I'm sure I'm among the precious few (aka "The Annointed") who actually prefers Billie Holiday when she and her voice are shot to hell. In my book, she could do no wrong.
This is the album and the version of September Song that I grew up with and for me is the better of the two, although the verse isn't included. Durante did a great full one, too.
Frankie sang it straight here; no inflections characteristic of later years.
Amongst many others ... but not yet mentioned (that I can see), probably my favourite Autumn melody ...
... Joseph Kosma's Les Feuilles Mortes (from the film Les Portes de la Nuit (1946)) which, courtesy of the wonderful Johnny Mercer, became the standard Autumn Leaves
Of my 17 recordings (5 vocal, 11 instrumental + 1 50:50*), Frank Sinatra's 1957 reading with Gordon Jenkins is, of course, unpassable but of the non-vocals, I think I'd go with Mantovani's 1959 recording as it holds special memories for me, though Bert Kaempfert's 1965 recording is a very close second.
*Norrie Paramor's 1956 album Autum features Patricia Clarke, soprano, singing the odd line of each song ... a strange arrangement which sort of works, but is not an easy listen.
As much as I like David Rose, his album Autumn Leaves doesn't work too well for me ... perhaps just too much of the same ... and his arrangement of the title track is simply beaten by other arrangers/performers. Mitch
This may be Sinatra's most depressing album. Not to be listened to if you are suicidal.
What!? His best album of the 1960s? It's a joy from start to finish!
I think some of the Capitol albums are by far more depressing. There's "In The Wee Small Hours," "Close To You," "Where Are You?," "Only The Lonely," "No One Cares" and his good-bye to Capitol and Axel Stordahl: "Point of no return."
At times I find it still hard to listen to "Autumn Leaves." Gordon Jenkin's arrangement is a killer.
Then, there's Billie's version of "I'm A Fool To Want You." Pure despair.
I think there are plenty nice songs about fall as well: "Autum In New York," "Moonlight In Vermont," (at least sort of) and Bert Kaempfert's arrangement of "Tenderly" also sounds a bit autumnal to me.
