Duets
The magnetic, ninetysomething Francisco Repilado, better known asCompay Segundo, recorded  the first 78 rpm discs in Cuba in the 1930s with his seven-stringedarmónico/tresguitar. After decades of obscurity following the 1959  revolution, guitarist-producerRy Coodercatapulted  Segundo to world fame with the hitBuena Vista Social ClubCD. OnDuets, Segundo's silky baritone voice is paired with old and new  friends and family. Segundo's BVSC homegirl Omara Portuondo puts her spin on the  classic track "La Pluma," while Segundo's guitarist son, Basilio, synchs with  dad on "Linda Graciela." Segundo's global duets include the mesmerizingmorna-charanga"Linda Graciela" with Cape Verdean empressCesaria Evora, the  Gallic-graced "Morir de Amor" with French legendCharles Aznavour, and an  Afro-Moorish rendition of "Saludo a Chango" with Algerian singerKhaled. Segundo also  pairs up withneuva trovaicons Silvio Rodriguez and Pablo Milanes, and  even kicks it with the "Mambo No. 5" man Lou Bega and actor Antonio Banderas.  Not bad for someone nine decades young.--Eugene Holley, Jr.