Actually, I hate to call George Winston "new age" because those prejudiced against the genre are likely to run away without listening, and that would be too bad. Winston's music is exquisitely played piano, and while it can be classified as new age, you'll hear influences of The Doors, Frank Zappa, along with traces of George Shearing, Meade Lux Lewis, and other jazz piano.

The truth of the matter is that this music is better experienced and not categorized. It is mellow, but not shallow. It's suitable as background music, but you can also allow yourself to be immersed in it.

I think you'll be glad you gave it a try.

I first encountered pianist George Winston when I purchased "December" back in 1982--I have a huge collection of holiday music. I was so taken with his playing that I have since bought all of his albums. "Autumn" is one of my favorites and it only is better with the addition of the bonus track "Too Much Between Us," written by Procol Harum members Robin Trower, Gary Brooker and Keith Reid.

In his liner notes, Winston tells how the Doors' debut album inspired much of this album--especially the 10-minute "Colors/Dance" and "Sea." [In fact, Winston says he now includes ten Doors songs at the solo piano dances that he currently does.] Other influences he cites are John Coltrane, Frank Zappa and John Fahey--not exactly the names you'd expect to hear from one of new age music's best-selling artists!

Regardless of his influences, this is some of the most gorgeous piano music you're ever likely to hear. [Note: George Winston wannabes can print out the seven pages of sheet music for "Longing/Love" available as part of the enhanced CD portion of the disc.] HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

It's not the Goldberg variations, but this music truly has something very special about it. It simply captivates my mind and. Like somebody put music to the Serenity Prayer. I got this CD for Christmas and I've been playing it every now and then. If Mr. Winston reads this, I urge him to undertake a tour in Scandinavia and the Baltic States, because he has so many fans over here. In times like these we need the calming effect his mellow music has on the troubled mind.

I first purchased this album on tape in 1991. No matter how many times I listen to this, I am always emotionally moved by Winston's melodies. Soothing but yet almost haunting, each song tells a story. "Colors/Dance" gives me goosebumps every time I hear it. Few, if any artists, carry the same passion and emotion into a recorded piece such as this. I had the opportunity to hear George Winston live in October of 1993 and since then, when I listen to this album, I can now remember a wonderful performance. Although I now own all of Winston's albums, this one is still my favorite.

I first heard "Autumn" when it was released in 1980, and it was one of a couple of albums that got me hooked on New Age music. When I first bought the album (and it was a vinyl LP; this was before CDs were affordable, at least on my then-struggling-student budget), I thought it was the most beautiful solo piano music I had ever heard. I am still inclined to believe that today, and this album withstands the test of time to emerge as one of the all-time best New Age works.

The first half of the album is the most melodic, and thus the stronger, half in my opinion. There is very little out there in the musical world that can compare to the 1-2-3 combination of gentle grace and bittersweet melody shown in "Colors/Dance," "Woods," and "Longing/Love."

Although I had long replaced my vinyl copy of "Autumn" with a CD, I ordered the 20th anniversity edition for the sole purpose of the added track containing the sheet music for Longing/Love. I enjoy playing the piano, and I have tried searching the web for sheet music for George Winston compositions, to no avail. I was thrilled to hear that this CD contains an arrangement for what is one of my favorite Winston songs.

Is this George Winston's best album? Very possibly. The other possible candidates are "December" and "Forest," both highly worthy of purchase if you do not already have them. Both also contain songs of aching beauty (e.g., the "Walking in the Air" arrangement from "The Snowman"). But when you consider the influence "Autumn" had on the development of New Age music in general and how early this appeared in Winston's career, that may tip the balance in favor of "Autumn."

I had the good fortune to see George Winston in concert recently, and his sheer talent continues to amaze and inspire me. (In addition to playing the piano, he also impressed us with virtuoso guitar and harmonica solos.) He is unassuming in appearance and seems to be a genuinely nice guy. We are all fortunate that he has shared his talent with us.

Verdict: If you like New Age music, buy this album. If you like piano music, buy this album. Heck, if you like music at all, buy this album. It would end up high on my list of "what would you bring if you could only bring 10 CDs with you to a desert island."