[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!
- [Autumn Songs] Songs of autumn. Classic tracks and popular favorites you’ll want to listen to in the fall.
- [2026] Songs to listen to in November: masterpieces of late autumn, autumn songs.
- Classic swing jazz tunes. Recommended popular songs.
- [2026] Jazz piano masterpieces: from standards to recent favorites
- Songs to Listen to in September: Popular J-POP Tracks That Capture the End of Summer and Early Autumn
- The Royal Road of Jazz: Classic modern jazz masterpieces. Popular tracks you should listen to at least once.
- [Reiwa Autumn Songs] Seasonal Melodies That Resonate with the Heart | A Curated Selection of Masterpieces to Enjoy in Autumn!
- [Autumn Classics] Japanese Songs to Listen to and Sing in October: A Curated Selection of Beloved, Heartfelt Hits
- Great for karaoke too! Jazz classics you’ll want to sing at least once
- Introduction! A collection of recommended masterpieces and standard numbers for jazz beginners
- [2026] A collection of autumn songs for people in their 50s. Showa-era classics that bring back memories of those days
- From bittersweet tracks to party anthems: fall songs recommended for Gen Z
- Jazz commercial songs. Popular commercial songs.
[Autumn Jazz] Classic and Popular Jazz Songs to Hear in Autumn (11–20)
Tis AutumnBeverly Kenney
Beverly Kenney, a jazz vocalist who left this world at the young age of 28.
While she isn’t very well-known in Japan, she was highly acclaimed in the United States during her lifetime; the world-famous jazz bandleader Tommy Dorsey recognized her talent, and they even toured together.
‘’Tis Autumn’ is one of her signature songs and is known worldwide as a jazz piece themed around autumn.
Highly recommended for those who enjoy calm, slow jazz!
LauraJ.J.Johnson
When Japanese people hear the name “Laura,” they might think of Hideki Saijo’s song, but this one is the piece David Raksin composed in 1944 as the theme for the film Laura.
He is said to have come up with the melody after reading a letter from his wife asking for a divorce.
Talented people can turn anything into creative fuel, can’t they? The song became a hit along with the film, and the following year Johnny Mercer wrote lyrics for it, allowing vocalists to perform it as well.
It remains popular with instrumentalists as an instrumental piece, too.
La MerDjango Reinhardt
Django Reinhardt, a jazz guitarist from Belgium, created a new genre called Gypsy Swing by blending Romani music with swing jazz.
It remains hugely popular today, and he is held in great respect across Europe for his achievements.
“La Mer” is one of his signature pieces, arranged with the violin as the main focus.
Django’s guitar plays more of a supporting role here, yet it still has a strong presence.
Be sure to check it out!
When I Fall In LoveNat King Cole
Nat King Cole, whose warm, rich vocals are highly acclaimed by jazz enthusiasts around the world.
The expressive power of his baritone voice is remarkable, and he truly excelled in songs with a mature atmosphere, standing out as a formidable jazz singer.
One of his masterpieces is “When I Fall in Love.” The grand orchestral arrangement and Cole’s deeply moving vocals are a perfect match, beautifully capturing the wistful feeling of autumn.
Moonlight is worth a thousand gold pieces.Yoshida Hideko
A light, breezy jazz rhythm makes this a pleasant listen.
The song was included on the 1981 album “Shanghai Bansking: first,” and later featured on the 2005 compilation “The Ultimate Best! Hideko Yoshida / Shanghai Bansking.” Chosen to recreate the atmosphere of early-Showa dance halls, it showcases Hideko Yoshida’s gentle voice and expressive nuance.
The lyrics, depicting lovers enjoying blissful moments under a moonlit sky, truly resonate.
It’s a sophisticated track that suits a leisurely autumn night.
Recommended for those who want to soak in a mellow mood while immersing themselves in the world of the musical Shanghai Bansking.
Maybe SeptemberTony Bennett & Bill Evans
The work “Maybe September,” a collaboration between Italian-American vocalist Tony Bennett and world-renowned jazz pianist Bill Evans.
Tony Bennett is often hailed as one of the greatest entertainers in the world, making this a collaboration widely recognized as a major event by both fans and the artists themselves.
The melody is slow jazz, arranged to spotlight Bennett’s rich, resonant vocals.
It’s a perfect piece for an autumn evening!
[Autumn Jazz] Classic and Popular Jazz Songs to Listen to in Autumn (21–30)
Satin DollDuke Ellington
A classic by Duke Ellington, a jazz pianist from Washington, D.C., who was active mainly from the 1930s onward.
He adopted the stage name “Duke,” an epithet meaning a noble title, reflecting his impeccable appearance, and, true to that moniker, he delivered numerous performances that were elegant and refined.