Album: Roberto Fonseca, Yo (Jazz Village/Harmonia Mundi)

The Cuban pianist's new passion for African grooves and instruments doesn't always work.

Sometimes his laidback swing style sits awkwardly against the mesh of African percussion, and the end result sounds like two overlapping radio stations. But such misfires will always occur if you take risks. However, at its best – which is most of the time - Yo soars. Listen to the haunting "Bibisa" featuring rising Malian star Fatoumata Diawara and be convinced.