Working with reggae legend Toots Hibbert, JJ Grey makes "The Sweetest Thing" sound both gritty and lilting. Tobin Voggesser hide caption

"Losing You" is a prime example of the power Mavis Staples still holds in her vocal cords. courtesy of the artist hide caption

OMD's "soul music" isn't just electronic. Thanks to an Aretha Franklin sample, it's electrifying. Mark McNulty hide caption

Dr. John's "Change of Heart" is a self-written exemplar of classic rhythm and blues with a jaunty New Orleans twist. James Demaria Productions hide caption

Though recorded late in Piano Red's life, "CC Rider" finds the singer/pianist in fine, lusty form. Tony Paris Archives hide caption

Blues singer Eden Brent finds a distinct advantage to feeling poor and lonely. Julia Bailey hide caption

A death in the family inspires Mark Bates to come up with his own plan: "Skip all that, throw me off a hill." courtesy of the artist hide caption

A 32-year-old pianist, Marco Benevento performs Amy Winehouse's "You Know I'm No Good" on a 1927 Wurlitzer. courtesy of the artist hide caption

In "It Ain't Cool," Kimbrough crafts a sultry and understated slice of laidback blues-rock. courtesy of the artist hide caption

Lucas recasts the simple Jewish folk song "Hinay Ma T'ov" as raw, guitar-driven blues. courtesy of the artist hide caption

The 1920s-era standard "Some Cold Rainy Day" is remade with the help of folk-rock singer Cory Chisel. courtesy of the artist hide caption

"Fair Weather Friend" finds The Holmes Brothers looking back on cancer with a jaundiced eye. courtesy of the artist hide caption

Before his death at 16 last summer, Killian Mansfield realized his dream of completing his debut album. courtesy of the artist hide caption

Using unconventional means, pianist Hiromi Uehara turns a classical chestnut inside-out. courtesy of the artist hide caption