Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Alberto Mejia presented a fantastic rich performance at The Palm. He was accompanied by Bobby Broadway of Garbo's fame! With a rousing toe-tapping red painted piano start, "Amor Eterno," a song made famous by Juan Gabriel, Alberto entered the stage singing "Sway" (Dance with Me. Make Me Sway,) a huge Marimba hit for Dean Martin. These two opening songs moved the audience to clapping and cheering, certain a rousing concert was soon upon them.

His repertoire is a mixture of:

Standards from the 40's, 50's and 60's, some first made famous in Spanish, covered by the American stars of the era, such as Frank Sinatra, and

Mexican classics featuring Ranchero, Mariachi and soft forceful love ballads. Lyrics were in English, Spanish and a mixture of both, thus enveloping the wide reach of the people of Puerto Vallarta appealing to the mono lingual and bilingual crowd in attendance. He relishes in the thought that he is helping preserve classic songs for future generations.

His music choices reflect well his demeanor. He is at ease with the patrons after running a restaurant for a while and not singing professionally. Alberto has a pleasing sexy stage presence and with the piano accompaniment plus drums, horns, vocals added electronically by a fine musical assistant, the songs were full of rhythm and beat, almost philharmonic with no open spaces in music.

Following are some of the beautiful songs he included in his show:

"Solamente Una Vez" (Only Once in my Life, 1944) sung marvelously echoing Agustin Lara, long popular with Mariachi in a Bolero style.

"Save The Last Dance for Me, 1960" an homage to The Drifters, Michael Bublé and many others who covered the vital hopeful tune.

"Cuando, Cuando, Cuando" (When, When, When, 1962) was made famous stateside by Connie Francis, Engelbert Humperdinck and Julio Iglesias among others. His was a stirring presentation in bossa nova style.

A soothing jazz-swing version of "For Once in My Life, 1967" was a fine salute to Frank Sinatra. People remained in their chairs swinging and swaying to the rhythm.

"Besame Mucho" (Kiss Me Much, 1940) was done in a classic much-loved interpretation.

"Sabor a Mi" (Trace of Me) Luis Miguel's near signature song was again beautiful yet bouncy.

"Piel Canela, Y Tu" (Cinnamon Skin) a Caribbean/Cuban pre-1959 composition sounded like Cha Cha or Mambo to some ears.

"Unchained Melody" tests a singer's vocal chords and Alberto had this one down pat. Soaringly true to the original.

"Can't Take My Eyes off You" demonstrated how a song by Frankie Valli has emerged as a significant classic for all times.

"My Way" show-stopping tribute to Frank Sinatra, which ended the first act, could very well have been the concert finale but it was intermission.

Alberto returned, dressed in a beautiful Charro suit, and slid into a set of Mariachi/Ranchero songs, some of which were recognized by the audience especially the Mexican Nationals. But all present were impressed and pleased, demonstrating loud applause and affection at the finish, topped by an encore.

Alberto Mejia will be there Saturdays at 9 pm and deserves Puerto Vallarta's support, urging him to continue a few concerts this summer, hopefully building to more events in the fall and winter. The Palm on Olas Altas continues to prove to be a very noteworthy venue for fine local talent.