Originated on the Honduran coast and completed in Senegal, Laru Beya ("By the Beach") gives "mid-Atlantic" a different meaning. Aurelio Martinez, a leading light among Central America's Garifuna people, was sponsored to explore the music of Senegal under the aegis of Youssou N'Dour, who makes a couple of appearances on a rich, seductive album. The playful reggae of its opening cuts is one element in a mosaic of Latin and African influences: gritty Garifuna rhythms, sweet guitars, Dakar street rappers and the languorous Orchestre Baobab on "Bisien Nu". The moods likewise flow between reflection, sadness and joy on an outstanding, surprise-filled offering.