Customer Reviews
Average Customer Review
(42 customer reviews) 38 of 41 people found the following review helpful
A red, white and NYPD blue tribute to America,
March 3, 2002 Patricia L. Grove (Rothschild, WI United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Spirit of America (Audio CD)
In the liner notes of this album, Daniel Rodriguez thanks his parents for giving him "lungs and life." And what gifts they have been. Not just for him, but for the whole country in the last six months. Basically, Rodriguez uses two different voices on this album: the big full-bodied tenor we heard on "God Bless America," and a very expressive musical theatre voice. He uses his that big voice on the some great material, which he only improves on. "The Lord's Prayer" was certainly inspired by Mario Lanza's, but Rodriguez makes it all his own with a few personal touches, like unique phrasing. The only problem is that it WILL make your speakers rattle (and your heart melt, for that matter.)The arrangement of "America the Beautiful" is well, beautiful. Here a choir takes the second verse. But Rodiguez and company team together for the big finish that will have you waving every flag you own. Then there are the show tunes. I've never been...Read more
12 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Can hold the listener in the palm of his hands,
February 16, 2002 Herbert E. Paradis Jr. (Skowhegan, Maine USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Spirit of America (Audio CD)
Daniel Rodriguez can hold his listeners in the palm of his hands. This CD is quite simply a magnificent tribute by one of New York's finest in memory of Sept 11. The mix on the CD is wonderful giving the listener a variety of music, all of which Rodriguez sings with great command.Has anyone heard GOD BLESS AMERICA sung with such feeling since Kate Smith? I doubt it. Many have sung it, but in many cases seem to want to change the music. Rodriguez is right on the mark! I hope that we will not have to wait too long before Rodriguez cuts another CD.
19 of 24 people found the following review helpful
A magnificent tribute to America from one of its finest...,
February 13, 2002 B. J. Lane "jazzbo" (Levittown, PA United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Spirit of America (Audio CD)
Daniel Rodriguez deserves much more than five stars for this moving musical tribute to America, since he emerged among the heroes of one of the darkest chapters (September 11) in our history. I'm especially happy that some of our best-loved songs are included here, such as "You'll Never Walk Alone," "The Lord's Prayer," "America the Beautiful'" "The House I Live In," "Danny Boy," and of course, "God Bless America."Thank you to Tom Scott (producer/arranger), Manhattan Records, and everyone who collaborated on this project for a fantastic job well done. And to you too, Daniel, for possessing a fine tenor voice!!!
