Congo to Cuba

This compilation examines the connection between modern African music and Cuban styles that evolved from a slow-simmering cross-pollination of Spanish melodies and rhythms imported by homesick slaves. When Latin albums eventually found their way home to the Continent, local musicians immediately recognized the link and re-Africanized the tunes for their own markets. These versions then traveled back to the Caribbean, resealing the cultural circle and launching dozens of further permutations. The selections on this set are very well chosen, given that the subject is a huge one and a single CD is hardly adequate to the task. Gnonnas Pedro and Labah Soseh, two pioneering vocalists who hail from Benin and Gambia, respectively, receive well-deserved places of honor. Other master tracks include Congolese diva Tshala Muana's hypnotic "Lekela Muadi," and "Canto a la Vueltabajera" by Cuba's Alfredo Valdés, which abounds in goofy classical piano quotes. --Christina Roden