Aguas

Though pianist Omar Sosa and violinist/vocalist Yilian Cañizares first met during their respective travels in Europe, as fellow Cubans they quickly found a common musical language, evident in their collaborative debut, *Aguas*. The textures are sparse and alluring, with Sosa’s piano, keyboards, and subtle electronic beats providing a modern sheen. (Cuban percussionist Inor Sotolongo contributes as well.) Cañizares has an intense, yearning quality on the vocal features—the ultra-high overtone effect she achieves on “La Respiracion” is extraordinary—while her violin is equally strong as a melodic and improvising voice. Her French spoken-word on “Sanzara” and “Se Van Los Mios” seems to broaden the range of Afro-Caribbean influences coursing through the program. Sosa’s flutelike synth solo on “Milonga,” children’s voices on the pop ballad “Sonrisas de Niños,” the slinky feel and forceful violin solo of “O Le Le”: These and other moments reveal a genuine chemistry at the heart of the encounter.