[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 (41–50)
L’AutunnoJacques Loussier Trio
Jacques Loussier, the jazz pianist known for jazz arrangements of Bach masterpieces such as “Air on the G String” and “The Well-Tempered Clavier,” led a trio from the mid-1960s to the mid-1970s.
“L’Autunno,” from his trio era, remains a highly popular piece themed around autumn.
It has a refreshing quality reminiscent of smooth jazz.
Wouldn’t it be perfect for an autumn drive?
[Autumn Jazz] Classic and Popular Jazz Songs to Enjoy in Autumn (51–60)
My Favorite ThingsYo-Yo Ma, Chris Botti
Originally, it’s one of the songs from the musical The Sound of Music, with lyrics by Richard Rodgers and music by Oscar Hammerstein II.
The instrumental version of this song may be very well known in Japan from the JR Central commercials—the ones famous for the slogan, “Yes—let’s go to Kyoto.”
Feeling GoodNina Simone
Overflowing with a blues feeling, this song was composed by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse as a number in a musical.
Written in 1964, it’s a relatively new piece and the same musical also includes well-known jazz standards such as “Who Can I Turn To?” and “The Joker.” Nina Simone’s distinctive vocal style at moments brings to mind Japanese folk singers and artists from the world music scene.
Autumn LeavesNat King Cole
The legendary jazz vocalist, Nat King Cole.
Even among the many jazz singers, he stands out with an exceptionally warm voice and is beloved by professional musicians as well.
For those well-versed in music, choosing Nat King Cole over Frank Sinatra is a common move, right? (laughs) His “Autumn Leaves” is one of his signature songs, and his warm, rich tone matches perfectly with the title “Autumn Leaves.”
Early AutumnWoody Herman
Woody Herman was a multi-artist who, while known as a clarinetist and saxophonist, also thrived as a vocalist.
He wasn’t merely a singer who happened to be good with songs; he possessed the skill to perform at a professional, leading level on each instrument.
One of his famous signature pieces, Early Autumn, was composed in 1949 by jazz pianist Ralph Burns.
As the title suggests, it is a beautiful work themed around the arrival of autumn.
A Lovely Way To Spend An EveningAnn Burton
With lyrics by Harold Adamson and music by Jimmy McHugh, this fine song has been covered by many vocalists of all genders.
Its Japanese titles are “Yoi no Hitotoki” and “Koi ni Sugoseshi Yoi.” Originally written for a film, it is sometimes said to have been first popularized by Frank Sinatra, and it remained one of his repertoire pieces.
Un Poco LocoBud Powell
This is a celebrated 1951 performance by Bud Powell, a jazz pianist from New York, USA.
He is regarded as a leading figure among bebop-style jazz pianists, and this recording captures his elegance along with a drive and technique that rival those of horn players.
His rapid fingerwork and chord playing became a model for modern jazz performance.