Why this tune?
It’s not April and we’re not in Paris, but this is still a good time to celebrate this lovely song by Vernon Duke. First, it marks Louis Armstrong’s birthday on August 4. Louis recorded it with Ella Fitzgerald on their classic “Ella and Louis” album.
I’m also remembering Paris as I start a new live music series at the new Le Kavacha bistro in Washington, DC. I’m sure Barbara Papendorp and I will include this song in our set alongside other French favorites. Yip Harburg’s lyrics will help us remember the “charm of spring” during the heat of summer.
“April In Paris” is a fun song to play on the piano, offering plenty of opportunities to explore melody and harmony. I tried some of that in my short track, playing just once through the song.
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Complete track
Ella and Louis
Count Basie, perhaps the most well-known version of this song. One more time!
Oren Levine, jazz pianist and songwriter 