Para Ti
Singer/songwriter Juan Luis Guerra applies his tropical big band magic on Christian-themed tunes on this CD but the result is the same--infectious rhythms that induce dance fever. Guerra's strength has always been his seamless blend of the spicy salsa and carnivalesque merengue rhythms and layering the music with elaborate vocal and horn arrangements to produce irresistible melodies. Guerra penned all 12 songs here; thay all deal thematically with God and devotion. Highlights include "Eres," which blends blues sentiment and gospel fever. Crisp piano and powerful horns drive the title track and "Las Avispas," a tune about walking with renewed confidence. Acoustic guitars introduce "Tan Solo he Venido," a mellow song about willing to give it all up for the Lord. As a singer, Guerra in top shape, his vocals conveying the variety of emotions from pain and longing to hope and celebration. As a bandleader Guerra hasn't lost his edge. He is a musical genius who knows how to fuse complex arrangements with tuneful hooks.--Ramiro Burr