POP MUSIC REVIEWS : Guzman’s Latin Mix a Crowd Pleaser

Let’s put an end to all the talk about Gloria Trevi being Mexico’s Madonna. The closest thing in Latin pop-rock to the sexy swagger and provocation of the Material Girl is Alejandra Guzman--plus Guzman sings better than both of them.

In Guzman’s first Southern California appearance since a 2 1/2-year hiatus to give birth and care for her first child, the gifted singer and dancer was in top form before nearly 4,000 fans Saturday night at the outdoor Pico Rivera Sports Arena.

Supported by excellent production values and a tight eight-piece band, Guzman--the daughter of ‘60s rock en espanol pioneer Enrique Guzman--concentrated on standard blues-based, energetic pop songs and occasional ballads.

Even if hard-core rockers dismiss her as a creative lightweight, she is, in fact, a serious, diverse performer and one of the best female vocalists on the Latin pop scene.

Although Guzman kept the crowd waiting for more than an hour, she quickly made up for the lost time with crowd-pleasing antics--especially her good-natured sexual aggression--and catchy songs.

That material remains the biggest challenge for Guzman. She vowed recently to focus on more substantial songs, but has yet to do it. If she lives up to the promise, she will be among the most compelling figures in all of Latin pop.

The lengthy concert began with a short but winning set by local favorites Maria Fatal, followed by Spain’s Seguridad Social (Social Security). The veteran group--which offers a Latin fusion of rock, ska and reggae--proved again it has some of the best musicians in rock en espanol.