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The former leader of Booker T and the MGs has been jamming for nearly four decades, paving the way for countless forms of funk and soul music. The organist's latest album, Potato Hole, is his first solo release in 20 years.

The last year and a half hasn't been easy for the award-winning jazz pianist and composer, who spent months in a coma and almost died. But he has a new album out and is performing again.

No matter how you're going to spend your time by the pool, you're going to need musical accompaniment -- preferably something that steers clear of the typical Jimmy Buffett and Beach Boys mix. How about some jazz? Not the heady stuff, unless you're aiming to clear the decks. Instead, get yourself some deep '70s jazz; the kind that leaves a funk aroma and washes off easily when you take the plunge.

Throughout Hicks' 40-year career, his eclectic persona, wily wit and quirky combination of cowboy-folk and country-swing music have endeared him to many, including legends such as as Elvis Costello and Willie Nelson. Now, after an eight-year absence, Hicks has released a new album, Tangled Tales.

Mike Disfarmer was a small-town Arkansas eccentric who disowned his family and its lifestyle. He was also an incredible portrait photographer. Now, jazz guitarist Bill Frisell has assembled a 21st-century string band to record an album inspired by Disfarmer's work.

Superbly re-arranged by pianist Robert Glasper, Parlato's cover of SWV's "Weak" receives a rhythmic pulse that's elastic and pneumatic by comparison, sometimes evoking the feel of bossa nova. Along the way, Parlato conveys a level of maturity in her sensual but no-frills delivery.

At the head of the '60s and '70s soul revival is a six-man collective of hip-hop, funk, and gritty soul influences - The Revelations featuring Tre' Williams. The sextet produced their debut in November and critics have been praising its daring hybrid style and the pure soul so evident in every one of the seven songs.

The overgrown ensemble of musical omnivores called Fight the Big Bull practice a compositional diet of free jazz, flamenco, driving rock, Muscle Shoals-styled soul, wild dance grooves and the generally unusual. The group spent 10 days last winter recording a new album, set for an early 2010 release, with mentor and friend Steven Bernstein.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews a new album from the prolific composer and pianist Fred Hersch. It's called Fred Hersch Pocket Orchestra, Live at the Jazz Standard.

Lee Fields is a bona fide soul singer. He's been performing and recording since the '70s, and he's been amazingly prolific, releasing 15 full-length records on different labels. His latest, My World, came out in June.