Sunday Singalong - Autumn Leaves

"Autumn Leaves" is the "Mustang Sally" of jazz tunes - if you're learning to play jazz, this is a song you will encounter very early on. It is considered a classic in the Great American Songbook, and that is primarily because of its author, Johnny Mercer, one of the greatest songwriters who ever lived. 

It is both wistful, ironic, sad and very evocative of the season to which it refers. "The sunburned hands I used to hold" is a classic Mercer image, typical of the detail and discipline his lyrics always have.

Though this song has been covered by everyone from Nat King Cole to Eric Clapton, I've chosen Eva Cassidy's version, because her vocal talents are almost unequalled. Though she has long since passed on to other realms, her voice remains one of the clearest, most heartbreaking instruments of all. 

I hope you enjoy this Sunday's Singalong. Send your recommendations for other songs to jim.caroompas@patch.com.