Classics Save the Day for Gabriel

The world of live Latin pop has become so competitive in the last decade that being simply good is not enough anymore. This point was exemplified Friday at the Universal Amphitheatre, where Ana Gabriel delivered an OK performance and was met with an accordingly tepid reception by the capacity audience.

The Mexican singer’s distinctive, raspy voice was all but wasted on lukewarm pop songs such as her own composition “Quien Como Tu” and the melodramatic “Lo Se” from her upcoming, Emilio Estefan-produced album, “Soy Como Soy.” And the contributions of a percussionist, a keyboardist and a three-member horn section were buried in a high-pitched mix reminiscent of the tinny sound of airline headphones.

The high point came halfway through the show with the appearance of a mariachi ensemble. The fans gasped when the lights revealed the charro-dressed musicians at the back of the stage. They obviously knew that Gabriel shines when interpreting more traditional fare.

Indeed, her gutsy takes on the classics “El Gallo de Oro” and “Cielito Lindo” were gritty and memorable, an indication of the considerable talent that makes the diva’s poor choice of material all the more frustrating.