As recorded by Andy Williams in 1963, the Christmas song “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” evokes the strongest memories for Hayato Sumino. “My parents had a copy of The Andy Williams Christmas Album, and now it always reminds me of my childhood,” the Japanese pianist tells Apple Music Classical. “Last year, after moving to New York, I spent Christmas there, taking walks while listening to this album.” Sumino’s fleet-fingered, sparkling jazz arrangement of “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” plugs straight into his incredible gifts for improvisation, inspired, he says, by the big band that explodes from the starting blocks in Williams’ dazzling original. “That festive big band sound and the flowing swing waltz fill me with excitement,” says Sumino. “Recreating that atmosphere in a piano solo can be challenging, but it’s definitely one of the most enjoyable genres for me to play.”