Mañana / Manana

Born and raised in Toronto, singer Amanda Martinez is at ease in a variety of Latin music styles. Here on her fourth album, coproduced by acclaimed flamenco singer/guitarist Javier Limon (who has also worked with Buika), the smoky-voiced singer has never sounded more beguiling. She eschews fiery Latin emotion for a smoldering delivery filled with subtlety. Standouts on this set include the flamenco-inspired “Va Y Viene” and “Esperanza Viva,” as well as the waltzing “Que Bonito Es Esta Vida,” which all lean more traditional. Yet this is hardly a look back—“Nuevos Caminos,” “Tenemos De Todo," and “Frozen” have funkier grooves in the bass and percussion, and “Dias Invisibles” seems to channel the pop craft of Burt Bacharach. There are also a few surprises here, with the lilting, string-driven “Le Chemin,” sung in French, and the inviting “Let’s Dance,” which is done in English until a Cuban son tacked onto the end turns the song into a party. All in all, it's a fine next step for a singer who appears destined to bask in the international spotlight.