NIGEL WOODon the week's world music...

Mayra Andrade

Sterns ****

Mayra Andrade has had 24 years of an unusually peripatetic lifestyle. Born in Cuba and sometime resident of Senegal, Angola, Germany and now France. Her musical and family roots are nevertheless in the Atlantic islands of Cape Verde. Following her confident and acclaimed debut, Navega,she has teamed up with Brazilian producer Ale Siqueira, bringing extra South American gloss to her charming, easygoing style.

There are Cape Verdean coladeiras and soulful samba sketches, classy instrumental touches and jazzy inflections underpinned by Brazilian percussion, plus guests of the stature of arranger and cellist Jaques Morelenbaum and pianist Roberto Fonseca.

The overall mood is sweetly melodic and infectious, the vocals are utterly seductive, and the whole album swings effortlessly. Add some global sunshine to your next evening in. www.mayra-andrade.com

Download tracks: Storia storia, Odjus fitchadu, Turbulensa