Jazz standards are timeless, but every now and then, an artist comes along and breathes new life into a classic. Internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist Sharon Marie Cline does exactly that with her fresh release of “Summertime” (featuring James Love), which dropped on all major platforms in 2025. Instead of leaning into the slow, dreamy melancholy we usually hear from this George Gershwin classic, Cline flips the script with a performance that’s lively, colorful, and unapologetically fun.
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From the very first note, you know this isn’t your typical “Summertime.” Todd Hunter’s arrangement and production bring a breezy, modern sparkle to the song, with bright keyboard flourishes, Edwin Livingston’s bass grooves, and Aaron Serfaty’s crisp, sunlit drumwork. Add in James Love’s smooth backing vocals alongside Cline’s unmistakable voice, and the track feels less like a lullaby and more like a champagne toast on a patio, effervescent and joyous.
Cline herself is magnetic here. Her vocals glide with warmth and energy, carrying the sass and joy of someone who knows summer isn’t just a season, it’s a state of mind. The harmonies with James Love add another layer of richness, giving the song both intimacy and expansiveness. The result? A “Summertime” that’s bold, fresh, and timeless all at once. “We wanted to make a ‘Summertime’ that feels like now,” says Sharon Marie Cline. “It’s bright, bold, and full of life, the soundtrack to your perfect summer party.”
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She’s not exaggerating. This version feels like walking into a garden party at golden hour, the vibe is carefree, elegant, and effortlessly cool.
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