Musician Alex Cuba’s goal is making a new, rejuvenated sound of Cuban music mainstream in the US.

He’s almost there.

Cuban music is treasured at a small town in Canada at the moment, where singer/ songwriter Cuba (real name Alex Puentes) lives. Little does the US know they’re in for a big surprise.

Alex Cuba Band’s (Puente’s band) single “Que Lo Mismo” reached the top 10 in BBC radio in the UK in 2006, also winning a Juno award (equivalent to a Grammy)for their debut album “Humo De Tabaco.”

He plans to show the world his natural talent for music with his enticing sophomore album “Aqua Del Pozo,” released in early February.

Puente’s takes centuries-old traditional Cuban music and revives old Afro beats and Spanish sounds with pop to contemporize-something that takes real talent to accomplish and soulful understanding of music.

Puentes’, surprised by outcome of his debut album, enjoyed seeing his music reach everyone of different cultures-including those who don’t understand Spanish and continue to listen and love his music.

“They loved it for reason I don’t understand,” said Puentes in an exclusive phone interview with The Chronicle. “It gives me a lot of hope for the future for Cuban music.”

So his next stop is the US, and he invites everyone to share their love of music.

Puentes, unlike other musicians, refuses to conform to one genre. To him, genres and cliches only create barriers between people of different cultures.

“And that’s what I’ve been doing, letting go of clich�s,” said Puentes “I’m in the genre of music.”

This is evident on “Aqua Del Pozo.” Puentes’ releases his heart and soul into every word and beat, allowing a listener to hang on his every word in Spanish. Lyrics read of love and details of Cuban live-all written and performed in Spanish. Puentes takes the spotlight and sings solo, unlike with “Humo De Tabaco” where he collaborates with artists Jason Mraz and Ron Sexsmith.

Puentes’ plays music unlike any other musician rooting from Cuba. Cuban music slowly fails to appeal to people of the world and revive its sounds as time goes by, Puentes’ said.

“You have to have the will power to do this,” said Puentes. “In every album I just try to go for what the souls of calling for rather than doing something typical.

“I’ve caught myself breaking the rules before. It used to scare me, but not any more.

“And I look forward in breaking more rules.”

Puentes, a musician since the age of four, sees his musical talent as a blessing from God.

“Before I made the decision to be a musician, I already was a musician,” said Puentes. “It feels good just to do it because it feels good in your soul, because you did what was in your heart.”

Puentes’ puts his God-sent talent to good use with “Si Pero No,” singing of love with his slightly weathered voice.

“Aqua Del Pazo,” like “Humo De Tabaco” allows listeners to get lost in world filled with spice and Spanish flavor, feeling rejuvenated and fresh. Puentes’ ability to incorporate different elements of all conformed genres into his own is something many musicians attempt to achieve and fail.

Passion is what makes this album, and it’s evident in every aspect. Puentes writes, sings and plays with passion. Natural ability to produce beautiful, soulful music is rare to find in today’s culture centering on sex and fame.

Smooth instrumentals on “Amor Infinto” and a distinctive, soft acoustic intro compliments Puentes’ voice.

Puentes embarks with a new identity with his sophomore album, as a multi-talented musician working a singer, songwriter, instrumentalist and producer.

“I try to deliver something that pleases my soul first and something that we cross the barrier of language and cultures and appeal to a whole lot more people than Cubans,” said Puentes.

It’s surprising such talent hasn’t received more of the recognition it deserves. Recognition is only a matter of months away, since Puentes plans to tour sometime this year in the US.