Moon,” the song had its lyrics rewritten by Robert Mellin in 1952, and when Frank Sinatra recorded it the following year, it became a hit.

In the 1960s, Johnny Hartman featured it on his collaboration album with John Coltrane, which made it even more famous.

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.

Where Will I Be?Emilie-Claire Barlow

Where Will I Be?

Emily Claire Barlow’s “Where Will I Be?” is a song inspired by the natural world, deeply influenced in particular by birds.

It appears on her album Spark Bird, released in March 2023, and distills into music the creative experiences she had while in Mexico.

The lyrics convey a message of hope and renewal, as if opening the door to a new season with the arrival of spring.

The piece sings of everyday moments that are slipping away and of warmth for what is irreplaceable, cherishing the beautiful seasons that inevitably pass while wishing for a new flight.

With its moving melody intertwined with the coming of spring, this lovely track is recommended for anyone longing for the season’s arrival—be sure to listen to it in the gentle, sunny warmth.

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.

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.

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