Ely Guerra
Brava Theater, San Francisco, CA
January 25, 2006

Having never heard Guerra's music and being impressed but not particularly wowed by other rock en español artists, i had no idea how this show would play out. However, considering that after the show rock en español became my third most listened genre of the week, i guess you could say i was pleased. Guerra's voice rails between mousy, Cranes-like tones and overwhelming, almost operatic levels of passion and strength. As put somewhat cornily by the producer that introduced her, "Ely has the voice of an angel, and the heart and lungs of a lion". The acoustic setting suited her quite well, allowing her voice to soar over fundamental guitar pieces. Upon listening to her most recent album Sweet & Sour, Hot Y Spicy the next day, i was surprised to find some of her songs bearing an electronic slant, which coupled with her voice reminded me quite strikingly of Morcheeba. Finally, to throw my inevitable dash of sexism into the review, she's also really freakin' hot.

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