After years spent in semiretirement, Portuondo returned to the spotlight with an appearance on the Buena Vista Social Club album. The lineup she assembles for her own Flor de Amor features many of the Cuban and Brazilian players she has spent her career singing with, and they add some swing to an otherwise plaintive album. Still regardless of their performances, Portuondo's strong baritone delivery, masterful and mature, eventually takes over. -- Chris Coomey