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

Clear WaterMeshell Ndegeocello

Meshell Ndegeocello – Clear Water (Official Video) ft. Deantoni Parks, Jeff Parker, Sanford Biggers

Speaking of Meshell Ndegeocello, she’s known as an artist of multifaceted talent who moves freely across genres like jazz, R&B, funk, soul, and hip-hop.

“Clear Water,” released as a single from her June 2023 album The Omnichord Real Book, is a soulful track that vividly reflects Ndegeocello’s musical roots.

Inspired by Sly Stone, the piece intertwines Jeff Parker’s bluesy guitar with Justin Hicks’s vocals, resulting in a masterwork that distills the profound emotional depth at the heart of Ndegeocello’s music.

Born from her experience of losing both parents, The Omnichord Real Book conveys the overwhelming power of music.

While confronting emotions such as sorrow and pain, she fully unleashes her imagination to craft a sound that will resonate deeply with listeners.

I Got RhythmGeorge Gershwin

George Gershwin – I Got Rhythm

It’s one of the signature pieces by American composer George Gershwin.

The song was featured in the 1951 musical film “An American in Paris.” Although it’s a piece from more than 60 years ago, its upbeat, straightforward melody means it’s still frequently used in commercials today.

Sublimity ‘Bunny’s Dream’Marcus Miller

SUBLIIMITY ‘BUNNY’S DREAM’

This is a popular track from the latest release by Marcus Miller, the legendary bassist in the fusion jazz world.

Featuring Jonathan Butler—the Grammy-winning smooth jazz guitarist and vocalist from South Africa—it has a slightly exotic vibe.

Kiss MeMOON

Moon『Kiss Me』Teaser

This is the title track from Moon’s February 2018 album, “Kiss Me.” With a pleasant swing feel and Moon’s clear, unaffected vocals, it’s an easy listen.

The album also features a selection of classic jazz standards.

SpiralBrad Mehldau Trio

Brad Mehldau Trio – Spiral (Official Audio)

The latest release from the trio led by Brad Mehldau, often regarded as the number-one pianist in contemporary jazz.

When it comes to Brad Mehldau, his arranging skills are exceptional—he’s a remarkable artist with the ability to transform even the most classic tunes into something entirely fresh.

Make My Way Back Home (feat. Nick Hakim & Theo Croker)Kassa Overall

Kassa Overall – Make My Way Back Home (feat. Nick Hakim & Theo Croker) [Official Video]

Kassa Overall’s new work, which brilliantly breaks down the boundary between jazz and hip-hop, is a deeply introspective journey that confronts pain, loss, and loneliness while finding solace and hope in music.

The lyrical world, which delicately captures the emotional nuances of struggling to overcome life’s setbacks and hardships—such as estranged family relationships—is truly stunning.

Featured on the album ANIMALS, released by the prestigious Warp Records, this track, featuring Nick Hakim and Theo Croker, is a powerful statement centered on themes of failure and rebirth.

A masterpiece that represents the essence of Kassa Overall, it offers courage and hope to keep looking forward to everyone living through turbulent times.

Jan JanGrant Green

Grant Green – Jan Jan

Jazz guitarist Grant Green has been attracting renewed attention with the release of two albums capturing significant live performances from 2018.

While he did play bebop and orthodox jazz standards, his most popular work is undoubtedly the jazz-funk direction he pursued in the 1970s.

On the same track included on the live album released in 1971, you can fully savor his relentless, hard-driving funk guitar.