Here’s That Rainy Day

“Here’s That Rainy Day” was composed by Jimmy Van Heusen with lyrics by Johnny Burke for the 1953 musical Carnival in Flanders. In the musical, the song is performed by a female character lamenting her lost love. Over time, it has been reinterpreted by many jazz musicians and has become a classic jazz standard.

The song is known for its gentle melody and melancholic lyrics, centered on themes of love’s sorrow and longing. It is a slow-tempo ballad and is one of the pieces that resonate deeply with jazz musicians. The harmonic structure is relatively simple, following a 32-bar AABA form.

Expressing the song’s emotions with subtlety is key. The lead musician should focus on dynamic control and expressive phrasing to convey the song’s depth to the listener. The melody should be handled delicately, and close coordination with the rhythm section is essential. To maintain the ballad’s softness and lingering impact, careful communication with the piano, bass, and drums is necessary, along with a deep understanding of the song’s theme. Special attention should be given to transitions between sections, and during solos, maintaining the emotional thread of the piece is crucial.