Kelly Moran, courtesy Brandon Bowen.

I chose to delve into some instrumental songs this week; there were a bunch to choose from. From the wind instrument leads of Charles Lloyd to percussive piano by Kelly Moran, retro, Afro-Latino flow by Jahari Massamba Unit, electronica by Prefuse 73 and a soulful jazz composition by Bill Frisell and Brussels Philharmonic. And though they have vocals, Atlas Genius, Another Sky and Cosmo Sheldrake incorporate musical landscapes into their pieces.

Kelly Moran, “Butterfly Phase” — Flickering staccato keystrokes in soprano introduce us to this stunning modern experimental song. The sound recalls visions of falling rain or the frenetic beating of butterfly wings. Light and airy, it rises above rich chords that tie the melody together, adding warmth and stability. Moran plays a Yamaha Disklavier, which allowed her to record the piano part and sing to it on another track.

The Long Island, New York composer and producer studied experimental piano dance accompaniments for choreography in college. Her multi-genre interests are reflected in her music which contain elements of metal, jazz, classical, electronica and new wave. Her new album, Moves in the Field, is out on March 29.

Charles Lloyd, “Booker’s Garden” — This new jazz number has Charles Lloyd leading on flute, supported by Jason Moran on piano, Larry Grenadier on bass and all-star drummer Brian Blade. Smooth and subtle, it hypnotically draws you in. The lilting sounds of the breathy flute are the liquid ether that brings the other elements together.

The rhythm section is paired with dynamic piano playing to complete the raw, earthy jazz sound. The piece showcases solos by each musician, highlighting individual skill and the group’s cohesiveness. Lloyd, 88, wrote the song in memory of childhood friend and legendary Memphis trumpeter Booker Little, who passed at 23 in 1961. It’s the first release from his next album, The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow, out on March 15.

Jahari Massamba Unit, “Otis’ Tambourine” — Hip-hop producers Madlib and Karriem Riggins are back into the thick of “jazz tings” with the latest from their Jahari Massamba Unit project. New album YHWH is LOVE is out this Friday. It appears to have an Afro-Latin theme, in contrast to the Franco-flavored tone of their debut. Madlib delivers on his talents as a multi-instrumentalist on “Otis’ Tambourine.” Riggins brings his extensive drumming and producing skills. The result is an ambient loop of jazz instrumentals sure to appeal to both jazz and hip-hop audiences.

Bill Frisell featuring Brussels Philharmonic, “Throughout” — While listening to this song, you may experience emotional ebbs and flows. The tender nuance of feelings welling up to the surface include quickening of breath and increased blood pressure. Subtle background elements add to the tapestry of lush jazz offered by this Bill Frisell working with drummer Rudy Royston, bassist Thomas Morgan and the Brussels Philharmonic. Bill Frisell: Orchestra, is set to be released on April 19.

Prefuse 73, “The End Of Air” — A cinematic start shapes this epic instrumental electronic track. The song brings elements of Latin and orchestral music to the EDM realm. An accordion and other folk instruments are intermeshed with breakbeats and thrilling effects. You’re catapulted into an ambient groove that loops and ensnares, washing over you like waves, before ending in an industrial clang.

Miami native Guillermo Scott Herren performs under a variety of pseudonyms (Delarosa and Asora, Savath & Savalas, Risil, Diamond Watch Wrists), and has released many projects over his decades-long career. His music is based in underground hip-hop and EDM. He’s worked with Ghostface Killah, El-P, GZA and MF Doom. The next album, as Prefuse 73, is New Strategies for Modern Crime Vol. 1, due out March 22.

Another Sky, “Swirling Smoke” — Painfully mournful singing delivers muted pain across a hypnotic, looping melodic dreamscape on this ethereal electronic song. As it progresses, the melancholic vibe is absorbed into the rhythm of the enveloping house beats. The U.K. group met in 2014, while in music school in London.

The band’s name comes from an Emily Dickinson poem. Its sophomore album, Beach Day, comes on the heels of a series of traumatic events during the pandemic, including Another Sky’s studio getting flooded.They rebuilt in a space given to them by a local vicar. “Swirling Smoke” is nothing short of mesmerizing. Guitarist Jack Gilbert handled the production of the new album, out the Friday.

Cosmo Sheldrake, “Old Ocean” — Londoner Cosmo Sheldrake crafted April’s Eye to the Ear while living off the grid in a solar-powered cottage during the pandemic. “Old Ocean” is a moody mid-tempo track with a swaying melody that mimics (you guessed it!) ocean waves. Sheldrake’s deep voice booms for us to take up the cause of marine conservation. The video is equally striking.

Atlas Genius, “Nobody Loves Like You” — This peppy song is easy to dance to and offers a catchy chorus.Atlas Genius creates pop magic with melodics, masculine vocals and a groove-inducing backing track. The first new music from Michael and Keith Jeffery and co. in four years. They’ll likely play it when they play Popscene at Rickshaw Stop on May 2.

Mel’s pick: Kelly Moran’s “Butterfly Phase” gets my pick both for the technical innovation and the inhuman effects she was able to create. I’m eager to see what else her album has in store.

Follow Mel Bowman at Twitter.com/melmichel.