Afro-Cuban All Stars & Félix Baloy - Baila Mi Son (2000)

Félix Baloy is one of the new generation of Cuban soneros, a good generation after the stars of Buena Vista Social Club. His music, under the direction of Afro Cuban All Star leader Juan de Marcos Gonzalez, is more modern, not as lush -- but the quality is every bit as high. Just listen to "Mami, Te Gusto," Baloy's duet with Teresa Garcia Caturla, where the voices work off each other and David Alfaro offers a stunning piano solo, or "Yo Soy el del Sentimiento," with Gonzalez's fuzz guitar opening leading to a lively, energetic son that becomes a wonderful descarga, or jam. There's an absolute joy about this record, and Baloy proves himself worthy of all the praise that's been heaped on him in Cuba, as capable of gliding through the cha cha of "Van a Bailar el Cha Cha Cha," with its prim strings, as the rawer bolero of "El Mal de la Hipocresia." The arrangements frame his voice wonderfully, too, as on the rich bolero cha of "Los Es Todo Tu Amor," with its glistening flute solo. Baloy does himself proud, and Gonzalez gives him a band to remember behind him, some crystal clear production, and songs any singer would love to sing. Nigh on perfect.