THE Buena Vista Social Club may suggest all Cuba's leading musicians are of an age to be residing in Harrogate's old people's homes but not only the venerable are making waves.

Last year, Yusa received two nominations in the BBC World Music Awards, and now comes her first international tour in her mid-20s.

Goodbye urban Havana, hello Harrogate International Festival last night in the no-smoking Garden Room of the Old Swan Hotel, white table cloths and all. Hardly a smokin' Havana club, then, but Yusa had a relaxed, uncomplicated manner.

So relaxed, she was in no hurry, warming her voice and stretching her fingers on a bass guitar in an strident, avant-garde opening solo piece. On came pianist Roberto Carcasses Colon, drummer Ruy Lopez-Nussa Lekszycki and double bass player Omar Gonzales Sanchez; more chat and introductions.

It took the arrival of Lucia Huergo Guitian and her sweet alto sax for the jazz to focus, but the second set saw band, piano and Yusa in full flow.

Her voice has the bittersweet timbre if not yet the control of Joan Armatrading and Tracy Chapman but her harmonic explorations are strictly jazz.

A piano ballad was a welcome cooling contrast, balm amid the storm.

Updated: 12:30 Friday, July 25, 2003