Jose Jose Exudes Warmth and Personality

After 33 years as a professional performer, Jose Jose keeps singing and enjoying his status as one of Mexico’s most beloved balladeers. So much so that he can still look good on a bad night.

It is his feeling and his personality, more than his vocal range, that has earned him six Grammy nominations and sales of 30 million albums worldwide. But still, his singing was always there when he needed it. His concert on Sunday at the Universal Amphitheatre, however, showed signs--for the first time locally--that time is finally taking its toll. The 48-year-old singer struggled often to reach high notes and wasn’t nearly as powerful as he was in his last show here two years ago.

Nevertheless, there are very few performers, including youngsters in their prime, who can transmit so much warmth in such a down-to-earth way. Jose is truly a likable figure who seems to be talking individually to each member of the audience. And his confessional style, in which he often portrays himself as a vulnerable, loser-type of Latin lover, makes him look more human than the average romantic star.

Midway through the concert he briefly passed the torch to his son Jose Sosa, 20, who did an enjoyable version of “Mi viejo” (My Dad), a classic by Italian Argentine songwriter Piero, and a solid duet with his father on “La fuerza de la sangre” (The Power of Blood). The youngster showed vocal potential and an above-average stage presence.