[Autumn Jazz] Classic and Popular Jazz Songs to Enjoy in the Fall

Stormy WeatherLena Horne

Lena Horne Stormy Weather

Originally created by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler, this song is known in Japanese as “Are Moyou” (“Stormy Weather”).

It was initially recorded with vocals by the composer, Arlen, himself.

In the 1940s, Lena Horne sang it in a film of the same name, and it became one of her signature songs.

When You’re SmilingLouis Armstrong

When You’re Smiling

A superb performance by Louis Armstrong—the trumpeter and singer from New Orleans, affectionately known as Satchmo to this day.

His husky, low-pitched vocals leave a powerful impression the moment you hear them, and they fit perfectly with elegant swing jazz.

He was one of the great entertainers and musicians of the 20th century.

Softly as in a morning sunriseMichael Brecker

Michael Brecker – Softly as in a morning sunrise

Among jazz standards, this is a famous number that’s very likely to be played at jam sessions.

It’s also often sung by jazz vocalists.

Composed in 1928 by Sigmund Romberg with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, it was originally not a swing number but was reportedly performed with a tango rhythm.

Please enjoy the wonderful tenor playing of the late Michael Brecker.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Moon Over Bourbon StreetSting

Moon over Bourbon street-Sting

This is a song included on Sting’s first solo album, released the year after he disbanded The Police in 1984.

For the making of this album, Sting reportedly enlisted four jazz musicians.

Incidentally, Bourbon Street is the name of a famous street that runs through the French Quarter in New Orleans, USA.

Waters of March – Águas de MarçoTom Jobim

Waters of March – Águas de Março – Tom Jobim

This song, written and composed by Antônio Carlos Jobim, is known in Japanese as “Waters of March” or “March Rain.” Because Brazil in the Southern Hemisphere has seasons opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere, March in Rio de Janeiro corresponds to September in the Northern Hemisphere—a rainy period as summer turns to autumn.

It seems to evoke an image of moving into the latter half of life.

Get Out and Get Under the Moon (Moonlight Is Worth a Thousand Gold Pieces)Kaneko Harumi

Moonlight Is Worth a Thousand Gold – Harumi Kaneko ~Premium Jazz All-Stars~

This, too, is a song about the moon.

Originally, it’s an American pop song from the 1920s with music by Larry Shay and lyrics by William Jerome, and in Japanese it is also known as “Gekkō Chishinkin” (“Moonlight Is Worth a Thousand Gold”).

This Japanese title is said to have been given by Takashi Iba, who also worked on the Japanese lyrics for the song, drawing from Su Shi’s poem Spring Night, which includes the line “A moment of a spring evening is worth a thousand pieces of gold.”

That’s AllBen Webster

Ben Webster – That’s All (1953)

“That’s All” is a jazz standard composed by Alan Brandt and Bob Haymes.

It’s also included in the Great American Songbook, which refers to popular songs that have had a major influence in the United States.

The tune has been covered by many musicians, but the tenor saxophonist Ben Webster’s version is especially recommended for autumn.

His gently melancholic, breathy tenor sax tone makes it a perfect track for an autumn night.

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Hamada Takuya

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