‘Mexican Divas’ outshine their moniker

Marketing monikers can be useful tools to introduce something new. “Mexican Divas,” for instance, was a good catch-all title for a recent CD series featuring a raft of relatively unknown female vocalists from Mexico, in styles from campy cabaret to artsy alt-rock.

But when “Mexican Divas Live!” was used to promote a two-night concert series by four of these artists Friday and Saturday at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, the title became misleading. Neither country of origin nor a generic cliche could begin to describe the jazz performances offered the first night by exquisite stylists Magos Herrera and Iraida Noriega, both in solos and duets.

What a shame that the outdoor Hollywood venue was half full for such a classy act, mostly with fans already familiar with the pair.

But had they known what to expect, local jazz aficionados would have appreciated this chance to discover that the art form has such accomplished exponents south of the border.

Language was certainly no barrier, with Herrera and Noriega scatting in almost every number, backed by a four-piece jazz combo including prodigious Mexican bassist Agustin Bernal. Perhaps the divas overdid it, but the improvisational vocalizing spotlighted their fine control and breathtaking range, especially Noriega’s. The wavy-haired singer gingerly hopscotched across octaves, dramatically bending, squatting and shimmying as if involuntarily led by the unpredictable cascade of notes from her own mouth.

There were tender, touching moments too, such as Noriega’s love song to her newborn baby and an impromptu a cappella tribute to her late father, singer-pianist Freddy Noriega. The pixielike, husky-voiced Herrera, who also plays guitar, shared an intimate song about a dark December of personal doubts.

For a riveting finale of four-part harmonies and interlacing lines, the pair were joined by Saturday’s headliners, Lysa Flores and Jaramar, reviewed here recently.