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

Black RiceZaccai Curtis

Zaccai Curtis “Black Rice” single from “Cubop Lives!”

Among the tracks on Cubop Lives!—the album that won the 2025 Grammy Award for Best Latin Jazz Album—this one in particular wraps the summer heat in a supremely comfortable groove.

For about five minutes, Zaccai Curtis’s passion shines as he expresses the fusion of bebop and Afro-Cuban jazz with a contemporary sensibility.

Released in May 2024 by Truth Revolution Recording Collective, this piece is a remake of a mambo that Curtis first recorded in 2016 with the addition of a horn section.

Anchored by exquisitely interlocked conga and bongo percussion, it’s guaranteed to make you want to surrender to its irresistible Latin groove.

It’s also perfect for a luxurious summer evening—try putting it on as background music and enjoy the vibe.

Found A Light (Beale Street)BADBADNOTGOOD, V.C.R

BADBADNOTGOOD, V.C.R – Found A Light (Beale Street)

Released in April 2025, this track is a collaboration between a Canadian jazz instrumental band and Memphis-born singer-songwriter V.C.R.

V.C.R’s vocals were added to an instrumental piece BBNG had been nurturing for a long time, imbued with a deep homage to the musical culture of the American South.

The soundscape, woven from the beautiful resonance of the vibraphone and soulful vocals, creates a comfortable groove reminiscent of Roy Ayers.

With a mellow texture that cools down hot summer days yet feels spiritual and deeply human, this song is recommended both for those who want to immerse themselves in music alone on a quiet summer evening and for fans of jazz-funk and rare groove.

SweetieKokoroko

Kokoroko – Sweetie – Visualiser

Created as an homage to West African disco from the 1980s and ’90s, this track charms with its endearing theme celebrating the playfulness and intimacy between lovers.

A horn-centered arrangement is enriched by experimental synthesizers and drum machine textures, showcasing an innovative musicality that, while rooted in Afrobeat and jazz, fuses elements of neo-soul, R&B, and funk.

Released in April 2025, it serves as the lead single from the second album, Tuff Times Never Last, slated for July of the same year.

It’s the perfect song to elevate those special summer nights with your partner or add spark to fun moments with friends!

RisingJasmine Myra

Jasmine Myra – Rising (Official Video)

Jasmine Myra, a rising saxophonist from Leeds, UK, has released Rising, a new album that follows her eagerly awaited second album, Horizons.

Featuring striking artwork that reflects the inner growth and confidence she gained after her previous release, this ambitious record is packed with Myra’s signature sound—a fusion of jazz, electronica, and spiritual jazz.

Influenced by artists such as Kenny Wheeler, Bonobo, and Shabaka Hutchings, its beautifully arranged melodies lift listeners into a moving sense of euphoria.

Once again produced by Matthew Halsall and released on Gondwana Records, this is a deeply affecting album you’ll want to sink into on a midsummer night.

AjalaEzra Collective

Ezra Collective – Ajala (Live Performance) | Vevo

The members of Ezra Collective are all young musicians from London.

The music they create is centered on jazz while incorporating elements of funk, afrobeat, calypso, reggae, and hip-hop—truly a contemporary take on jazz.

This track, released in 2024, strongly reflects afrobeat influences within Ezra Collective’s signature percussive, rhythmic sound.

With this song, they seem to be exploring their musical roots while pushing into new possibilities.

It’s a perfect match for London’s cheerful summer vibe—a vibrant track whose groove will have your body moving under the hot sun.

It’s the kind of song you’ll want to play on a summer drive or at a picnic with friends.

TatomaniaChucho Valdés, Royal Quartet

Chucho Valdés, Royal Quartet – Tatomania (Studio Recording)

This work, created in 2024 by Cuba’s legendary pianist Chucho Valdés together with the Royal Quartet, is a masterpiece that captures the essence of Afro-Cuban jazz.

Set at a tempo of 135 BPM in a comfortable G major, it was conceived as a tribute to percussionist Roberto Junior Vizcaíno.

Released as a single in July 2024, it is included on the album “Cuba & Beyond,” which was also nominated for Best Latin Jazz Album at the 2025 Latin Grammy Awards.

Its rhythmic, passionate groove perfectly sets the mood for summer nights—and it’s an outstanding choice to crank up the excitement as background music for midsummer parties or barbecues!

Sempre (feat. Djavan)Eliane Elias

Eliane Elias – Sempre feat. Djavan (Visualizer)

A gem of a track created through a dream collaboration between Brazilian music treasure Eliane Elias and her celebrated compatriot singer-songwriter, Djavan.

Sung in Portuguese, the melody beautifully reflects their musical roots and deep resonance.

Included on the album “Time and Again,” released in June 2024, the album—featuring this song—has been nominated for the 2025 Grammy Award for Best Latin Jazz Album.

The sound exquisitely blends refined jazz and bossa nova with touches of R&B, making it a perfect choice for those who want to unwind on a summer night.