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Artist: Salvador
Title: "Salvador;
Label: Myrhh
Reviewed by: Kris Howell
Rating:
 
   
"Salvador" is another "boy band" with an average age of 23. It's also another in the explosion of Latin music bands, and to these two features it has added Christian lyrics. Their music, however, cannot be classified as any of the above, because it blends all of the above with enthusiasm and variety. From totally Latino music, (Montana) to gospel rock and roll, (Cry Holy) to interesting blends of both American and Latino music traditions and words (Alabar Al Senor, and David Danced) the group catches the attention of the listener and keeps the toes tapping and the spirit dancing as David did.

The moving forces in this group are the Gonzales brothers, who have been singing in their father's church for the last eight years. The group expanded to include percussionist Eliot Torres and keyboardist Adrian Lopez and began playing in the Austin, Texas area.

"Lord, I Come Before You" begins with a horn blast that immediately brings Herb Albert to mind, and goes on with strong rock and roll rhythms against the brass to affirm "Lord, I come before you. Love to sing your praise" and that praise is made clearly evident in the exuberance of the music. "David Danced" is a traditional piece arranged by the group in both English and Spanish. It is based on the story of King David dancing before the Lord God after a battle in which the Israelite people soundly defeated the enemy. Wouldn't you dance, too? The music compels you to!

"Crucified" changes the tone completely. It is a declaration of personal belief made compelling by Nick Gonzales' vocals. Gonzales has a smooth, calming tenor voice, and he packs this song full of his own emotions. The music is simple and direct, similar to many other pop songs out there right now, but the emotion in the voice makes it stand above the others.

"Ain't It Good" brings back the brass accompaniment line and a distinctly Latino sound with a driving dance beat even though all the words are in English. "Montana" is a traditional Spanish piece and begins with a flamenco style guitar playing the introduction. One can easily picture the ladies in full red skirts dancing to this piece, snapping castanets between their fingers.

"Cry Holy," on the other hand, is a lament. Again Nick Gonzales' voice compels, but the most powerful part is when the whole band sings together in unison, confessing "And all I can do is fall down on my knees and cry holy." "Halleluja" is an interesting piece incorporating a spoken voice in the background preaching as the band sings. The music is neither pop nor Latino, but a good blend of elements of both. If the previous songs don't yet have you toe tapping, I think this one will!

Another traditional Spanish hymn has been translated for us non-Latinos: "Now It Moves." The words are sung in English first, then in Spanish. It is sung in a minor key, with driving guitar and drum accompaniment, finishing up with a glorious brass sound as the band asks, "Can you feel the Spirit moving?"

In spite of its title, "Alabar al Senor" is mostly in English with only the refrain sung in Spanish. The music is more from the pop music scene with a strong percussive beat, guitar riffs and keyboards. "Healing" returns to the Latino sound in this prayer from man to God for His healing touch. The keyboard notes falling gently behind Nick's pleading voice, the guitar plummeting down and down, can make the listener easily picture that healing falling from the heavens. This is an excellently arranged piece, one of the most descriptive and complex musical ideas on the whole album. I would hope to hear more like this one from "Salvador" in the future.

The final piece, "With God," has a blues sound to it, which I found most interesting just because it is so different from the other pieces on the album. The final stanza is from the well-known Psalm 23: "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want."

"Salvador's" debut album is a strong one. If the group continues as they have begun, with their diversity and enthusiasm, their strong emotions and equally strong music, I'm sure we will be seeing them over and over again in the future. I, for one, look forward to it.