Echu Mingua
One of the most vital fusions of trad jazz, Cuban folk, and contemporary hip-hop finally sees a stateside release. Miguel "Anga" Diaz is a pre-eminent conga-player and member of the widely (and justly) popular Buena Vista Social Club. He's assembled quite the multi-culti crew here: a French DJ; a flautist; a Malian griot; and two of the finest Cuban pianists, ever. Among the highlights, there's a tightly-controlled, strings-heavy arrangement of '"Round Midnight" that will make your head spin. Though not as original, the take on "A Love Supreme" is engaging enough, thanks mostly to bassist Cachaito Lopez, who's as much the star of this album as Anga himself. (And to be fair, it's hard to think of a more difficult song to cover.) The rest of the album is thrilling, a spiritual and unlikely melding of some of the world's greatest music.--Mike McGonigal