When a bunch of wily old Cuban musicians were brought together by Ry Cooder last year to record an album, no one could predict the impact the music would have on the world.

Cooder just wanted to record the handful of masters left at the tail-end of a musical golden-age in Communist Cuba. They were unknown in the rest of the world, superstars at home in their island isolated for 40 years from the outside world as the Americans banned flights and exports.

The Buena Vista Social Club took the world by storm with their multi-million selling album, and the rebirth of salsa music began with a vengeance.

It's phenomenal success has rekindled interest in the sexy Latin vibes. Salsa classes sprung up across the globe from tiny hamlets in England to Japanese clubs, from huge night clubs in New York to German town halls.

It has gone from being a fringe musical interest into the mainstream of musical consciousness.

Now a 10-strong Cuban band of sexy young female singers is hoping to leap on to the bandwagon created by the geriatrics of the Buena Vista Social Club.

Formed only two years ago, D'Talle first secured a place on the live circuits in Havana, already booked solid with the older and better known musicians, with sheer persistence.

And a bit of luck got them the ear of some of the most influential powers in the Cuban music world where their hard, thumping version of salsa, merengue, mambo, cha cha cha and cumbia guaranteed them a place on the fast track.

They may have the trappings of a teeny-bopper girl band on the up -- the hair, the tight tops, the looks. But these are no musical light-weights, all musicians in their own rights, some daughters of the old-guard, brought up in clubs and with the rhythm in their veins. One is even the daughter of Chucho Valdez -- an international star.

After several invitations abroad, word of the new band reached salsa fanatic Glenn Blakeney at Club Azure in St. David's.

Whether it's salsa music or the world's greatest cigars, Americans can't get enough of Cuba -- but they can't get it in their homeland.

Now the local businessman is hoping to help Americans get round the flight and export ban by bringing a little bit of Havana to Bermuda.

In Club Azure, also on the heels of the world-wide salsa craze, classes have been taken and given and a new breed of salsa aficionado grown up on the Island.

It was Blakeney's idea to get the girl-group to headline in his club for New Year, and after going down to Cuba to court them, secured the deal.

D'Talle landed with a bang in Bermuda last week, and brought a whole lot of salsa beat to over 400 Bermudian's New Year celebrations in St. David's.

This weekend the club is expected to be packed for the girls' show, which ends with a PLP fundraiser on Sunday.

Cuba's D'Talle rides salsa wave to Bermuda shores "It was the first New Year in the club,'' said Blakeney. "And we wanted it to go off with a bang, and it certainly did.'' But bringing D'Talle is just the first part of the plan for Bermudian businessman Blakeney.

He sees his club as part of the future for the Island, and he wants to lure American tourists desperate for the sounds of Havana to Bermuda to hear a string of top Cuban bands.

He want's the headlining bands to bring in the tourists who will not or cannot go to Cuba, but love the music and culture.

And he hopes this will nurture local bands, who will also benefit from growing crowds coming to his club to hear live music, both local and Cuban.

"The customer must be satisfied,'' said Blakeney. "We have heard complaints about there not being enough to do at night, not enough quality live music.

Well then lets give it them what they want.'' He advocates brining in the kind of music that will in fact pull tourists into the Island.

"The closest some Americans get to Cuba is Florida. And Bermuda would be the next best place to experience the fantastic Cuban musical culture and really get an authentic island experience.'' Blakeney wants to get the cooperation of the Department of Tourism, hotels and guest houses in the venture.

"People are looking for something to do and this could be the answer. It could also be used as a platform for local entertainment.'' What is sure is that he will have no problems getting D'Talle (a Spanish play on words which sound like detail) back on the Island.

The ten girls have been thrilled with the reception they have got here.

Band leader Ivette Porras Thorp, who plays the piano said: "Being here has been incredible. People have been so friendly, we just can't believe what we have found.

"What we really want to do is come back in the summer, and really enjoy the place in full swing.'' She added with a giggle: "We also love Bermudian men. They are so polite and respectful. We have found that they are wonderful.'' Yisell Sanchez Torrez, the band's bongo drummer said: "Everyone has been so kind, with very good manners, everyone has been great. We have been out to every night club on the Island -- we haven't missed a single one, so we have covered some ground.'' Singer Yoryanis Cespedes Gongora: "We want to send a big kiss to all of Bermuda from the girls.'' Drum player Yousy Valdez Torres said: "One of the things I have noticed here is the amount of respect you get from everyone. You pass anyone in the street and they will greet you politely. It is wonderful.'' "We are really happy with what we have found here. We would like to thank all of the people who have come to see us and all the people who have helped us get here,'' said singer Nidia Rosa Moya Torres. "We want to come back.'' Azure's Glenn Blakeney and band leader Ivette Porras Thorp have become friends through D'Talle coming to the Island.