Cubafonía

This second album by Havana-born singer Daymé Arocena partly came about via ‘a platform for contemporary Cuban creativity driven by [a certain] rum.’ Though, to be fair, it was also nurtured by ubiquitous DJ and broadcaster Gilles Peterson. Fortunately, Arocena's raw talent cuts through any corporate sponsorship, and, as on her stylish debut, she brings a surprisingly grown-up, jazzy gusto to the rumba-inspired arrangements that hang loose around her rich, robust vocals. She scats, chats, swoons and swaggers like a seasoned performer. Recent travels have endowed her with even more confidence to roam freely over the diverse rhythms provided by a very nimble backing band.

Most striking of all is the range of moods she conjures. Opener ‘Eleggua’ has a strident African heat, powered by big brass. ‘La Rumba Me Llamo Yo’ could be a Cleo Laine showstopper, while ‘Cómo’ is a Sunday-morning sentimental ballad. Arocena sounds as if she's straining to leave the island – or at least the confines of its clavé rhythms. She's just too good to be held down by roots, or record producers.