Autumn in New York cover

Autumn in New York

Kenny Barron · 1985

37 min · 6 tracks · jazz

A sophisticated interplay of lyrical melodies and intricate rhythms that capture the essence of New York's vibrant jazz scene.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    New York Attitude Start here — This opening track sets the tone with its upbeat tempo and playful melodic lines, showcasing Barron's dexterous piano work and rhythmic creativity.
  • →
    Autumn in New York — The title track evokes a sense of nostalgia and romanticism, with lush harmonies that highlight Barron's expressive touch and interpretative depth.
  • →
    Bemsha Swing — In this rendition, Barron demonstrates his ability to blend traditional jazz elements with modern improvisational techniques, creating a fresh take on a classic piece.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
65 /100
Treeline
Higher than 88% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate melodies and rhythmic interplay reflect Barron's skill and influence in jazz.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of syncopated rhythms that create a lively interplay between the piano and the accompanying instruments.
  • Each track showcases distinct melodic themes, often returning to variations of these themes throughout the pieces.
  • The arrangements frequently shift dynamics, with moments of quiet introspection followed by bursts of energetic improvisation.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady melodic progression throughout
  • urban ambiance in every note
  • intimate late-night listening experience
  • reflective moments of improvisation

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy tracks
  • prefer shorter song formats

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album marked Barron's emergence as a prominent figure in jazz.
Themes
New York jazz scene· nostalgic romance· playful melodies
Career context
Released in 1985, this album marked Kenny Barron's emergence as a prominent figure in the jazz world following his tenure with legendary artists like Dizzy Gillespie. At this point, Barron had already established himself as a skilled pianist and composer, making 'Autumn in New York' an essential step in solidifying his solo career.
Stylistic neighbors
Chick Corea· McCoy Tyner· Herbie Hancock

Tracklist

  • 1 New York Attitude Start here 5:58
  • 2 Autumn in New York 7:59
  • 3 Joanne Julia 5:38
  • 4 Bemsha Swing 6:50
  • 5 Embraceable You 5:48
  • 6 Lemuria 5:08

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata