by Evan C. GutierrezThere is no artist around that can breathe contemporary life into traditional Mexican music like Ana Gabriel. In a genre that either tends to remain cloistered in purist thinking or cheapens its own traditions with the addition of dance club silliness, Gabriel has the maturity and musicality to find that ever so elusive balance between the old and the new. Her 2005 release, Dos Amores un Amante, displays her unmistakably unique vocal timbre and skill for melodic interpretation better than any of her previous works. Throughout the CD, the raw emotion of her performances exemplifies the dramatic beauty that Mexican vocalists have worked to emulate for generations. Like any truly great musician, Gabriel has not only mastered the melodic gestures and ornamentation that typify her roots, but has gone steps beyond tradition to develop her own personal artistic voice. There is an even split between the traditional waltzes and ballads that won Gabriel respect, and the modern innovations that have won her the hearts of a new generation of listeners. Among the true gems present are flamenco/house tinged "Debo Hacerlo," and the modern dance track "Olvidate de Ellos." On the more traditional side, there's the delicately arranged "Te Llegara Mi Olvido." Regardless of its influences or target audience, every track has a unique quality, and all are brilliantly interpreted and rendered by Gabriel's emotive, rough-edged alto. It has been said that traditional Mexican music is an acquired taste. Dos Amores un Amante will hit the sweet spot for the well-seasoned and uninitiated listener alike.