Albita:son

If Gloria Estefan is Cuba's leading musical export, then Albita is still the country's best-kept secret. Wildly popular with cosmopolitan musical connoisseurs and traditionalists, the fiery, androgynous singer is largely unknown to mainstream America. That's a shame, because Albita has released an array of albums that explore and expand the sounds of traditional Cuban music. On Son, she sticks closely to her roots, expounding on a simple way of life and the eternal joys of living. The simmering rhythms of "Corazon Adentro," one of four self-penned tunes, kick things off gloriously. The party simply never stops as Albita carouses through intoxicating tunes such as "El Manisero," "Comentario de Solar," and the concert favorite "Melon Colorao." The album closes with the lush strains of "El Duende," bringing a thoughtful and romantic end to the soulful street party. --Joey Guerra