The world famous world music club SOB’s located in New York City started its own music label. Last night I had the pleasure of attending the CD release party at Joe’s Pub for the label’s first release, Alma y Niurka. The two Cubana childhood friends, after years of working on separate musical careers all over the world, including Mexico and France, reunited to record this live album.

Alma and Niurka both have distinct but beautiful voices that work well together, creating lush melodies and harmonies backed by their twin guitars. Alma’s voice acted as its own instrument, revealing a great range and depth. She carried baladas strongly as well as more rhythm driven Cuban classics. Niurka could hardly contain her energy, moving her feet and hips to a beat she kept on her guitar that reflected their Afro-Cuban musical roots. At one point during the show, Niurka played the guitar on her knees and she looked like nothing less than a Caribbean musical diosa.

The duo played songs that ranged from sweet to dramatic to funny, but all of them had me moving in my seat.

Based on last night’s show, I look forward to buying and listening to the entire Alma y Niurka album and look forward to other musical acts SOB’s will record on their label.