Sudden Change of Pace for a Maturing Puma

Sometimes an artist can subvert a carefully crafted image with a sudden change in repertoire. Consider Venezuelan heartthrob singer-actor Jose Luis Rodriguez’s performance on Friday at the Universal Amphitheatre. Maybe it was because the half-empty, 6,250-seat house failed to inspire Rodriguez. Maybe it was because the Spanish-language soap and film star has matured too much to be taken for the ravenous, lovesick Puma for which he is nicknamed.

Whatever the case, during the lion’s share of the show that was dedicated to the romantic Latin ballads that have made him hugely popular, Rodriguez sang with little conviction. Despite the increased richness of his impeccably well-phrased voice, his lyrics settled into a saccharine fatigue of easy sentiments and quasi-religious nuances. No sexual risks or social transgression here. This was especially evident in his schmaltzy rendition of “Ode to Joy” from Beethoven’s 9th Symphony.

Then, in a sudden but refreshing stylistic switch, Rodriguez strode on stage with Mariachi del Sol Mexican, singing songs from his new Mexican album. Rodriguez even seemed to surprise himself as he connected with the raw honesty and defiance of “ Despacito, “ a Jose Alfredo Jimenez ranchera classic.