CELIA CRUZ “Celia’s Duets” RMM * * * 1/2

Cruz’s most arresting album in recent years is actually a compilation of tunes spanning the period from the early ‘80s to this year, in which the diva duets with some of the most celebrated figures in Latin pop. The track selection is flawless on a collection that emphasizes how seductive her voice can actually be.

On the salsa front, the duet with Willie Colon, adapting the Brazilian hit “Voce Abuso” to a sinuous dance format, harks back to the ‘80s and the famed Fania label, while her collaboration with Oscar D’Leon exemplifies the best elements of ‘90s salsa.

But the most inspired moment occurs when Cruz and Tito Puente recall the spontaneous combustion of years past, with Cruz scatting and Puente answering back on the timbales.

Outside the salsa realm, Cruz duets with rock en espanol stars Los Fabulosos Cadillacs and does a blistering “Soy Loco Por Ti America” with tropicalismo veteran Caetano Veloso. Her exuberant musicality appears to know no boundaries.

The liner notes fail to mention the tracks’ original release dates, or the albums from which they were culled--a serious oversight, although the music definitely stands on its own merits.

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