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Buena Vista Social Club, Dome Concert Hall, Brighton, Apr 25
12:14pm Monday 28th April 2008
With satin trousers clinging to her shimmying hips, a figure-hugging shirt battling to contain her pulsating shoulders and a glittering gold hairband sweeping back her thick, brown curls, Idania Valdes is one of the new generation of Cuban singers helping to continue the cultural phenomenon that is the Buena Vista Social Club.
Joining her was 36-year-old Carlos Calunga, who has a truly remarkable voice but a style of showmanship which, at times, feels a little too polished.
At 22, Valdes is the youngest member to join the legendary line-up, which includes original members Orlando Cachaito' Lopez, Guajiro Mirabal, Jesus Rabos and Manual Galban.
Strikingly beautiful and with a phenomenal voice and stage presence, she captured the spirit of the Diva of Cuba herself - Omara Portunondo.
Although impossible to ignore when wildly whipping her hair and gyrating her hips to the hot seductive rhythms of Quizas, Quizas, Quizas, Valdes appeared respectfully aware of the true stars.
She humbly blended into the background as her elderly mentors stepped forward to perform short but passionate solo slots.
Bass player Lopez, now 75, played a warm and intimate waltz duet with the young pianist and trumpet legend Mirabel, who took a break from dancing with his brass section buddies to ignite some Havana spice with his fiery blast of scorching notes.
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