Sublime Ilusion
Long known in Cuba as leader of the legendary groupthe Cuarteto Patria, guitarist Eliades Ochoa steps into the worldwide spotlight primed for him by his appearance onBuena Vista Social Club. He's joined here by guitaristRy Cooder,Los Lobos' David Hidalgo, and blues harmonica player Charlie Musselwhite for an exercise in Cubanson,guaracha, and bolero classics. "Teje Que Teje" ("Weaving and Weaving"), on which both Hidalgo and Musselwhite play, brings a bit of attitude to the uplifting, traditional Cuban music dominating the album, and Cooder's appearance on "La Comparsa" brings a downright Hawaiian slack-key feel to the album's close. Still, Ochoa'stresdances lightly throughout the album in melodious songs that feature his wonderfully ripe voice while capturing the airy, relaxed spirit of eastern Cuban music.--Karen Karleski