Yuri Buenaventura

With “Vagabundo”, Colombian singer Yuri Buenaventura reveals himself as the “brightest new star from South America”. From the irresistibly swingy ‘Guajiro del Monte’, with its expansive and golden big-band dance sound to the pared-back and poignant ‘Donde Estas?’ – it’s always clear that we’re in completely assured hands. Interspersed are three unforgettably sensual songs written with Jorge Zulueta which brilliantly underpin a Latin theme with an erotic tango sound. And besides the innovative music, Buenaventura’s words mark him out: like Ruben Blades, he’s one of the few salsa singers to marry a cutting edge sound with thoughtful lyrics. With a wonderfully attractive voice which at times recalls the legendary Hector Lavoe, Buenaventura duets with the great Cheo Feliciano on ‘Palo y Cuero’ (Stick and Skin). Buenaventura means a ‘good venture’ – he’s certainly embarked on one of those here The commanding, expressive voice of Buenaventura…gifted and versatile” fRoots “Colombian Magic” Top of the World Songlines