[2026] A Curated Spring Jazz Collection That Evokes the Arrival of Spring

Consequence of LoveNEW!Gregory Porter

Gregory Porter – Consequence of Love (Official Music Video)

When people think of spring, many probably imagine bright, light-hearted melodies.

Of course, songs like that are wonderful, but some of you might be looking for something calmer—music you can sink into on a long spring night.

For those listeners, I recommend this piece sung by powerhouse vocalist Gregory Porter.

It’s a masterpiece in which he quietly conveys the realities of love and the subtle distance between hearts with his deep baritone voice.

Included on the album “Take Me to the Alley,” released in May 2016, it isn’t flashy, but it slowly seeps into your soul.

Picture a quiet spring evening, sipping coffee and letting this song play as you drift into contemplation.

It’s a perfect fit for that kind of moment, so be sure to give it a listen.

Day to DayNEW!Robert Glasper Experiment

Robert Glasper Experiment – Day To Day (Audio)

Perfect for a season that makes you want to sway along with the springtime warmth, this release by the Robert Glasper Experiment fits right in.

Led by pianist Robert Glasper—who freely moves between jazz, R&B, and hip-hop and is a driving force in today’s jazz scene—the band won a Grammy for their 2012 masterpiece Black Radio, breaking down genre barriers.

On their September 2016 album ArtScience, they presented a dense, irresistible groove built on the members’ own vocals and performances.

The sound—where the exhilaration of disco and funk coexists with sophisticated keyboard textures—makes for ideal everyday background music.

It’s highly recommended for relaxing under the gentle spring sunlight with a cup of coffee.

Raisins Under the Sun (feat. Shabaka Hutchings)NEW!Yussef Dayes

Raisins Under the Sun (feat. Shabaka Hutchings)

Drummer Yussef Dayes, based in London and a leading figure in the contemporary jazz scene, has earned immense acclaim as a solo artist following his work with Yussef Kamaal.

This standout performance, featuring saxophonist Shabaka Hutchings, is included on the album Black Classical Music.

It captivates with a thrilling interplay where warmth like spring sunlight filtering through trees meets razor-sharp rhythms.

Released in September 2023, the album’s high level of craftsmanship became a talking point, winning Best Album at the following year’s Ivor Novello Awards.

The intricate dialogue between drums and saxophone brims with the vitality perfectly suited to the thaw of early spring.

Highly recommended for those who want to spend a refined spring afternoon with a cup of coffee in hand.

It Happens Every SpringNEW!Frank Sinatra

It Happens Every Spring (Album Version)

There are moments when the gentle warmth of spring makes your heart suddenly feel lighter, aren’t there? That tender joy of the season is beautifully sung in “It Happens Every Spring,” a hidden gem from Frank Sinatra’s Columbia Records era and one of the standout works by the 20th century’s quintessential entertainer.

Written for the 1949 film It Happens Every Spring, the song was originally released in May 1949 as the B-side to the single “The Hucklebuck.” Rather than a flashy love song, its lyrics sketch the everyday changes that spring brings, which is especially striking.

The gorgeous arrangement by Axel Stordahl is another highlight.

Why not enjoy it on a leisurely weekend morning while brewing a cup of coffee?

OmissionNEW!Julian Lage

Julian Lage – Omission

With the arrival of spring, you might find yourself craving light, uplifting melodies—perfect for days like that is this work by Julian Lage, a young master of contemporary jazz guitar.

Released as a single in November 2023 and later included on the following year’s album “Speak To Me,” this popular track is a must-hear.

The warm tone of the acoustic guitar evokes folk and country landscapes, gently soothing the listener.

Another highlight is the richly textured groove, said to be written in tribute to the legendary drummer Charlie Watts.

Try playing it on a leisurely day off, sipping coffee and reading in the spring sunshine.

It also makes a great soundtrack for a drive where you can feel the pleasant breeze.

Say SomethingNEW!Emma-Jean Thackray

Emma-Jean Thackray – Say Something (Official Video)

This is a track by Emma-Jean Thackray, a multi-instrumentalist from Leeds, UK.

Rooted in jazz yet moving fluidly through elements of funk and club music, she stands out as a distinctive presence in today’s UK jazz scene.

Among her works, the one I’d love you to hear in this heart-lifting season is “Say Something.” Its progression—from the repetition of a minimal beat to a gradually building, dance music–like euphoria—is captivating.

Featured on her debut album “Yellow,” released in 2021, this piece is perfect not only for a relaxing time at a café but also as a soundtrack for a spring-breeze walk.

FogNEW!Cécile McLorin Salvant

Fog

Cécile McLorin Salvant, who stands at the pinnacle of contemporary jazz vocals with her overwhelming singing prowess and storytelling expressiveness.

Many of you have probably heard her name.

Featured on her album “For One to Love,” released in September 2015, is the song “Fog.” Opening this masterpiece—which won Best Jazz Vocal Album at the 58th Grammy Awards—the track portrays the uncertainty and longing of a love that won’t clear, like fog, through an intimate dialogue with the piano.

It possesses a beauty that makes you want to listen quietly and alone on slightly ennui-tinged days that come with the arrival of spring.

How about savoring it on a leisurely afternoon, with a cup of tea in hand, and really lending it your ear?