Sonnymoon. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

Scott Tixier's "Elephant Rose" taps into modern-day nostalgia and still brings about something fresh. Chris Drukker hide caption

Underneath the firepower in Alfredo Rodriguez's "Fog" lies the work of a remarkable composer. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

Kenny Garrett's "Welcome Earth Song" conjures the spirit of Pharoah Sanders — and a soul-stirring church service. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

Drummer Johnathan Blake tackles Robert Glasper's "Canvas," and in the process gives it a renewed sheen. Emra Islek hide caption

Jazz singer Theo Bleckmann tackles Bush's classic "Love and Anger" with a sharp mind and a soulful heart. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

Vijay Iyer and his trio masterfully articulate a complex composition's exuberant, zigzagging melody. Jimmy Katz hide caption

The Revelations' "Something's Got to Give" captures real-life desperation, for desperate real-life times. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

Carolina Chocolate Drops' "Country Girl" is a 21st-century musical portrait of black America's Southern comfort. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

Enrico Rava's "Cornettology" slyly alludes to several of Ornette Coleman's compositions without quoting them outright. Roberto Masotti hide caption

Paired with Madlib's soulful evocation of sunlight piercing through clouds, M.E.D.'s "Mystical Magic" is a distinctive slice of hip-hop. Eric Coleman hide caption

Bypassing vocal histrionics, Zara McFarlane takes a suspenseful route in "More Than Mine (Alternate Take)." Courtesy of the artist hide caption

In a cover of Sly Stone's "Family Affair," Steven Bernstein's gripping arrangement deftly underscores Antony Hegarty's haunting croon. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

Chicago-bred jazz crooner Sachal Vasandani examines the horror of Japan's recent tsunami by studying it from eye level. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

Alan Hampton's bittersweet "Change Your Mind" could be reconfigured into a hit in just about any genre. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

In "The Riddle," Becca Stevens speaks a universal language: that of a tormented soul pining for an unrequited love. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

As horns triumphantly enter the fray, the bewitching and modern magnetism of King's "Supernatural" becomes inescapable. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

The New York band Jazz Passengers recently got back together, and recorded a familiar cover to mark the occasion. courtesy of DL Media/Justin Time Records hide caption

Lizz Wright invigorates "God Specializes" with timeless fervor by channeling her pedigree in Hahira, Ga. Vincent Soyez hide caption

In "Shudder and Cry," a blues-drenched guitar solo accentuates a sorrowful chorus: "It's a crying shame." courtesy of the artist hide caption

"Protegid" finds Carmen Souza powering her voice with the assured intuition and inventiveness of a jazz singer. courtesy of the artist hide caption

Pianist Jacky Terrasson fuses Michael Jackson's "Beat It" with the jazz standard "Body and Soul." courtesy of the artist hide caption

The modern string band takes Blu Cantrell's 2001 smash "Hit 'Em Up Style" back to the 1920s. courtesy of the artist hide caption

In the appropriately titled "Detroit Loveletter," Jose James sounds smart, sexy and soulful. courtesy of the artist hide caption