Juanes wins a show of hands

Over the last few years, Los Angeles has witnessed a pop-culture first -- the creation of a Latin-music superstar in its own backyard. He goes only by Juanes, a childhood nickname that once seemed odd but now symbolizes the long-awaited success of alt-Latino, the most invigorating trend in Latin pop music today.

He originally came here from his native Colombia as a skinny, shaggy singer-songwriter and virtual unknown looking for his start. He had a batch of brilliant songs in his head and nothing but dreams in his pockets.

Juanes returned in triumph Friday night with a rousing performance before an adoring crowd at Anaheim’s House of Blues, the artist so beloved now for his soulful music that young women at the edge of the stage reached to caress his calves as if he were some living god.

Besides demonstrating his newfound popularity, Juanes proved during the show that his music is even more powerful and stirring in concert. The artist’s Anaheim stop is part of his first U.S. tour as headliner, which also includes a sold-out show Wednesday at the Mayan in Los Angeles.

Juanes first became known outside his native country last year when his debut album, the chilling and riveting “Fijate Bien,” garnered seven Latin Grammy nominations and won three, including best new artist.

The awards significantly raised expectations for his fledgling solo career, nurtured here by producer Gustavo Santaolalla.

Some critics, including this one, felt let down by Juanes’ follow-up album, this year’s far more tame and pop-oriented “Un Dia Normal.”

But the public embraced it, especially the uplifting hit “A Dios le Pido” (I Ask God), a prayer-like plea for family and homeland.

The power of that song was vividly demonstrated at the close of Friday’s show. From its opening twangy guitar lines, the club burst into joyful song and dance, the crowd throbbing with rhythms and pulsing with the song’s irresistible spirit.

Juanes was backed by a tight, six-piece band, all fellow Colombians. Only two, however, play on the new album, and only on some tracks. Maybe that’s what the work was missing, the passion of compatriots playing together. On stage, they put blood and muscle into tracks that sound anemic on record.

Juanes wears his new stardom with grace. Better groomed and better fed, he let himself be idolized, at one point reclining on stage so the women could massage his hair and face. They almost didn’t let him get up. At another point, he was handed a cell phone and briefly serenaded a lucky listener on the other end.

Twice, he graciously accepted Colombian flags from fans. But instead of unfurling them in a facile play to patriotism, he respectfully set them aside, still folded. A classy move, befitting a star of international stature. And unlike his crass and intrusive promotional deal with Bud Light, on display throughout the club. What’s with these beer companies glomming onto Latino artists these days?

Superstardom has its material temptations, no doubt. The test for Juanes will be to keep his music free from the excessive demands of commercialism.

So far, judging from his thrilling performance, he remains true to his roots and his heart.