[Autumn Jazz] Classic and Popular Jazz Songs to Enjoy in the Fall
When it comes to music you want to savor on a long autumn night, jazz is surely at the top of the list.
As the scorching summer fades and a unique sense of melancholy begins to drift through the air, jazz fits the season perfectly.
In fact, there are many jazz standards themed around autumn, a testament to just how well the two go together.
In this article, titled “Jazz Masterpieces to Enjoy in Autumn,” we’ll showcase a generous selection of autumn jazz classics—not only songs that explicitly take autumn as their theme, but also pieces that evoke an autumnal mood.
Whether it’s a reflective afternoon moment or a quiet night when you want to feel a bit more grown-up, please enjoy!
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[Autumn Jazz] Classic and Popular Jazz Songs to Listen to in Autumn (71–80)
Lullaby Of The LeavesConnee Boswell
The song, released in the 1930s by Bernice Petkere, is known in Japanese as “Lullaby of the Leaves.” It was reportedly first performed on a radio broadcast by the Freddy Parrysius Orchestra, and then enjoyed a revival hit in the 1960s by The Ventures.
Someone to Watch Over MeElla Fitzgerald
Someone to Watch Over Me, sung by the American jazz icon Ella Fitzgerald, is a jazz standard that has even been used in commercials in Japan.
It’s a collaboration by the Gershwin brothers—lyrics by the older brother Ira and music by the younger brother George.
The lyrics, about searching for a beloved, make it a perfect song for autumn’s wistful mood.
In Ella’s version, she starts with the verse—the introductory section placed before the main body of the song, which is often omitted in instrumental versions—so be sure to give it a listen!
Body & SoulEsperanza Spalding
This is a work by Esperanza Spalding, a jazz bassist from Portland, USA.
She is a multi-instrumentalist who also handles vocals and violin, showcasing her talent across a wide range of genres, not only jazz but also bossa nova and soul.
Despite her high level of musicianship, her sound never becomes overly cerebral; instead, an approachable groove highlights her appeal.
[Autumn Jazz] Classic and Popular Jazz Songs to Enjoy in Autumn (81–90)
Indian SummerGlenn Miller
The piece was originally prepared by Victor Herbert for the operetta The Velvet Lady, but after his death Al Dubin added lyrics to complete it.
“Indian summer” is often translated into Japanese as koharu-biyori.
In reality, however, it refers to hot days that feel like summer’s return even though the calendar says it’s autumn, after September has passed.
Moonlight in vermontJo Stafford
This is a song that depicts the scenery of Vermont, with lyrics by John Blackburn and music by Karl Suessdorf, written in 1944—a so-called regional song in today’s terms.
Because power lines appear in the lyrics, there’s a theory that it was created as a commercial for an electric company, but no documentation survives to support that.
While most songs tend to use rhyme, this one is unusual in that it doesn’t.
The first person to sing it was Margaret Whiting, but Jo Stafford’s version is lovely as well.
Drawing Room BluesJoe Henderson
The uniquely warm tone of tenor sax legend Joe Henderson is perfect for autumn listening.
In particular, the drumless track “Drawing Room Blues” is a great recommendation for long autumn nights.
It’s included on LUSH LIFE, a tribute album to composer Billy Strayhorn, who was Duke Ellington’s right-hand man, and the album won a Grammy Award in 1992.
Fly Me To The MoonJulie London
Speaking of autumn, it brings to mind the Harvest Moon, so I’d like to feature a moon-themed song.
This piece was created in the 1950s by Bart Howard, who wrote both the lyrics and the music, but it was originally a waltz titled “In Other Words.” In the 1960s, Joe Harnell arranged it in a bossa nova style, changed the title, and since then many musicians have freely arranged and enjoyed performing it.