THE VOCALIST from the Buena Vista Social Club follows up his 1999 solo debut with an album of even greater charm.

Buenos Hermanos shows that the well has far from run dry for the veteran Cuban musicians whose late-career emergence brought them to a wider world. This is an album of warmth, energy and charm, a beautiful piece of work that goes some way to justifying the claim of its producer and guest guitarist, Ry Cooder, that it is "the ultimate Latin record". The usual crew are present, including double-bassist Orlando Cachaito Lopez, whose own solo outing was such a modern and surprising delight. Over 13 lush yet muscular songs, Ferrer shows himself to be a truly great vocalist, especially on the stand-out ballad, Perfume De Garndenias, with guest backing vocals from the Blind Boys Of Alabama, and a lovely, smoky sax solo from Gill Bernal.

Updated: 09:24 Thursday, April 03, 2003