Mestiza
Perla Batalla, a Los Angelina of Mexican descent, is possessed of a vocal gift so deeply expressive as to belong in a class alongside some of the best singers of our age: Hungary'sMarta Sebestyen, Tibet'sYungchen Lhamo, and Portugal's Teresa Salguiero (Madredeus). To this list also add some sisters in contralto soul: the American South's folk-blues mistress,Karen Dalton, and Canadian powerhousek.d. lang, for whom Batalla sang backup.Mestiza, Batalla's stunning second release, comes after several years singing withLeonard Cohenand various other artists. Batalla and guitarist David Batteau penned the record's 13 songs. Alongside Batalla's percussionist husband, Claud Mann, Batteau's fluid lines form the core accompaniment for the bilingual singer's smoky contralto.Mestizais a marvel: a gorgeous, accessible piece of art with more soul than a plate of pork chops, greens, and cornbread.--Paige La Grone