As August ends, so do the carefree days of summer. School begins, recent vacations are a fond memory and the temperature begins its slow and steady descent. Don't be sad, though: As Labor Day Weekend approaches, these songs are there to bring summer to a close on a positive note.
Jazz For Summer's End
Brad Mehldau Trio
"August Ending"
From 'House on Hill'
Nothing says "August is ending" quite like the song "August Ending" — go figure. Gifted jazz pianist Brad Mehldau knows better than most how to evoke the change of seasons without falling back on mere words.
Chet Baker
"Indian Summer"
From 'Art of the Ballad'
Summer weather doesn't disappear with the arrival of Labor Day: Even cold fall temperatures usually give way to a warm spell before winter. A suitably happy trumpet tune, Chet Baker's "Indian Summer" ought to extend your hot-weather vibe until the next one comes along.
Poncho Sanchez
"The Things We Did Last Summer"
From 'Latin Spirits'
Poncho Sanchez's take on this jazz standard features the warm flugelhorn of longtime collaborator Sal Cracchiolo. Put it on when you're looking at your summer-vacation pictures, and you're bound to feel the heat regardless of the temperature.
Charlie Haden Quartet West
"The Long Goodbye"
From 'Haunted Heart'
Charlie Haden conceived the album Haunted Heart as if he were writing a film. It may or may not have been his intent, but "The Long Goodbye," composed by pianist Alan Broadbent, provides a perfect soundtrack for slowly saying goodbye to summer.
Dee Dee Bridgewater
"September Song"
From 'This Is New'
JazzSet host Dee Dee Bridgewater pays homage to the songs of Kurt Weill in fine fashion on This Is New. "September Song" was written for the 1938 Broadway musical Knickerbocker Holiday; Bridgewater's excellent update will swing you right into the month referenced in the title.
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