Reviewed by Bryan Coadley

More ‘World Music’, this time from the musically-rich Caribbean island of Cuba. This album features another diverse selection of artists playing sultry guajiras, romantic boleros and traditional sones that swell to fill the space while you relax and sip your short black coffee or perhaps a mojito.

Several of the songs feature influences from the “nueva trova” movement, in which lyrical poetry is joined with Pan-American folk traditions. Others remain true to the classic roots of the renowned Buena Vista Social Club recordings. Cuban music traces its roots back to the melodies of Europe and the rhythms of Africa, and the inspiring blend that resulted from years of interaction between these diverse cultures.

The opening track, ‘El Chacal’ (The Jackal) is a homage to Che Guevara based around a Cuban classic, as is the second track, ‘Lagrimas Negras’ (Black Tears) written in 1930 and sung by the equally classic Ingnacio “Mazacote” Carillo, born in 1927. In fact, politics and songwriting appear to go hand-in-hand through Cuba’s dusty streets, as the next samba, ‘Ay, Mi Vidita’ (Ay, My Darling) was penned by Pedro Luis Ferrer, who found his music censored and blacklisted by the official state media. Other offerings incorporate the hot-blooded Cuban ballad to dark-skinned women, ‘Morenito’ from La Orquesta Magica De Le Habana, a musica campesina; ‘Pincel Campesino’ (Country Paintbrush) by German Obregon y Palma Real, and a classic bolero ‘Escandalo’ (Scandal) – a romantic ode to bittersweet love. The album rounds out its 40 odd minutes with a classic mambo ‘Fue Una de Mambo’ (Was just like a Mambo) by Kelvis Ochoa, who has worked on films like Habana Blues.

Altogether, another delightful tease of an album offering modern genuine uninterrupted Cuban music for those looking for a sampler to begin their collections. 7/10.