Known for blending music styles derived from Peru's indigenous, African and Spanish heritage, Eva Ayllón is a strong, at times moody singer whose apparently limitless depth of soul made her a major star in her homeland decades ago. This collection--her first U.S.-produced recording--gets off to a melancholy yet rhythmically intense start with the slowing building landó "Negra Presuntuosa" (or "Presumptive Black Woman"). From there, Ayllón whispers, purrs and shouts her way through a stirring mix of beautifully modulated performances of Afro-Peruvian and other styles that highlight her gift for communicating pain, sensuality and romance, sometimes all at once. If her work doesn't leave you breathless, check into a clinic.

Ayllón is said to be a true mesmerist live, which makes her free appearance at the UW Memorial Union Terrace on Sept. 17 a real gift from the musical gods. Don't miss her--or this dramatic, wonderfully humane album.