Podcast 661: Music for Valentine's Day 2019

This year, I've decided to post my annual Valentine's Day podcast a few days early, so you can have time to get in the mood. Heaven knows it's a little harder these days, with the state of the world seemingly going toward hate rather than love. Curious about the origins of Valentine's Day as a day to publicly celebrate romance? Check this out: The day first became associated with romantic love within the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th century, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. In 18th-century England, it evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines"). Valentine's Day symbols that are used today include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have given way to mass-produced greeting cards. In Europe, Saint Valentine's Keys are given to lovers "as a romantic symbol and an invitation to unlock the giver's heart", as well as to children, in order to ward off epilepsy (called Saint Valentine's Malady). This year's musical selections concentrate on recent releases, so while some of the tunes are familiar, these versions might not be. Share this hour plus of music with someone you love! Blue Standard – "L-O-V-E" Cannonball Adderly – "The Way You Look Tonight" Stanley Clarke – "Overjoyed" Jeanne Lee & Ran Blake – "Just Squeeze Me" Lester Bowie's Brass Fantasy – "I Only Have Eyes for You" Cyrille Aimee – "Marry Me a Little" Steve Davis – "Song for My Love" Jimmy Scott – "Embraceable You" Barry Harris Trio - "Stranger in Paradise" Etta Jones featuring the Cedar Walton Trio – "This Guy's in Love with You" Stan Getz – "Prelude to a Kiss" Steve Cole – "Our Love" Dave Koz – "More Today Than Yesterday" For more Valentine's Day podcasts, please visit the website and search key word "Valentine."