Los Super Seven Canto By James Reed Adelante Music Critic Not since Americans went mad for the mambo in the 1950s has Cuban music enjoyed such a commercial renaissance in the United States. You could chalk it up to the smash success of “Buena Vista Social Club” in 1998, or maybe it’s just a ripple effect of widespread interest in Latin music. Whatever the case, Cuban music is hot once again. The problem, of course, is which CDs should you buy? You have a veritable plethora of options, even in the Midwest, and rummaging through the works of Celia Cruz or Bola de Nieve can be overwhelming. Here’s a suggestion: let your next CD purchase be Canto, the latest from the Mexican-American band Los Super Seven. Though known for their Tex-Mex approach to music making, which won the group a Grammy in 1998 for its self-titled debut, Los Super Seven have embraced a decidedly Pan-Latin sound on its sophomore album. The lineup has changed this time, but the group’s leader, David Hidalgo from Los Lobos, is still in charge. Don’t be duped by your initial listening of Canto. Rave reviews have claimed it conjures the “old-world charm of ‘Buena Vista Social Club,’” and it does…but not the first time it reaches your ears. The songs are pleasant enough, yet you don’t fully appreciate the musicianship until a third or fourth listen. Suddenly, vocals pop out in full color and renditions of Cuban chestnuts sound as though they had been written yesterday. If you picked up the equally satisfying soundtrack to the movie “Before Night Falls,” you might be familiar with “El Que Siembra Su Maíz.” Country singer Rick Treviño had the daunting task of reinvigorating a song that’s already nearly perfect, yet he completes his mission with jubilant treatment of the lyrics and great back-up singers. Veracruz finds the ultimate tribute in “El Pescador,” a song whose chorus exalts the Mexican port city’s tropical flair and beautiful people. Peruvian diva Susana Baca shows up for a cameo on “Drumi Mobila.” Coupled with a jazz band, Baca’s vocals lend depth to a light-hearted children’s song. If Canto hits any snags, it’s the fervor with which it tries to appeal to everyone. It’s a quirky collection of various genres, not to mention a sprinkling of Brazil’s famed Caetano Veloso. For the most part, the array of flavors works well, but, as talented as he is, you have to wonder where Veloso fits in this musical framework. “Qualquer Coisa” is wispy and fun to sing along to, and yet it seems out of place here. Canto is breezy entertainment best suited for lazy Sundays and your drink of choice. True, it won’t send your feet into a snap of mambo madness, but sometimes it’s nice to summon the windswept allure of a bygone era. If this is how you’d like to spend your days, make Canto your summer soundtrack.