For that diva on your list, discover Peru’s undisputed Queen Of Lando (an Afro-Peruvian genre from the southern and central regions), Eva Ayllon.  Her new release, Eva! Leyenda Pervana (Times Square), sizzles with all the drama and spirit in befitting her title.  A superstar in her native land, Ayllon has been touring the world since the `90s and regularly sells out Lima stadiums and American theatres alike.

            A strong collection of the primary Afro-Peruvian musical styles – lando (blues), festejo (celebratory dance), tondero (flamenco), and vals (Peruvian waltz) – the disc effectively translates Ayllon’s skill at stirring up vocal magic.  Wielding a rich, expressive alto, the singer guides listeners through the emotional intensity of lando on “Negra Presuntuosa,” contagiously sweeping rhythms of festejo on “Raices del Festejo – Le Dija A Papa,” and the elegant simplicity of vals on “Siempre te Amare.”  The CD, like the diva herself, delivers a knock-out punch of singular style.