Cuban vocalist Omara Portuondo made her mark in the 1960s when she embraced the bossa nova music of Brazil then kept a low profile until her rediscovery via the Buena Vista Social Club in 1998, which saw the subsequent release of her Nick Gold/Jerry Boys produced recording. Flor de Amor finds Portuondo in the company of Gold and Boys again, with Ale Siqueira producing five of the 14 selections here. This is an elegant recording that deftly weaves in elements of classic Cuban instrumentation and styles with an unmistakable contemporary finesse and especially tasteful touches from guitarist Manuel Galban, who was last heard on the fantastic Mambo Sinuendo collaboration with Ry Cooder. Portuondo caresses each note with a sense of romantic grandeur and gentle eloquence on par with Cesaria Evora and Susana Baca. Portuondo is occasionally backed by close harmony female vocalists which adds another layer of lushness to this sensual affair. On “El Madrugador” she befittingly sings “I know how to appreciate the beauty of a traditional song/ In the hands of a poet these verses shine like the sun….” Indeed!