I’ll Remember April

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I’ll Remember April (m. Gene De Paul, w. Don Raye and Patricia “Pat” Johnston)

In their profile of the standard, jazzstandards.com says:

Published in 1941, “I’ll Remember April” was recorded by Woody Herman and His Orchestra and entered the pop charts in March of 1942, rising to number twenty-three. With its unusual melody and form “I’ll Remember April” did not catch on in a big way with the pop world. Despite this there were a number of early recordings, including Martha Tilton, Bing Crosby, and the Nat “King” Cole Trio with vocalist Anita Boyer.

Woody Herman and his Orchestra — recorded c. 1941

Dick Foran in the film Ride ‘Em Cowboy (1942)

Judy Garland – from the Lux Radio Theatre production of “Morning Glory” — broadcast of 12 October 1942

Ann Miller in the feature film Eve Knew Her Apples (1945)

Howard Rumsey’s Lighthouse Allstars – recorded 13 September 1953 at the Lighthouse Club, Hermosa Beach, CA — musicians on the track (from jazzdisco.org): Chet Baker, Rolf Ericson (tp), Bud Shank (as, bars), Jimmy Giuffre (ts), Russ Freeman (p), Howard Rumsey (b), Max Roach (d)

According to jazzdisco.org the track originally appeared on the 1985 LP Chet Baker And The Lighthouse All-Stars – Witch Doctor, Contemporary C 7649. The first image chosen by the provider of the video below suggests that the track is drawn from the album Complete Performances with the Lighthouse All Stars: Chet Baker & Miles Davis, a 2003 release on the Jazz Factory label. Despite the title, Baker and Davis did not perform together on 13 September 1953 at the Lighthouse.

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Dick Twardzik Trio – 1954 improvisation. From the BBC Radio 3 Jazz File series “Significant Others,” part 4 of the 4 part Dick Twardzik programme, presented by Jez Nelson.

Clifford Brown & the Max Roach Quintet — Slides chosen by provider suggest that the track is from the album More Study in Brown, 1956. The length seems to be about right, four seconds shorter than the track length given at at All Music Guide which includes the following brief review:

This LP is less valuable now that it has been succeeded by EmArcy‘s massive ten-CD set, Brownie. Comprised mostly of alternate takes with a few previously unissued items, these tracks feature the classic Clifford Brown/Max Roach Quintet of 1954-1956. Best is a “new” version of “I’ll Remember April,” which also features tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins, and a fully restored “Jordu.” It’s a nice alternative for more casual fans who don’t want to invest the time or money that ten CDs require. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

Musicians: Clifford Brown, Max Roach, Sonny Rollins, George Morrow, Richie Powell

Dinah Washington – live, date unknown

Charles Mingus and band with Bud Powell, Antibes Jazz Festival – recorded 13 July 1960. The audio track of this performance was released on Mingus at Antibes in 1976.

Bud Powell (p), Charles Mingus (b), Eric Dolphy (as), Booker Ervin (ts), Ted Curson (tp), Danny Richmond (dr)

Frank Sinatra — recorded 12 September 1961, arrangement: Heine Beau, orchestra conducted by Axel Stordahl — released on the 1961 album Point of No Return

Don Byas – 1966

Peter Appleyard featuring Barney Kessel — from a 1978 episode of Peter Appleyard Presents, a jazz and variety show syndicated in North America from 1977 to 1980.