Autumn (Windham Hill 20th Anniversary Edition) [Enhanced]

George Winston | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 11, 2001)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: RCA Victor
• ASIN: B00005NBR9
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (60 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,071 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #2 in Music > Indie Music > Pop > Adult Contemporary
  • #2 in Music > Indie Music > Jazz > General
  • #5 in Music > New Age > Instrumental

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording

The precursor to 1982's commercial breakthrough, December, George Winston's 1980 Windham Hill debut boasts all the lyrical power and poignancy of its follow-up. A simple, clear recording for solo piano, Autumn finds Winston developing simple melodic motifs with studied left-hand underpinning, on hypnotic pieces like "Woods," which moves from a brisk rhythmic figure to rubato minor-key runs. Leaving pauses and breaths in all the right places, Winston suggests the play of color and light, the comfortable melancholy, and the encroaching slow-down that characterizes the fall season. Full of memorable themes, sure pacing, and whiffs of classical grandeur, Autumn is a timeless album that belongs to the firmament of the new age canon. --James Rotondi

Product Description

Japanese K2 digitally remastered edition of the newage composer/pianist's 1980 album includes an exclusive three track bonus CD featuring 'The Crystal Ship', 'Too Much Between Us' and 'I Can't See Your Face In My Mind'. 2001 release. Slimline double jewel case. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Heavenly Music, April 21, 2002

By 

Steve Vrana (Aurora, NE) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Autumn (Windham Hill 20th Anniversary Edition) (Audio CD)

I first encountered pianist George Winston when I purchased "December" back in 1982--I have a huge collection of holiday music. I was so taken with his playing that I have since bought all of his albums. "Autumn" is one of my favorites and it only is better with the addition of the bonus track "Too Much Between Us," written by Procol Harum members Robin Trower, Gary Brooker and Keith Reid.

In his liner notes, Winston tells how the Doors' debut album inspired much of this album--especially the 10-minute "Colors/Dance" and "Sea." [In fact, Winston says he now includes ten Doors songs at the solo piano dances that he currently does.] Other influences he cites are John Coltrane, Frank Zappa and John Fahey--not exactly the names you'd expect to hear from one of new age music's best-selling artists!

Regardless of his influences, this is some of the most gorgeous piano music you're ever likely to hear. [Note: George Winston wannabes can print out the seven pages of sheet music for "Longing/Love" available as part of the enhanced CD portion of the disc.] HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

44 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sounds just as good in July..., June 27, 2002

By 

Neal C. Reynolds (Indianapolis, Indiana) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Autumn (Windham Hill 20th Anniversary Edition) (Audio CD)

Actually, I hate to call George Winston "new age" because those prejudiced against the genre are likely to run away without listening, and that would be too bad. Winston's music is exquisitely played piano, and while it can be classified as new age, you'll hear influences of The Doors, Frank Zappa, along with traces of George Shearing, Meade Lux Lewis, and other jazz piano.

The truth of the matter is that this music is better experienced and not categorized. It is mellow, but not shallow. It's suitable as background music, but you can also allow yourself to be immersed in it.

I think you'll be glad you gave it a try.

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of New Age music's all-time bests...., March 18, 2005

By 

Monica J. Kern (Lexington, KY United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Autumn (Windham Hill 20th Anniversary Edition) (Audio CD)

I first heard "Autumn" when it was released in 1980, and it was one of a couple of albums that got me hooked on New Age music. When I first bought the album (and it was a vinyl LP; this was before CDs were affordable, at least on my then-struggling-student budget), I thought it was the most beautiful solo piano music I had ever heard. I am still inclined to believe that today, and this album withstands the test of time to emerge as one of the all-time best New Age works.

The first half of the album is the most melodic, and thus the stronger, half in my opinion. There is very little out there in the musical world that can compare to the 1-2-3 combination of gentle grace and bittersweet melody shown in "Colors/Dance," "Woods," and "Longing/Love."

Although I had long replaced my vinyl copy of "Autumn" with a CD, I ordered the 20th anniversity edition for the sole purpose of the added track containing the sheet music for Longing/Love. I enjoy playing the piano, and I have tried searching the web for sheet music for George Winston compositions, to no avail. I was thrilled to hear that this CD contains an arrangement for what is one of my favorite Winston songs.

Is this George Winston's best album? Very possibly. The other possible candidates are "December" and "Forest," both highly worthy of purchase if you do not already have them. Both also contain songs of aching beauty (e.g., the "Walking in the Air" arrangement from "The Snowman"). But when you consider the influence "Autumn" had on the development of New Age music in general and how early this appeared in Winston's career, that may tip the balance in favor of "Autumn."

I had the good fortune to see George Winston in concert recently, and his sheer talent continues to amaze and inspire me. (In addition to playing the piano, he also impressed us with virtuoso guitar and harmonica solos.) He is unassuming in appearance and seems to be a genuinely nice guy. We are all fortunate that he has shared his talent with us.

Verdict: If you like New Age music, buy this album. If you like piano music, buy this album. Heck, if you like music at all, buy this album. It would end up high on my list of "what would you bring if you could only bring 10 CDs with you to a desert island."