Santiago de Cuba is not so far from Havana, but the musical traditions of the port city facing the Caribbean are as distinct as Nashville is from New York. The title track of this disc from Santiago native son Eliades Ochoa overflows with country charm and an easy Caribbean rhythm that’s not at all reminiscent of the frenzied Afro-Cuban jazz sound. This is Ochoa’s third outing since Buena Vista Social Club made him an international figure, and he’s taking advantage of the renown. Although Buena Vista mastermind Ry Cooder is not present, Ochoa trades licks with Los Lobos’ David Hidalgo on the opening track and adds some accents to lead vocals from the Mavericks’ Raul Malo on the more traditional ballad "No me preguntes tanto." But better than the guest spots are the laughing trumpet of Anibal Avila, Ochoa’s crisp and lively guitar work, and the effortless grace of his vocals. At 56, Ochoa may be noted for his work with the old-school Cuarteto Patria and his affinity for the traditional Cuban sounds of son montuno, the slower bolero son, and guaracha, but this is an extremely lively disc, and he is anything but a museum piece.