Before joining 's band during the 1980s as , spent almost a decade as a session and touring percussionist. She played with everyone, from her father 's Afro-Latin jazz band to , and . During and after her tenure with released a clutch of fine solo albums including 2017's . Despite the fact she's been playing salsa most of her life, is her debut album in the genre. It was recorded in Miami and at several California studios. The program includes six originals, killer covers, and a star-studded studio cast. Opening number "Anacaona," by famed Puerto Rican composer , was arranged by and features on lead vocals. A burning salsa, the percussion interplay between under ' soaring, soulful vocal and a backing chorus is breathtaking. The horn section offers excellent contrapuntal engagement with 's piano. The title track walks the invisible border between Cuban son and vintage Nuyorican salsa with vocalist (though inserts a completely unexpected rap breakdown near its close). The frenetic drumming and horn exchanges are underscored by fiery piano montunos and a strident, anthemic chorus of singers and chanters. Single "Bemba Colora" is a classic son associated with Cuban vocal icon . Its three-part lead vocal is offered by . The latter's rippling conga solo is one of the set's brightest moments. The reading of 's "El Rey del Timbal" features salsero up front. Passionate, fiery, and hooky, 's galloping timbales solo is framed by driving montunos and swinging horns. Her own songs on this set include "Gente Buena" with on vocals. The happiest track here, it's a key playlist component for a beach or dance party. Her "The Way You Do," featuring on lead vocals, is a gorgeous fusion of Latin soul, funk, and salsa. "Mi Amor" is a vehicle for .'s lead vocals and 's Spanish guitar playing. It melds bolero, son, soul, and funk with hard-swinging horns and backing vocals. She takes another lead on the co-written "Playa Tequila," wedding Latin soul, funk, tropical, and salsa underscored by a transcendent vocal chorus. "Descarga" is an Afro-Latin jam that includes dad , mom , and Dominican salsa legend Son, montuno, guaracha, and rhumba envelope one another as horns engage drums and chanting to close it out. The exceptional playing, arranging, songwriting, and joyous performances on easily register this album as an exceptional outing, certainly, but also one of the year's finest salsa albums. ~ Thom Jurek