[2026] Discover Today's Jazz! A Roundup of the Latest Spotlight and Popular Tracks

Street Fighter MasKamasi Washington

Kamasi Washington – Street Fighter Mas

Kamasi Washington, a saxophonist born on the U.S.

West Coast in 1981, is one of the indispensable artists when discussing contemporary jazz.

While grounded in orthodox jazz, his voracious absorption of everything from hip-hop and other club music to classical music creates a unique, grand universe that listeners can feel.

Bad Bad NewsLeon Bridges

Leon Bridges – Bad Bad News (Official Audio – Ricky’s Vibe Tape) ft. Terrace Martin

This track by Texas-born singer-songwriter Leon Bridges is a sexy, danceable number featuring West Coast star saxophonist Terrace Martin.

It has a cross-genre universality that also connects with house music.

Green Was BeautifulThe New Mastersounds

Green Was Beautiful by The New Mastersounds

The New Mastersounds, a jazz-funk unit from the UK, are a group well known even among rock fans, having performed at the Fuji Rock Festival in 2008.

The track included on their 2018 album Renewable Energy is an upbeat jazz-funk number, highlighted by the cool sound of the Hammond organ.

With YouTerrace Martin

With You

Terrace Martin is a saxophonist from the U.S.

West Coast and also a producer for various hip-hop acts.

Featuring contributions from Robert Glasper and Kamasi Washington, this track—included on the highly acclaimed album Velvet Portraits—leans heavily into R&B.

Blood Calls BloodChristian Scott aTunde Adjuah

Blood Calls Blood

As the grandson of Big Chief Donald Harrison Sr., Chief Shaka Zulu A-Tunde Adjuah continues to explore new musical expressions while remaining deeply rooted in New Orleans traditions.

The sounds produced with the special instruments he designed resonate with chant-like vocals that honor his ancestors, evoking the experiences of people forcibly taken from Africa.

On the album Bark Out Thunder Roar Out Lightning, he presents the roots of New Orleans and Africa through a contemporary approach, creating a wild groove reminiscent of Miles Davis, Sun Ra, and Fela Kuti.

Released in July 2023, this ambitious work carries a universal message that transcends genres beyond jazz and fusion.

It’s a highly recommended album for anyone seeking deeper insights into culture and society through music.

Calling YouHolly Cole

HOLLY COLE : BLUE NOTE TOKYO 2018 trailer

Popular jazz vocalist Holly Cole will be visiting Japan for the first time in about six years, performing at Blue Note Tokyo in July 2018.

One of her signature songs is Calling You, featured in the film Baghdad Cafe.

Why not give it a listen?

SalaamKamaal Williams

Kamaal Williams – ‘Salaam’

Kamaal Williams is a keyboardist from London.

The title “Salaam” is a greeting in Islam, which is also part of his roots.

The catchy phrases and the drums—simple yet relentlessly unfolding—are thrilling.

The short track “Catch The Loop,” just over a minute and a half, is also recommended.