[2026] Recommended Jazz Tracks to Enjoy in Summer: From the Latest Hits to Timeless Classics
In your everyday playlists, are there any jazz numbers you find yourself wanting to hear as the hot summer approaches?
Whether it’s a soothing melody that eases the muggy heat or a passionate groove that makes summer even more exciting, jazz offers many benefits in the warmer months.
This time, under the theme of “Jazz Classics to Listen to in Summer,” we researched and curated a wide-ranging selection of tracks.
Focusing on the latest jazz numbers while also including well-known standards, we’re bringing you a diverse lineup spanning fusion, Latin jazz, and rare groove!
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[2026] Recommended Jazz Songs to Listen to in Summer: From the Latest Tracks to Timeless Classics (31–40)
Sweet Honey BeeLee Morgan
The great pianist Duke Pearson composed the classic “Sweet Honey Bee.” It blends a sultry heat with a cheerful vibe.
It feels like a tune that would fit a hard‑boiled novel.
Pearson’s own version is great, but this time I’m highlighting Lee Morgan’s take, which leans even grittier.
It might be fun to compare the two versions and hear the differences.
Cheek to CheekFrank Sinatra
This jazz classic by Frank Sinatra is distinguished by its dynamic vocal sensibility and swinging mood, boasting high musicality and widespread recognition.
As a famous and approachable artist, it offers a dependable appeal and is especially fitting for summer.
Night and DayCole Porter
Fred Astaire sang it in the 1932 musical The Gay Divorce.
It is said that Cole Porter composed it to repeat with modulations within a deliberately narrow vocal range, taking into account Astaire singing while dancing.
The song also became the theme for Porter’s 1946 biopic, Night and Day.
Stella By StarlightVictor Young
Stella by Starlight is a standard number that I’m drawn to every summer when the night sky is beautiful.
The renowned composer Victor Young wrote it for the 1944 horror film The Uninvited.
It’s astonishing how beautiful and majestic the melody is—so much so that you’d hardly believe it comes from a horror movie.
Even today, it may be one of the most frequently performed and recorded pieces by jazz artists and enthusiasts alike.
On the Sunny Side of the StreetBillie Holiday
A beloved classic that has long been cherished as a standard number, “On the Sunny Side of the Street.” Originally written for a musical, it later became a standard and has been covered by many famous jazz artists such as Louis Armstrong and Benny Goodman.
In Japanese, the title means “On the Bright Main Street,” and true to its name, the piece has a cheerful and relaxed feel.
[2026] Recommended Jazz Songs to Listen to in Summer: From the Newest Tracks to the Classics (41–50)
Cantaloupe IslandHerbie Hancock
Does Herbie Hancock like summer fruits? The literal translation of this song’s title is “Melon Island,” and, alongside his hit “Watermelon Man,” it evokes the feel of summer.
Since US3 sampled this track and turned it into a global hit, many people may know it even if they’re not jazz fans.
It’s also become a staple that’s essential in funk-oriented sessions.
The Things We Did Last SummerDean Martin
Composed in 1946 with lyrics by Sammy Cahn and music by Jule Styne, this song is known in Japanese as “Omoide no Natsu” or “Sugishi Hi no Natsu no Omoide” (“Memories of Summer” or “Memories of Summers Past”).
While the Cahn & Styne songwriting team is famous for providing theme songs for films starring Frank Sinatra, this particular song was created independently of any film or musical.