The pairing of Afro-Majorcan vocalist Concha Buika and Afro-Cuban pianist Chucho Valdés has apparently been a long time coming. Featuring songs from a wide variety of composers in a handful of duets, or with the Valdés' band backing them, El Ultimo Trago is a tribute to Mexican singer Chavela Vargas, a major influence on Buika. While coming from the land of flamenco, this music retains the son quality of Afro-Cuban music, in great part due to the professional expertise Valdés adds to the musical arrangements, not necessarily the lyric content. Clearly a chemistry exists here, beautifully exotic, with Buika as the shining star to be discovered and fully illuminated, and Valdés as her colorful spotlight technician. It's unlikely you'll find a better pairing of an amazing singer and accompanist anywhere else. ~ Michael G. Nastos
