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

Manha De CarnavalJoe Sample

Joe Sample – Manha De Carnaval

A jazz classic by Joe Sample, whose urban, luxurious style rooted in acid jazz creates a sophisticated, deeply resonant sound.

With its smooth feel and mellow atmosphere, it’s also a perfect recommendation for summer.

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.”

We Give ThanksKokoroko

Kokoroko – We Give Thanks

Kokoroko is a popular band in the Afro-jazz genre.

“We Give Thanks” is a thrilling track from their debut album, “Could We Be More,” released in 2022.

The most compelling aspect is their richly diverse musical style.

Their enigmatic sound, which can no longer be described by the term Afro-jazz alone, becomes more addictive the more you listen! The heavily echoed, distorted vocals are also a must-hear.

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Yuuki

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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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