Puerto Plata's newest release is a record 80 years in the making. Casita de Campo is a collection of songs composed during the 30-year reign of Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo, who was in power from 1930 to 1960. Despite the harsh conditions of the Trujillo era and El Jefe's official stance against the guitar-based son style, the songs on this album are beautiful tributes to the everyday pleasures of life. Fans of the Buena Vista Social Club take note: This record is filled with stately Latin rhythms you're going to love.

The 86-year-old José "Puerto Plata" Cobles, named for his seaside hometown in the Dominican Republic, is a masterful guide to the older styles, including guaracha, bolero-son and merengue, featured on this album. His husky voice leads a multi-generational ensemble with authority. The many generations of musicians in the ensemble makes for an interesting mix of youthful playing over subtly reserved arrangements written by Edilio Paredes, one of the creators of the bachata style and a living legend in his own right. Much younger guitarist Pablo Rosario brings a lively energy to his engaging solo work on the requinto, pushing each vocal line from Puerto Plata into the next century.

-Mike Gubman