Smooth Jazz Countdown: Eric Darius Takes #1 with “Maputo Nights” | August 29, 2026

There’s a new #1 song in smooth jazz! Pamela Black counts down the 20 smoothest jazz songs in America on the Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown for August 29, 2026, culminating with saxophonist Eric Darius claiming the top spot with “Maputo Nights.” Former chart-topper Nicholas Cole remains firmly in the winner’s circle as “Green Light” moves to #2, while Mindi Abair holds strong at #3 with “Falling in Love.” This week’s countdown also features music from Kayla Waters, Ragan Whiteside, Lindsey Webster, Greg Manning featuring Kirk Whalum, Oli Silk, Adrian Crutchfield, Bob Baldwin, Steve Oliver, Lawson Rollins, Lynn Roundtree, Chris Standring and more. Greg Manning’s “Yolanda” carries a particularly personal story, while Lindsey Webster continues her climb toward the top with “What Is Meant to Be.” Plus, Vintage Smooth turns back the clock with the legendary Patti Austin, the Marquee Artist spotlight features saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa, and Pamela’s Safe Bet looks ahead to “Vertical Horizon” from Carol Albert, currently sitting just outside the countdown at #22.   Recorded at the KUNV Studios in Las Vegas, the Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown brings you the biggest songs in contemporary jazz, chart movement, artist stories and a little Vegas sparkle every week with host Pamela Black. Chart data provided by Mediabase.Produced by Jason Beatty KUNV Studios Las VegasWeekend Smooth Jazz Countdown August 29th, 202620. Chris Standring — All The Good Times 19. Pieces of a Dream — Heading Out 18. Hubert Eaves IV — She Said Yes 17. Lawson Rollins — Sunset Glow 16. Lin Rountree — Flow feat. Big Mike Hart 15. David Benoit & Jeff Lorber — Boarding Pass 14. Maysa — Street Life feat. JJ Sansaverino 13. Steve Oliver — Dancing In The Sand feat. Peter White 12. Euge Groove — The Phoenix 11. Bob Baldwin — HEPnotic (Hep Is The New Hip) 10. Adrian Crutchfield — Hypnotic 9. Oli Silk — Yessir! feat. Jeff Ryan 8. Greg Manning — Jolanda feat. Kirk Whalum 7. Jazz Funk Soul — Simpatico 6. Lindsey Webster — What Is Meant To Be 5. Ragan Whiteside — In Love Reimagined 4. Kayla Waters — Bountiful 3. Mindi Abair — Falling In Love 2. Nicholas Cole — Green Light 1. 🏆 Eric Darius — Maputo Nights