Here's That Rainy Day

"Here's That Rainy Day" is a jazz standard composed by Jimmy Van Heusen with lyrics by Johnny Burke. The song was written in 1953 and first appeared in the musical "Carnival in Flanders." It has since become a staple in the jazz repertoire, known for its melancholic melody and introspective lyrics. The song captures themes of longing and nostalgia, making it a popular choice for vocalists and instrumentalists. Over the years, it has been interpreted by numerous artists, contributing to its enduring legacy in the jazz genre.

Recordings of "Here's That Rainy Day"

• Dolores Gray (1953): Introduced the song in the Broadway musical Carnival in Flanders. Though the show closed quickly, this ballad emerged as its enduring legacy.

• Frank Sinatra (1959): On No One Cares, Sinatra’s mournful delivery helped elevate the song to a beloved standard in the Great American Songbook.

• Nat King Cole (early 1960s): Cole’s velvety tone added warmth and sincerity, enhancing the song’s status among vocal jazz classics.

• Stan Getz (1964): Recorded live on Getz/Gilberto #2, his tenor saxophone brought a cool, lyrical quality to the tune with subtle bossa nova influences.

• Carmen McRae (1964): Her version on Bittersweet displayed vocal sophistication and restraint, adding a bittersweet elegance.

• Ella Fitzgerald (1965): Her live Ella in Hamburg version is crisp and clear, showcasing impeccable phrasing and phrasing mastery.

• Ruth Brown (1965): In Ruth Brown ’65, she brought a bluesy, soulful touch to the tune, highlighting its emotional range.

• Elvin Jones and Richard Davis (1967): Their collaboration on the album Heavy Sounds includes a rendition of "Here's That Rainy Day" that stands out for its unconventional arrangement. The interplay between Jones's dynamic drumming and Davis's inventive bass lines introduces a fresh perspective to the standard, incorporating elements of free jazz.

• Wes Montgomery (late 1960s): His guitar version highlighted smooth phrasing and elegant harmonic flow, bringing a mellow jazz guitar vibe.

• Bill Evans (1968): On Alone, his solo piano version is deeply introspective and harmonically rich, a milestone in solo jazz recordings.

• Joe Pass (1973): On Virtuoso, Pass’s solo guitar rendition is a technical and musical

  Sarah Vaughan (1977): Live at Ronnie Scott’s, Vaughan’s soaring vocals and deep emotional reach make this an unforgettable performance.

• Art Pepper (1975): On his album Living Legend, Pepper delivers a version that reflects his openness to avant-garde influences. His alto saxophone performance is marked by emotional depth and innovative phrasing, showcasing a blend of traditional and exploratory jazz elements.

• Art Pepper (1980): On Winter Moon, Pepper's lush string-backed alto sax solo version is drenched in emotional vulnerability and late-career depth.

• Chet Baker (1980): On Together, Baker’s version features his breathy trumpet and vocals, evoking loneliness and late-night melancholy.

• masterclass, turning the ballad into a showcase of jazz guitar artistry.

• McCoy Tyner (1990): On Soliloquy, Tyner’s solo piano take is full of power, nuance, and harmonic sophistication, offering a muscular and modern interpretation.

• Astrud Gilberto with Koop (2003): A chill, electronic remix pairing Gilberto’s soft voice with Koop’s nu-jazz production, reimagining the song for lounge and downtempo fans.

• Natalie Cole (2008): Her refined, expressive version nods to her father’s legacy while standing strong as a polished vocal performance in its own right.

• Aubrey Logan (2021): With vocal agility and trombone flair, Logan adds a playful and fresh interpretation rooted in jazz tradition but with contemporary cool.

• Ellas Kapell (2021): A moody, atmospheric take by this Swedish jazz group that shows the song’s global and modern appeal.

• Rickie Lee Jones (2023): On Pieces of Treasure, Jones brings raw intimacy and poetic phrasing, giving the song a weathered and personal feel.

• Cole Lam (contemporary): A young pianist’s solo YouTube performance that reflects the tune’s enduring ability to reach and inspire new generations.