Take Jack Horton, a Portland-based singer-songwriter whose path to folk-Americana included stops at Japanese law school, Tokyo piano bars, corporate boardrooms, and government offices. His latest EP, "Imperfections," feels like finding someone's private journal set to music. And that someone happens to write really, really well. The five-song collection opens with "Set Me Free," a piano-driven confession that might surprise anyone expecting typical breakup bitterness. Horton...

Matt McKnzi stands out as a star in coming up with new ideas and evaluating himself. This new song of his, "Atlas," is a great mix of soul, hip-hop, and some heavenly sounds. And it shows how well he can mix different styles and still make music that makes you feel things. His unique style, a mix of neo-soul and energy R&B, is making waves in the...