Yesterday I posted on the origins of Autumn in New York, why
this fall classic is so beautiful, and the criteria for a great rendition. For me, a perfect execution has just the right mix of wistful nostalgia and excitement about the present. It's simultaneously a seasonal mash note and marriage proposal. Yesterday I also shared with you my top 10 jazz versions of the standard. But as is the case with most lists, 10 just doesn't do the trick. Here then is my second set of 10, in order—numbered 11 through 20. All are at iTunes and Amazon, unless otherwise noted:
11. Bill Evans (1963). Evans recorded the song as part of a 
medley that wisely combined Autumn in New York and How About You. It eventually was released as part of The Solo Sessions Vol. 2. Evans' spirit here is upbeat, and the pace is brisk as he captures the song and the feel of dry leaves skittering along the pavement.
12. Sonny Stitt and Oscar Peterson (1957). Backed by pianist Peterson,
Herb Ellis (guitar), Ray 
Brown (bass) and Jo Jones (drums), Stitt keeps
many of his bluesy cliches to a minimum and hunkers down on alto sax
for an impassioned rendition. It's pure magic to listen to these artists
play together live at the Newport Jazz Festival.
13. Tete Montoliu (1971). Blind Spanish 
pianist Montoliu fully appreciated the richness of the song, taking the Vernon Duke standard at various tempos on the solo effort. You'll find it as a CD or download at Amazon.
14. Kenny Burrell (1958). Burrell 
recorded this on Blue Lights with Duke Jordan on piano, Sam Jones on bass and Art Blakey on drums. Taken at the beat of a pulse, it's sensitive but resists becoming too cloying or chewy. And as Burrell proves, the guitar may be one of the best instruments for this song.
15. Kenny Dorham (1956). Performing 
live, trumpeter Kenny Dorham delivers a fabulous measured reading with tremendous support from Bobby Timmons on piano, Sam Jones on bass and Arthur Edgehill drums. You'll find it on 'Round About Midnight at the Cafe Bohemia.
16. Mary Lou Williams (1954). This was recorded in Paris, originally for
the Blue Star label. Williams 
covers this one with full-chord
richness reminiscent of Erroll Garner and Bud Powell. Williams comes at the song a bit differently, almost as if unfamiliar with the tune. Which is what makes it particularly interesting. Williams was joined by
Buddy Banks on bass and Jean-Louis Viale on drums. It's on Jazz in Paris: I Made You Love Paris.
17. Bud Powell (1953). This version is 
among the most bombastic. At first listen, it sounds like Powell is playing with a pair of hammers. But as you absorb what Bud is doing, you come to realize there's a fascinating interpretation here. Originally released on Blue Note's The Amazing Bud Powell (Vol. 2), it's available on many compilations. It features George Duvivier on bass and Art Taylor on drums.
18. George Coleman (1978). Amsterdam After Dark is one of 
tenor saxophonist Coleman's finest albums of the 1970s. It was recorded in New York, and Coleman soars and dives on Autumn in New York, running wonderful lines during the song's breaks. Hilton Ruiz is on piano, Sam Jones is on bass and Billy Higgins is on drums.
19. Sarah Vaughan (1956). This one 
appeared on Vaughan's Great Songs From Hit Shows, with arrangements by Hal Mooney. It's moody and lush, and Sassy goes deep to tug out every bit of sentiment and yearning.
20. Chet Baker and Stan Getz (1958). 
Admittedly a lighter version, Chet's interpretation coupled with Stan's sound results in a whispery tribute. The duo are joined by Jodie Christian (piano), Victor Sproles (bass) and Marshall Thompson (drums). You'll find it on Stan Meets Chet.
To me, Stitt and Sinatra have always owned this tune. I heard Stitt play it in the 1970s with that great "Gianjts of Jazz group with Dizzy, Blakey, Winding, Monk and Al McKibbon.
Posted by: Bob Curtin | October 08, 2008 at 11:56 AM
Marc, I am flabbergasted (and, as Steve Allen used to say, if you've ever had your flabber gasted, you know how painful that can be) that you managed to pick 20 recordings of "Autumn in New York" yet overlooked what is both vocally and instrumentally the finest ever, by the immortal husband and wife team of Jonathan & Darlene Edwards. Here's the link:
http://www.amazon.com/Jonathan-Darlenes-Greatest-Darlene-Edwards/dp/B0000010KB/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1223481922&sr=1-7
Posted by: Alan Kurtz | October 08, 2008 at 12:14 PM