Liga Latina

Liga Latina have been described as ‘a European supergroup.’ Well, they're a quintet of Scandinavian musicians steeped in Latin and Caribbean musical traditions and, on this evidence, they are rather super. They play a blend of traditional Cuban son and jazz, somewhat in the style of the Cuban group Asere when Billy Cobham hitched his mighty drum kit to them over a decade ago.

The line-up is essentially one of tres or Spanish guitar, piano, double bass, percussion and trumpet – often muted and in keeping with the band's refined, even understated take on the music. All five have pedigree – one of pianist Theo Hjorth's teachers was César Pedroso of Los Van Van – and a few select guests add some worthwhile extras. Violinist Lasse Høj Jakobsen, for example, contributes to a palpable Mexican feel on the traditional ‘Toro Mata’. There's a splendid version of Guillermo Portabales’ evergreen ‘El Carretero’ and Eusebio Delfín's ‘Y Tu Que Has Hecho’ sounds remarkably like BVSC. Most of the songs, however, are originals contributed by singer and guitarist, Mike Hecchi. If occasionally those vocals sound slightly forced, the real emphasis on this cultured and distinguished album is more on the band's instrumental dexterity.