Ilé

The title is a Yoruba word meaning ‘Homecoming’, for Sosa's latest is steeped in the Latin jazz the Cuban-born pianist began playing in Havana in the 80s. Since leaving Cuba in 1993 and settling first in Ecuador, then the US and eventually in Spain, Sosa has recorded an impressive and prolific body of eclectic work that has incorporated influences such as the avant-garde, hip-hop, Brazilian, free jazz and classical music. Backed by his touring band, Quarteto Afro Cubano, in which the brilliant sax and flute player Leandro Saint-Hill shines, jazz virtuosity oozes from every track, whether Sosa is playing grand piano or electric Fender Rhodes keyboard. But despite the undoubted sophistication, Sosa and his ensemble never descend into muso showboating. Ilé is a record full of subtle grooves, meditative beauty, gorgeous ballads and touched with a spiritual vibe that evokes the Yoruba deities that inspire the Cuban Santería religion.

The straight-ahead Afro-Cuban rhythms of tracks such as ‘La Tarde’ and ‘Mi Conga’ are only part of the story. ‘A Love Lost’, with vocals by the poetic American rapper Kokayi, sounds like a cross between John Coltrane's seminal ‘A Love Supreme’ and the work of Gil Scott-Heron. ‘4 U’ is a gorgeous instrumental piano jazz ballad; ‘Momento 1’ and ‘Old Afro a Baba’ are underpinned by Yoruba chants; and the stylish voice of flamenco singer Jos é ‘El Salao’ Martin graces several tracks.