Customer Reviews

The Spirit of America

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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!

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.

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!!!

This is wonderful. He has the greatest voice. I highly recommend this CD. The "We Will Go On" is particularly moving. He is a frequent guest on "The Hour of Power", always bringing the crowd to their feet. He has a new CD out that I just bought.

Very talented tenor...had the pleasure of seeing him in person twice and will buy all his cd's...

I first heard him sing at a family funeral. His rendition of Ave Maria was so hauntingly beautiful that even people who were not already crying had tears in their eyes at the completion. This CD is excellent. Best version of "Danny Boy" I have ever heard. "The Lord's Prayer" is also very well done, very inspirational.I have purchased additional copies of this CD as a gift for others.

I heard Daniel Rodriguez perform at a Daughters of the American Revolution convention in Washington, DC in June 2007. He has one of the most amazing voices I have ever heard. I just ordered this disc as a Christmas gift because no one in our house can stop talking about him. His gift is definitely from God and God Bless America for giving him to us! He is absolutely amazing. I don't remember anyone hardly breathing during his performance. It reminded me of Colm Wilkerson (sp?) singing during Les Miserables on stage. WOW!!!

This alblum is a treasure to own and listen to. He really captures the spirit of patriotism. I have played his songs at a local fireworks show that I DJ at and his songs are up there with the other songs by artists by Mr. Lee "God Bless The U.S.A." Greenwood and other great artists. New York City and the nation needed him at a time when we were trying to recover from the worst tragedy in the history of the U.S.A. and he was there for us.

Daniel's album is music to be shared with family and with friends to help further ensure warmth, strong family ties, and love of our beautiful country. His voice is magical, skilled, rich and so memorable that it can take one on a journey from yesterday to promise for a bright tomorrow. This is a superb rendering of past unforgettable music. His solemn rendition of the peace song "God Bless America" is the album's centerpiece and truly unforgettable....

I first heard of Daniel Rodriguez a couple of months ago when he sang on Jay Leno's show. He was/is WONDERFUL! His voice is beautiful, but he sings from the heart, and that makes him exceptional.