Cuban vocalist, producer and arranger Daymè Arocena has a strong relationship with Brownswood Recordings. She first graced the label in early 2015 and has since gone in to deliver two albums and a clutch of fine singles for Gilles Peterson’s imprint. Cubafonia is Arocena’s third full-length and continues in a similar vein to previous outings. It’s a rich musical tapestry, with Arocena blending traditional Cuban staples (think mambo and rumba) with spiritual jazz, Rotary Connection style soul, Afro-Cuban funk, tear-jerking ballads and jazz-funk. The resultant songs – all top notch – are as steamy, humid and vibrant as you’d expect, but also boast intricate musical arrangements and top quality musicianship.
