Reviewed by George Luke

Further proof, if any is needed, that the N-Soul crew are becoming more eclectic in their old age comes from this release - although I wonder how true their claim is that this is the first ever CCM Latin gospel compilation (probably the first in the anglophone West, I guess). Some of the 13 acts showcased here are household names amongst gospel fans in their home countries, although relatively unknown outside Miami -people such as Dominican singer Giovanni Rios (the master of Merengue gospel) and Costa Rica's Alex Rodriguez. Being an N-Soul album, dance music does seem to dominate; the predominant style featured is that fusion of salsa, Merengue and house loved by groups like Proyecto Uno or (to use an example British pop listeners are more likely to be familiar with) the Basement Jaxx's early summer hit "Bingo Bango". Kindred's two offerings show some versatility: Santana-esque rock on one hand ("Ritmo Sagrado") and mellow, jazzy pop on the other ("I Belong To Thee"). More - and heavier - rock comes from Rescante, while Garage add some ska to the mix. There's some Mariachi courtesy of Francisco Orantes, and ragga from El Soldado. The album does have a few unnecessary tracks, it has to be said. We already know Christafari - and besides, their contribution here is a straightforward reggae song with Spanish lyrics (they've actually done a Latin song which is quite good - why couldn't they have submitted that?). Likewise, people already familiar with N-Soul's output know who AJ Mora is - and at any rate, describing his "Blow Your Whistle" as Latin is stretching things a bit. The Nitro Praise cover of Jose Feliciano's "Feliz Navidad" also seems out of place. Those quibbles aside, anyone whose appetite for gospel music with el sabor Latino (the Latin flavour) has been whetted by Salvador and Jaci Velasquez should find much here to nibble on.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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