Essential Listening

Jazzlines Playlists

From classic jazz and blues to Latin jazz, soulful Sunday listening, and holiday favorites, these playlists bring together music for every mood and moment. Explore the selections below, press play, and discover something new—or revisit an old favorite.

Listening on Spotify

The playlists are embedded directly from Spotify, so you can listen right here on the page. A Spotify account is required to listen to full songs. If you don't have an account, you may still be able to preview portions of the tracks through the embedded player.

To listen to the full playlist: Select a playlist and click Play. If prompted, log in to your Spotify account or create a free account. For the best listening experience, you can also open the playlist directly in the Spotify app. Once in your Spotify account, turn on Shuffle to enjoy a fresh mix each time you listen, rediscover old favorites, and stumble upon something new.

Bay Area Jazzlines Playlist

Bay Area Jazz Playlist is a personal collection of jazz favorites curated by Glen Bell of Bay Area Jazz Lines. From familiar classics to discoveries worth sharing, this wide-ranging mix offers hours of great listening, whether you’re revisiting old favorites or finding something new.

A Little Morning Piano

Ease into the day with A Little Morning Piano—a handpicked collection of lyrical ballads, gentle swing, and bluesy warmth featuring Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, Red Garland, and more. Music for that first cup of coffee, a quiet Saturday morning, or any time you want to slow down and enjoy the moment.

A Quiet Spirtual Sunday

Slow down and settle into a soulful Sunday with music that speaks to the spirit. Blending gospel, spirituals, jazz, and timeless standards, this collection features deeply moving performances from John Coltrane, Nina Simone, Bill Evans, Duke Ellington, Charlie Haden, Miles Davis, and more. Thoughtful, peaceful, and quietly uplifting, it's a soundtrack for reflection and an unhurried afternoon.

Late Night Blues

Settle into the after-hours with a soulful collection of blues, jazz, and R&B classics. From B.B. King and Etta James to Oscar Peterson, Miles Davis, Dinah Washington, and Nina Simone, these timeless performances bring together smoky vocals, expressive piano, deep grooves, and plenty of late-night atmosphere.

Women Singers in Jazz

Celebrate the extraordinary voices of women who have shaped jazz, from legendary vocalists to unforgettable performers across generations. This playlist brings together the artistry, emotion, and distinctive styles of women in jazz, showcasing the voices that continue to define and inspire this timeless music.

Mellow Saxophone Ballads

Mellow Saxophone Ballads brings together the warm, expressive sounds of jazz saxophone in a relaxed, intimate mood—an inviting soundtrack for quiet evenings, rainy afternoons, or simply slowing down and letting the music carry you.

Jazz Favorites Featuring the Trumpet

Jazz Favorites Featuring the Trumpet celebrates the horn’s expressive voice, from warm, tender ballads to soulful melodies and swinging classics—a collection for savoring the beauty and personality of jazz trumpet.

Let's Celebrate Mardi Gras

Celebrate the spirit of Mardi Gras with a lively mix of jazz inspired by the sounds and traditions of New Orleans. From infectious rhythms to the joyful energy of the Crescent City, this playlist brings a little Big Easy flavor to your listening experience. Press play and let the good times roll!

Explore the Rhythms of Latin Jazz

From Brazilian bossa nova and samba to Afro-Cuban rhythms and classic Latin jazz, this playlist explores the many musical traditions that have shaped the sound of jazz. Featuring timeless recordings and standout performances from artists including Stan Getz, João Gilberto, Luiz Bonfá, Mongo Santamaria, Paquito D’Rivera, and more, it’s a lively journey through the rhythms, melodies, and improvisation of Latin jazz.

Strictly the blues

Soulful voices, expressive guitars, rolling piano, and wailing harmonica—the blues in all its heart and grit. From slow, late-night laments to lively Chicago shuffles, this playlist brings together timeless performances filled with longing, resilience, and the joy of letting loose.

Christmas Jazz

Celebrate the season with a festive collection of Christmas favorites, reimagined through the sounds of jazz, soul, and timeless popular music. From Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald to Dexter Gordon, Dave Brubeck, Stevie Wonder, and Louis Armstrong, these warm and swinging performances bring a little extra magic to the holidays.