Afrocubism: Afrocubism

This summit meeting between the grandees of Cuban and Malian music was originally intended as part of the Buena Vista Social Club, an acknowledgment of the huge influence of Latin music on West Africa. Much delayed, the project proves dazzling. Stetsoned Cuban singer-guitarist Eliades Ochoa trades songs and licks with Rail Band guitarist Djelimady Tounkara and singer Kassé Mady Diabaté among others. There's rural languor ("Jarabi"), scorching dance numbers ("Nima Diyala") and fabulous, intricate playing at every turn. The numbers are mostly standards, but none emerge unchanged by the transatlantic dialogue between the masters of kora, balafon and tres guitar. A delight.