The timeless beauty of George Winston’s Autumn is alive again with the release of the 45th Anniversary Edition, out now and featuring the newly uncovered bonus composition, “Autumn Longing.” Over the course of his remarkable career, Winston sold more than 15 million albums worldwide, cementing his place as one of the most beloved solo pianists of all time.
First released in 1980, Autumn introduced listeners to Winston’s singular style of “rural folk piano”—music rooted in place, memory, and the changing of the seasons. The album’s two suites, September (“Colors/Dance,” “Woods,” “Longing/Love”) and October (“Road,” “Moon,” “Sea,” “Stars”), painted vivid landscapes through sound. Each piece captured the serene yet powerful rhythms of nature, making Autumn a perennial favorite for generations.
“I always tell people, if they did not know me at all, I always suggest the Autumn record first,” Winston reflected.
The anniversary edition, produced by William Ackerman, engineered by Harn Soper with Russell Bond on “Stars,” and mastered by Bernie Grundman, includes the newly released track “Autumn Longing,” expanding on the evocative journey that began over four decades ago.
Recorded on June 19 and 20, 1980, the original Autumn was inspired by Winston’s deep connection to the landscapes of eastern Montana and the Yellowstone River. Pieces such as “Woods” transformed these images into melodies filled with open space and resonant left-hand figures—hallmarks of Winston’s enduring sound.
With this special reissue, fans both new and old are invited to rediscover the seasonal magic that defined George Winston’s career and helped shape modern solo piano music.
Listen to the 45th Anniversary Edition of Autumn
