This is one of the finest of the many albums to appear in the wake of The Buena Vista Social Club. That’s not surprising, since Compay Segundo functioned as a guiding light with Ry Cooder on that project, as was only fitting after a truly legendary career dating from at least the 1920s. Very distinctive on this recording is the use of clarinets in conjunction with the expected guitars. The maestro’s well-weathered voice appears often and to good effect, but the sound is leavened also with several gorgeous vocals from Vionaika Martinez and Mayelin Pere. “Balcon de Santiago” is one of them, and it is very touchingly and sincerely delivered in a way that is out of the reach of star singers at the top the music industry. It’s a beautiful album that offers many rewards.