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Mark Whitfield - Autumn In New York (Verve Records 1995)

3,640 views · Published 19 October 2013 · 5:40 · Indexed 5 October 2026

Channel: RoundMidnightTV · 2013 · Music

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"Autumn in New York" is a jazz standard composed by Vernon Duke in 1934 for the Broadway musical Thumbs Up! which opened on December 27, 1934, performed by J. Harold Murray. 

Mark Whitfield (guitar) is accompanied by Dave Holland (bass), Al Foster (drums), and Tommy Flanagan (piano).  Recorded at Clinton Recording Studios, New York, 1995. (Verve Records)

Several versions of the song have been recorded over the years by numerous musicians and singers.  Recorded in Los Angeles, Billie's  sweet-and-sour rendition is resigned and expectant. You hear the pain and the joy at once. Billie recorded the song twice on the same date, once for the 10-inch LP and again, slightly slower, for the 78-rpm single. Best of all, Oscar Peterson is dazzling behind her.  This is the best version from the Complete Billie Holiday on Verve (1945-1959).

This recording is dedicated to Danny Barker, a true innovator of Rhythm Guitar and a beautiful human being.

Autumn in New York
 Why does it seem so inviting?
 Autumn in New York
 It spells the thrill of first-knighting
 
Glittering crowds and shimmering clouds
 In canyons of steel
 They're making me feel
 I'm home
 
It's autumn in New York
 That brings the promise of new love
 Autumn in New York
 Is often mingled with pain
 
Dreamers with empty hands
 May sigh for exotic lands
 It's autumn in New York
 It's good to live it again
 
Lovers that bless the dark
 On benches in Central Park
 It's autumn in New York
 It's good to live it again

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