April Showers

‘Paris’, 1946, Columbia MasterworksIt’s April! And whether you’re in the Southern Hemisphere like me farewelling summertime, or in the Northern, looking forward to spring, you might be subjected to sudden bursts of April showers. That’s what this album in chilly blue makes me think of. But April is not all bad: this year we have Easter too – isn’t that rabbit illustration just perfect?

The art of both these albums is great; so quintessential of its times. The war had ended, and these illustrations are lighthearted and full of joie de vivre. Unfortunately, the credits don’t make it clear whether Alex Steinweiss drew the illustrations in addition to designing the covers.

‘Music of Cole Porter’, 1948, Columbia MasterworksAnd when those inconvenient rains come, just remember this Al Johnson song, April Showers: it’ll make you smile and maybe even give you a little hope.

Life is not a highway strewn with flowers,
Still it holds a goodly share of bliss,
When the sun gives way to April showers,
Here is the point you should never miss.

Though April showers may come your way,
They bring the flowers that bloom in May.
So if it's raining, have no regrets,
Because it isn't raining rain, you know, (It's raining violets,)
And where you see clouds upon the hills,
You soon will see crowds of daffodils,
So keep on looking for a blue bird, And list'ning for his song,
Whenever April showers come along.

And where you see clouds upon the hills,
You soon will see crowds of daffodils,
So keep on looking for a blue bird, And list'ning for his song,
Whenever April showers come along.