Search - Daniel Rodriguez :: In the Presence

A CD to believe in

Patricia L. Grove | Rothschild, WI United States | 07/07/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"On both of Daniel Rodriguez's previous CD's, he has included a song of faith such as "The Lord's Prayer" or "I'll Walk With God." This time around, he devotes his entire "In the Presence" CD to the spiritual side of life. While God might be the central theme, Rodriguez uses a variety of styles and techniques to show his faith, and there are many standouts.



"Joyful Joyful" (aka "Ode to Joy") is an all-out wind sprint from first note to the last. To make it all the way through without gasping for breath at this tempo is athletic indeed. Plus he manages to finish on a very strong note as well.



At first thought Irish pop tune "Bright Blue Rose" seems a bit out of a place on an inspirational CD, but Rodriguez's soothing higher register gives it a very earthy feel.



Although it's from the movie "East of Eden," " An American Hymn" has not been overdone to death like many songs. Rodriguez's mentor Placido Domingo recorded it on his 1981 "Perhaps Love" album. While beautiful, Domingo's diction made the lyrics hard to understand. Rodriguez's rendition makes the lyrics of American beauty and faith ring like a champagne glass.



"Amazing Grace" has a most unusual arrangement, one of the late Johnnie Carl's last works. Beginning acapella (as Rodriguez sang it at the Republican National Convention last summer) the music eventually slides into "Bolero."



But he absolutely saved the best for last, with another Carl arrangement, "How Great Thou Art." Like "Joyful, Joyful" this is pure power from beginning to end. Originally sung at the Crystal Cathedral a few years back, certainly the rafters are still shaking.



If you enjoyed either of the first two CD's, or spiritual music in general, you'll enjoy this one."

MAJESTIC!!

American Hymn | 07/02/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The man pours his heart and soul into twelve soaring songs of inspiration and I am the one left breathless and with a lump in my throat. This album is a blessing. One may as well call "An American Hymn" Daniel Rodriguez's Hymn. The lyrics say it all about this man, the true American tenor, who has traveled through America and beyond sharing his gift. He is truly at home on stage.



"I've seen the silver mountain tops

And golden prairies on my way

Now everywhere I go across the land

I stand so proudly in the sun and say

I am home



I've dreamed of eden all my life

I find it more and more each day

Now everywhere I go across the land

I stand so proudly in the sun and say

I am home "



I have dreamt of a musical eden all my life and I have found it in Daniel Rodriguez."

Spectacular!

Baseballjockdoc | Manhattan | 07/04/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A stunning, uplifting, inspiring experience. Rodriguez has extraordinary gifts and has chosen glorious songs. I bought three copies of the CD."