TIS AUTUMN - Free Jazz Leadsheet

'Tis Autumn' was composed by Henry Nemo and first published in 1941. The song's debut recording was performed by Nat King Cole and his Trio in Los Angeles that same year, highlighting Cole's warm, intimate vocals and delicate piano accompaniment that perfectly suited the reflective mood of the piece.

Over time, 'Tis Autumn' has been interpreted by a wide range of artists, including Frank Sinatra, Chet Baker, and Ella Fitzgerald, often in settings that emphasize lyrical expression and subtle jazz harmonies. Each rendition brings out the song's contemplative charm and timeless emotional resonance.

The lyrics evoke the wistfulness of the autumn season, combining imagery of falling leaves with themes of love, change, and nostalgia. The melody is smooth and lyrical, typically presented in a 32-bar form with gentle harmonic shifts that allow both vocalists and instrumentalists to explore expressive nuances and improvisation.