I've been going back and listening to some albums that have meant something to me over the years, including two jazz albums I first bought on vinyl, and this week heard for the first time in 20+ years.  I fell in love with these records the first time I heard them.  They all seem to have a sparse, autumnal aspect to them.  Thought I'd share them with you - hope you enjoy them.

Terence Martin, Lost Hills, http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/martinsongs4

I became a fan of Terence Martin the first time I heard him in 2002, and I've studied his songs over the years.  There's not a wasted word or note.  He boils emotionally complex ideas down to spare, memorable songs, sung in a dusky baritone voice - the sound of autumn leaves.  Though Terence is now fighting serious illness, I think his songs will endure.

Eric Bibb, An Evening with Eric Bibb, http://tinyurl.com/62vc7lo

Eric Bibb writes songs steeped in gospel and pre-war blues, yet break new ground, lyrically and musically.  I picture an oak tree when I hear him:  strong roots, powerful trunk, no frills or flowers.   "In My Father's House" might be one of the greatest gospel songs ever.

McCoy Tyner, Supertrios, http://tinyurl.com/6kelrrk

McCoy is a master pianist and improviser, pounding rhythms with his left hand, playing cascades of notes with his right, building an edifice with each tune, the first dusting of snow leaving a high tiled roof glittering.

Ornette Coleman, Ornette on Tenor, http://tinyurl.com/6lafsnx

You really hear Ornette Coleman's blues roots on this late 60's album - he honks and wails on tenor sax, a warm gust swirling leaves in November.  The rhythms are funkier and the melodies catchier than even his famous early work.  

What's your favorite autumnal music?

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Eyes and Ears:  What I'm Reading, Listening to, and Watching
  -Books
Donald Westlake, "Smoke."  http://tinyurl.com/3kdhorv
Mark I. Pinsky, "The Gospel According to The Simpsons"  http://tinyurl.com/66rqybq  
 -Music:
Joe Crookston, Darkling & The BlueBird Jubilee (full disclosure:  I played on this record - but I don't listen to it for that.  -PW :-)  
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/joecrookston
Kurt Elling, "Dedicated to You: Coltrane and Hartman" http://tinyurl.com/6d8lkt6