Joan Sebastian Rebounds With Spirit

Near the start of his 90-minute concert on Friday at the Universal Amphitheatre, Mexican singer-songwriter Joan Sebastian saluted a guest in the front row--his private physician. “This is for you, doc,” said the 50-year-old pop music veteran in good English. “Great job!”

Sebastian shared that aside with a house full of affectionate fans who have followed his recent fight against bone cancer, which at one point brought him to Los Angeles’ City of Hope for treatment. By thanking his doctor, Sebastian was letting everybody know he’s feeling much better.

But he also proved it with a spirited and heartfelt performance of songs from his 30-year career, covering styles from brassy banda to yearning ballads with a distinct Nashville touch.

Sebastian (ne Jose Manuel Figueroa) ranks among Mexico’s leading pop figures, though he remains somewhat underrated. In popularity, he’s been overshadowed by his more flamboyant countryman Juan Gabriel, though Sebastian is arguably a more skilled and sophisticated song craftsman.

Certainly, few other artists could handle a horse like Sebastian, known for his trick riding at rodeo-style shows. During his last equestrian performance at Staples Center in June 2000, he announced that his illness was forcing him out of the saddle, at doctor’s orders.

The dismounting proved to be a hidden blessing, allowing Sebastian’s warm and engaging personality to shine through with no tricks on stage Friday. Dressed in a sequined western suit and cowboy hat, he made the amphitheater feel like a small coffeehouse during a segment in which he sat on a stool and played guitar. Backed by an accordion sounding like a soulful harmonica, the former seminarian and confessed womanizer made many songs of loss and regret sound autobiographical.

Though his gait was a bit unsteady and his occasional dance steps tentative, he still displayed flashes of that bravado so essential to Mexican country music. Behind him was an array of more than 40 musicians, a colorful folkloric symphony of banda brass, mariachi violins and pop guitars.

At one point, the singer jokingly complained to his doctor that chemotherapy was making him forget his lyrics. It was a glimpse of the sense of humor that enlivens Sebastian’s more folksy songs--and which no doubt has helped him survive well beyond his original prognosis.

“Sean felices,” said the singer as he exited to cheers. “Be happy.”