On Unforgettable Boleros, only three of the original Cuban band Irakere remain, with Chucho Valdés, an established solo artist, still at the helm. Here they delve into some of the great romantic boleros. While it might not be as innovative as some of their other work, the music makes for a lovely disc, especially when the impassioned vocals of Leo Vera lead the songs. Valdés himself keeps his furious, formidable technique in check, leading from the back (although he does take a luscious, Ellington-esque solo on "Como Fue"). Instead, it's the material that's the star, whether as familiar as the standard "Besame Mucho" or the lovely "Alma Mia." The horn charts are inventive, filling out the songs without ever seeming to dominate. Even without original stalwarts like Arturo Sandoval and Paquito D'Rivera, Irakere continue to impress, almost 30 years after forming. --Chris Nickson