Music fans may have heard of singer/songwriter/guitarist Alex Cuba from his collaboration with Nelly Furtado on her latest (and first all-Spanish) release, “Mi Plan.” But this talented Cuban expatriate, now living in Vancouver, British Columbia, deserves his own spotlight. This sophomore effort – the follow-up to his 2005  Juno Award-winning “Humo de Tabaco ” – is a marvelous set of Cuban-inspired pop that transcends language and musical boundaries.

Cuba (aka Alexis Puentes) offers a set of melodic original pop songs rendered in Spanish. The singer has a honeyed, welcoming voice that gives each infectious song a warm, lyrical glow. Backed by guitar, bass, percussion and a few keyboard embellishments, Cuba’s material comes off as James Taylor/Paul Simon-styled Latino pop. Although informed by the rhythms of his native country, Cuba’s tunes abound with gentle soul, pop and funk touches.

With Furtado’s aid, Cuba’s name has been thrust before the public, and with this album, he’s got the goods to back up his newfound fame.