by Evan C. Gutierrez Guadalupe Pineda's 2007 release La Voz en Vivo is the very first live-in-concert production in the established vocalist's 15-plus year career. The renowned Mexican icon is known for her emotive, dramatic renditions of a wide array of Latin American favorites. This CD/DVD set covers a huge amount of that repertoire, performed in Mexico's Metropolitan Theater. Pineda's broad range of song selections draws not only on a variety of time periods, but genres as well. Latin jazz, mariachi, Latin pop, bolero, and a host of South and Central American folk traditions; all make their appearances in turn. Accompanied by an enormous ensemble including a full rhythm section, strings, and chorus, Pineda's powerful vocal performance is well supported. The sweeping orchestral accompaniment is in contrast too most of Pineda's work. Her work in the studio tends to favor a slightly more contemporary production style. La Voz en Vivo could believably have been recorded in the early '80s. However, the classic nature of the material makes the project feel more timeless than dated. This collection of musical gems from all over the Spanish-speaking world are presented with skill and grace. Though not a chart topper, Pineda has proven to be a pillar of Mexico's folk/pop community. La Voz en Vivo is perhaps her finest testament to that tradition.