The Spirit of America

Daniel Rodriguez | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 12, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Manhattan Records
• ASIN: B00005Y1YC
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #122,891 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A red, white and NYPD blue tribute to America, March 3, 2002

By 

Patricia L. Grove (Rothschild, WI United States) - See all my reviews
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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 very into Broadway (we get so little exposure to it in Wisconsin.) But after listening to Officer's Rodriguez's interpretations of tunes like "You'll Never Walk Alone," I just might seek it out.(I read that he actually started a troupe that performs show tunes at functions throughout the city: long before his current wave of success.) Be prepared for the monster note at the end of "This is the Moment." It will have you running for an oxygen tank just listening to it.

No doubt, Rodriguez lost many colleagues in the tragic events of 9/11. While it's sad that it took a horrendous tragedy to make middle America aware of this tremendous voice, it has been a huge part of the healing process for many Americans (including myself.) He shows that we still can (and should) go after those dreams we had before that day, and that doing so honors the memory of those we lost.

God bless you, Officer Rodriguez!

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Can hold the listener in the palm of his hands, February 16, 2002

By 

Herbert E. Paradis Jr. (Skowhegan, Maine USA) - See all my reviews
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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:

5.0 out of 5 stars A magnificent tribute to America from one of its finest..., February 13, 2002

By 

B. J. Lane "jazzbo" (Levittown, PA United States) - See all my reviews
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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!!!