This was one of those rare shows where the star performer is matched by an even more remarkable backing band. It may not have been the greatest appearance in the history of that great Cuban veteran Ibrahim Ferrer, but it was still a memorable night, thanks to the extraordinary musicians who surrounded him.

The Buena Vista project continues to flourish largely because it is still developing new celebrities, and Ferrer's band contained many of Cuba's great players. Guitarist Manuel Galbán and bass player Cachaito Lopez have both recorded impressive solo albums and so, more recently, has the trumpeter Manuel "Guajiro" Mirabal. Looking like an overworked diplomat after a bad negotiation, he stepped down from the nine-piece brass section for a rousing solo set paying tribute to another great Cuban legend, Arsenio Rodriguez. He was joined for a fluid and spectacular piano work-out by Roberto Fonseca. On this showing, Fonseca is now the band's star, holding the set together with delicate backing work and wildly inventive, varied solos. His debut solo album, due next year, should confirm his status.

As for Ferrer himself, he was charming, jovial and eventually impressive, after a shaky start. He came on in glasses, grey suit and pink slouch hat, looking at first as if he were far too frail - he is in his mid-70s - to stand up to his powerful band. There were sections where he sang off-key, and it was only when the brass section left the stage that he found his voice with an exquisite Perfume de Gardenias. From then on, his performance improved, spurred on by a wildly enthusiastic crowd.

But it was on the slower ballads, such as Mil Congojas (again with delicate and daring piano backing from Fonseca), that he showed off his still glorious and distinctive voice.

· At the Waterfront Hall, Belfast, tonight. Box office: 028-9097 2626. Then touring.