[2026] Recommended Jazz Tracks to Enjoy in Summer: From the Latest Hits to Timeless Classics

Smooth it outGreg Spero

Smooth it out

Greg Spero, a pianist who continually pursues a wide range of musical expression.

This time, from his 2024 four-track EP, we’re featuring a song that exquisitely blends jazz and funk over a comfortable groove.

While rooted in jazz, the track stands out with a sophisticated arrangement that embraces contemporary sounds.

Bringing relaxation and calm to listeners, it’s a piece that fully showcases Spero’s musical talent and creativity.

How about enjoying it as background music on a summer night, as time drifts by? It’s sure to set the scene for a wonderful evening.

Bye Bye BlackbirdJulie London

Julie London – Bye Bye Blackbird

This is a jazz classic by Julie London that highlights a refined, easy-to-listen-to sound, projecting a stylish female image with rich, full-bodied vocals.

With its moody feel, it’s a chic track that also works wonderfully in the summer.

Hot TodayJulie London

Hot Today

This song is by Julie London—the actress and jazz vocalist known for hits like “Cry Me a River.” It’s not a particularly famous track, but it’s a stylish, short piece featuring only scat, bass, and guitar.

By stripping away lyrics and bringing her husky, so-called “smoky” voice to the forefront, it creates a sense of airiness—perhaps making it a track that helps you breeze through and beat the heat of a hot summer.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Something CoolJune Christy

Something Cool June Christy-original mono version

This song was written for June Christy.

It depicts a scene at the end of summer in which a woman, while ordering a cold drink at a bar, begins to speak to no one in particular about her former self during her beautiful, glamorous days.

In this context, the title refers to a “cold drink.”

SummertimeLambert, Hendricks & Ross

Summertime (Remastered 2015)

This unit, known for their light-hearted rendition of the famous song “Summertime,” is an American vocalese trio formed in 1957.

The early members were Dave Lambert, Jon Hendricks, and Annie Ross.

In 1962, Ross left and Bavan joined.

It’s a track where you can fully enjoy the trio’s beautiful harmonies and swinging feel.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Feeling GoodMandrill

Mandrill – Feeling Good

When it comes to songs you want to listen to in summer, this track by Mandrill—formed in 1968 by the Wilson brothers from Brooklyn—surely comes to mind.

With a tropical-sounding band name, thick brass arrangements, male lead vocals and harmonies, and heavy use of percussion, Mandrill has many songs that are wonderfully, almost oppressively hot in vibe—a band that lets you enjoy summer even more just by listening.

Watching their festival performances, you can practically feel the heat of summer on your skin, even from the comfort of a cool indoor space—highly recommended.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Too Darn HotMel Tormé

Too Darn Hot

This song is from Cole Porter’s 1948 musical Kiss Me, Kate.

Its title means “terribly too hot,” and the lyrics humorously say it’s so hot that the singer can’t even get in the mood for romance with a woman.

When it’s too hot to feel like listening to music, why not listen to a song like this instead and recharge your energy?

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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