11.7.2022

Autumn in New York

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Greetings, I am Atsuko, a jazz singer from New York City.

Muse is the Greek word for the goddesses of music and the arts.

I came to New York in 2000 with only a dream to study in the home of jazz.

My life in New York has been full of ups and downs, but I still feel super lucky to be able to continue to live in this city.

November is also my birthday month, and it is the most wonderful time of the year in New York, so I feel very happy.

This year, the leaves seem to be changing colors earlier than last year, probably because we had a period of cold weather in October when the heaters were turned on.

The trees in Central Park are changing colors, and when I walk around the city in the dazzling autumn light, I feel as if I am in a movie.

I feel as if I am in a movie. （It's true!)

I recommend "When Harry met Sally" as a movie that reminds me of autumn in New York City.

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It's a very old romantic comedy with Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal, and the music director is jazz singer and pianist Harry Connick, Jr.

When I was a young girl, I saw this movie and was enchanted with the idea of going to New York City! I was so moved by this movie at that time.

Incidentally, my singing teacher, Marion Cowings, taught Harry to sing like himself when he had just he moved into New York from his hometown New Orleans. He had been singing with a gravelly voice like Louis Armstrong until then.

I believe this is what led to his success as a singer and the Grammy award.

I will tell this story another time.

One of the jazz standards is called Autumn New York.

This song was written by Vernon Duke, he was a student of George Gershwin who established the foundation of American music by incorporating both popular jazz music and classical music.

Vernon Duke wrote this song in 1934.

It is hard to believe that this song was written 90 years ago.

This must be the energy of a song that has been called a standard and loved for many years.

Today, as a greeting, I would like to share with you some of the lyrics of Autumn in New York.

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Autumn in New York

　Autumn in New York, why does it seem so inviting

　Autumn in New York, It spells the thrill of first nighting.

　Glittering crowds and shimmering clouds and Canyons of Steel 

　They're making me feel, I'm home.

　It's Autumn in New York that brings a promise of new love

　Autumn in New York, Is often mingled with pain

　Dreamers with empty hands may sigh for exotic lands

　It's Autumn in New York, It's good to live it again

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This is a super translation of Atsuko4Jazz's own words, so please forgive me if there are some controversies.

It is only this year, after living here for many years, that I finally felt the urge to face this song and sing it.

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If you are interested in hearing Autumn in New York, my recommendation right now is these people

Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Diana Krall, three great divas.

Check them out if you are interested.

I actually didn't like Billie's singing much because it was too deep, but I thought this was sincerely wonderful.

Ella and Louis Armstrong are a perfect balance.

Diana Krall has a really deep and engaging voice.

It's interesting to compare the same song with each of their distinct personalities.
 

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It would be great if you get in the Autumn mood in New York a bit.

Please come visit us sometime! 

Have a great November!

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