Latino is no closer to serious Latin than
Don Swan's previous three albums, but there is a new maturity and confidence here. Even though "Razz-Berry Mambo" may be lacking in maturity, and "Linda Mujer" begins with a rock beat, overall the group of star West Coast jazz men is sounding more like a touring orchestra than a studio contrivance. The whistling and harp seem to be gone in favor of more post-"Cherry Pink" trumpet theatrics.
Latino also raises the bar slightly in its lurid jacket art. (A thumbnail can be seen, and "El Cumbanchero" heard, on the Liberty sampler, Stereo: the Visual Sound LST-100). The model, conga drum, and soft focus are still there, but the fishnet stockings and all else are gone. Even stripped down to the essentials,
Latino still reeks of Hollywood cheese.