by Chris Nickson
While Peruvian native (and now Mexican resident) Tania Libertad focuses on Afro-Peruvian music on this release, don't expect anything highly rhythmic, or even reminiscent of countrywoman Susana Baca. Instead she forges her own, often contemplative route, whether on the lovely &Dos Gardenias& or the sweet, gentle pop of &Anda Mareado.& She's a singer who brings a mature delicacy to the project, even when her gaze strays from her homeland to Brazil for &Funeral del Labrador& or &Samba Malato/Kike Iturrizago,& a laid-back trip along the Copacabana. Perhaps surprisingly, one of the most rhythmic pieces here is a traditional Peruvian piece, &La Bruja,& where she unleashes a special magic over accordion-dominated music. Moreover, this is a very seductive sound, and in spite of its possibly obscure focus, very accessible to non-Latin ears, as with the gentle ache of &Amaria& or &Fe.& Far more than on her last release, Libertad shows herself to be a stunning, understated singer, with the experience to let a song float into the ear, rather than pushing it. Absolutely glorious