Agua Del Pozo

Now here's something you don't find every day, a Cuban singer/songwriter from Canada. But on his sophomore solo effort, Alex Cuba (real name Alexis Puentes) shows himself to be a man who readily defies expectations. There's certainly little to give away Cuba's origins in his music, which is silky, soulful, and at times verges on the Brazilian in its airiness and light rhythms. Blessed with a seductive voice that works its magic on the slow songs — which rightfully abound here, slinky and sexy, he's also perfectly at home on somewhat more upbeat material, such as the title cut, although it simmers, rather than boils. That's his style, however, and he has it down to a very fine art. The songs (all from his own pen, except two that are co-written with others) are delicious, with clever arrangements that emphasize Cuba's voice — honeyed, but with that delicious touch of roughness. As albums go, it's remarkably assured and confident, the product of a fully formed artist who has even more to offer in the future.