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Juan-Carlos Formell’s Cemeteries & Desire, a solo guitar work scented with a hint of bossa nova and tropicália, blows in like a cool Cuban breeze. On sweet toe-tappers such as “Domitila, Donde Vas?” and “Agua Bendita,” Formell’s honeyed voice bears more than a passing resemblance to Caetano Veloso, Brazil’s preeminent poet/composer. The songs are all in Spanish but they are not exclusive to those who speak that language. The soulful music and melodies are open and accessible in any lingo and slide right through the ears to the heart. And though the influences range from Brazilian bossa nova to bluesy Americana, in the end this is all Juan-Carlos Formell, a giant talent with a golden voice and a sound uniquely his.
