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

Hello Bright SunflowerDonald Byrd

Donald Byrd – Hello Bright Sunflower

Donald Byrd, widely loved as an American jazz trumpeter, is also one of the key artists who helped shape modern jazz, especially in the 1960s when he embraced many experimental approaches.

Among his works, the 1962 release “Hello Bright Sunflower” stands out for its gentle, pastoral melodies that are a pleasure to listen to.

It’s perfect for relaxing on a day off or for studying at an easy pace with some background music.

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Yuuki

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Ponta De AreiaEsperanza Spalding

Ponta De Areia

Esperanza Spalding, a multi-instrumentalist from the United States, is especially known for her work as a singer and bassist.

I particularly recommend her cover of “Ponta de Areia,” one of the signature songs by Rio de Janeiro–born singer-songwriter Wayne Shorter.

While the original evokes the grandeur of nature, her cover has a soothing, healing-music feel.

Give it a listen when you’re tired from studying or work!

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Yuuki

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Sweet Honey BeeLee Morgan

Sweet Honey Bee

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.

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Ryo

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The Things We Did Last SummerDean Martin

The Things We Did Last Summer By Dean 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.

Bli BlipNew York Voices

Bli Blip

Here’s a track by New York Voices, a five-member mixed-gender vocal group that turns scat sounds into a song.

Built on the often-played rhythm changes progression, it’s a piece that highlights each member’s ad-lib scat technique.

Their urbane, sophisticated, and beautiful harmonies feel like a cool breeze threading through the sweltering canyons of New York’s skyscrapers—truly refreshing.

They might be one of the must-listen vocal groups for summer.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Stella By StarlightVictor Young

Victor Young – STELLA BY STARLIGHT

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.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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On the Sunny Side of the StreetBillie Holiday

On the Sunny Side of the Street

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.

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Ryo

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