Reisman recorded for Columbia exclusively from July 1923 through March 11, 1929, when he signed with Victor and stayed until October 1933. He then signed with Brunswick and stayed until 1937 when he re-signed with Victor. During his 1929-1933 Victor period, Reisman recorded many lesser-known period Broadway songs, some of which were recorded by no other band. He also had the habit of featuring composers and Broadway performers as band vocalists, including Harold Arlen, Fred Astaire, Clifton Webb, and Arthur Schwartz. He also featured Lee Wiley in 1931-32 for her first 3 recordings. More often than not, his vocalists were Frank Luther, Dick Robertson and later Sally Singer and George Beuler. A notable recording from this era was "Happy Days Are Here Again" in November 1929, with vocals by Lou Levin.
Among his more popular hits were his #1 recordings of Cole Porter's "Night and Day” (1932) and Con Conrad's “The Continental" (1934)
Reisman's was primarily a dance orchestra; he was not a fan of jazz music, but some of his early 1930s 78 RPM recordings were a bit hot.
Eddy Duchin was a member of Leo Reisman's orchestra; it was Reisman who gave Duchin his big break.1 The band leader and TV personality, Mitch Miller, also was a member of Reisman's orchestra.2
Leo Reisman died in New York City on December 18, 1961 at the age of 64.
April In Paris
Leo Reisman & His Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I never met it face to face
I never knew my heart could sing
I never missed a warm embrace
Till April in Paris, chestnuts in blossom
Holiday tables under the trees
April in Paris, this is a feeling
I never knew the charm of spring
I never met it face to face
I never knew my heart could sing
I never missed a warm embrace
Till April in Paris
Whom can I run to
What have you done to my heart
The opening lines of the song, "I never knew the charm of spring, I never met it face to face, I never knew my heart could sing, I never missed a warm embrace," express a sense of longing and a feeling of being unfulfilled. The singer has never experienced the joy and beauty of spring, the season of renewal and new beginnings. They have never truly felt their heart come alive or craved the warmth of being embraced by another person. These lines capture a sense of emptiness and a lack of connection to the world around them.
The following lines, "Till April in Paris, chestnuts in blossom, Holiday tables under the trees, April in Paris, this is a feeling, That no one can ever reprise," introduce the transformative experience of being in Paris in April. The mention of chestnuts in blossom and holiday tables under the trees evokes a vibrant and picturesque scene, full of life and celebration. The phrase "April in Paris" itself becomes a symbol for something extraordinary and unique, something that can't be replicated or repeated. It signifies a profound feeling or experience that is unmatched and indescribable.
The repetition of the earlier lines, "I never knew the charm of spring, I never met it face to face, I never knew my heart could sing, I never missed a warm embrace," reinforces the contrast between the singer's previous lackluster existence and the seemingly magical impact of April in Paris. It emphasizes the profound change that has taken place within the singer's heart and mindset as a result of being in the city during this time. They have been awakened to the beauty of the world, the joy of life, and the desire for human connection.
The final lines, "Till April in Paris, whom can I run to, What have you done to my heart," express the singer's realization that after experiencing April in Paris, they can no longer turn back. They have been deeply affected and cannot escape the impact it has had on their heart and soul. The mention of running to someone suggests a search for answers or a need for support in understanding their own emotions. The singer is left questioning the transformation that has occurred within them, wondering how this extraordinary experience has so profoundly changed their perception of love and the world around them.
Line by Line Meaning
I never knew the charm of spring
I was unaware of the enchantment and beauty that spring brings
I never met it face to face
I never experienced spring firsthand
I never knew my heart could sing
I never realized that my heart could feel joy and happiness
I never missed a warm embrace
I didn't understand the longing for affection and intimacy
Till April in Paris, chestnuts in blossom
But then came April in Paris, when the chestnut trees were blooming
Holiday tables under the trees
Tables set for festivities beneath the lush trees
April in Paris, this is a feeling
April in Paris evokes a unique and indescribable emotion
That no one can ever reprise
A feeling that cannot be replicated or reproduced by anyone
I never knew the charm of spring
Once again emphasizing my prior lack of understanding for the beauty of spring
I never met it face to face
Reiterating that I never directly encountered spring
I never knew my heart could sing
Highlighting my previous ignorance regarding the capacity of my heart to experience joy
I never missed a warm embrace
Asserting that I was oblivious to the desire for affectionate embraces
Till April in Paris
Until that magical time of April in Paris
Whom can I run to
Expressing a sense of vulnerability and seeking refuge in someone's support
What have you done to my heart
Questioning the impact and transformation that occurred in my heart
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, Universal Music Publishing Group, Tratore
Written by: E. Y. Harburg, Vernon Duke
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind