When I was asked about reviewing the 45th Anniversary Edition of George Winston’s iconic Autumn album, I thought there must be a mistake. How could that album have been released 45 years ago? But there it is - recorded in June 1980 and produced by Will Ackerman, the album was released on Windham Records later that year and became Winston’s breakthrough recording. He had released a couple of albums before that, most notably his 1972 album, Piano Solos, which was re-released on Windham Hill Records in 1981 as Ballads and Blues 1972. Although Winston’s music is usually thought of and referred to as “new age,” he hated the term and always called his original music “rural folk piano.”

I lived and taught piano lessons in the Bay Area until 2007 and attended several of George Winston’s concerts in San Francisco - sometimes with some of my students. I’ll never forget the first of his concerts that I attended at the venerable Davies Symphony Hall. I couldn’t believe it when George came onstage in his plaid flannel shirt, jeans, and no shoes! I knew immediately that this was someone I’d really like! Concerts always included some of George’s blues piano and often slack-key guitar and/or harmonica, but experiencing him playing his original solo piano compositions live was magical!

I have to admit that it had been quite a number of years since I’d listened to Autumn, so this has been quite a treat and a trip down Musical Memory Lane! The 45th Anniversary Edition of the album is the same as it was released originally plus one previously-unreleased track, “Autumn Longing” for a total of eight tracks. The music is considered to be two suites: “September” which includes “Colors/Dance,” “Woods,” and “Longing/Love”; and “October” which includes “Road,” “Moon,” “Sea” and “Stars” - all classics.

If Autumn is new to you, here’s a chance to grab a piece of contemporary music history. If you have an original copy of the album, you might want to update your collection with this new edition - and get a new piece you likely haven’t heard before!

Autumn is being released on the first day of Fall - September 22, 2025. It is available to download and stream on Amazon and Apple Music/iTunes as well as on many streaming platforms including Spotify and Pandora. Rest in peace, George Winston, and thanks for all of the great music you left us!