When critics call the Austin, Texas-based band Salvador "Christian music's hardest-working and best live band," it is easy to believe it after hearing their newest release, Worship Live.
Salvador has had a meteoric rise in the Christian music world, selling out concerts by not only being great singers and musicians but by just being themselves.
Of course it doesn't hurt to have a magnetic frontman like Nic Gonzales and an accomplished Latin rock and fusion band backing you up (drummer Robert Acuna; guitarist Damian Martin; bassist Josh Gonzales; trumpet player Pablo Gabaldon; keyboardist Chris Bevins; trombone player Billy Griego and percussionist Eliot Torres) doesn't hurt either.
The show was recorded at a show of screaming fans at a church in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Gonzales tells the audience that Albuquerque was chosen for the live recording because "y'all tend to rock out and jam out with us quite a bit."
Salvador could easily go up against any of the secular jam bands out there (Widespread Panic, etc.) and out-jam any of them, while praising God all at the same time.
"Lord I Come Before You" is a powerful praise song chock full of infectious Latin rhythms, mind blowing instrumental breaks and a brassy energy that is second to none. In fact, the above could be said about a number of tracks on the album - "God People," the cover of Waterdeep's "Those Who Trust" and the Spanish-language showstopper, "Montana," a song featured on the band's just-released Spanish language album "Con Poder." "My Desire" is a tasteful and soulful track and songs like "As The Deer" and "We Fall Down" showcase the band's quieter and more worshipful moments.
There is also a DVD available featuring footage of the same show and is also well worth viewing.
I have to say that Salvador is one of the most exciting and energetic Christian bands touring today. Their cross-over appeal, spiritual sincerity, and infectious stage presence give this old critic a reason to smile and sing along.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Rebel Base 2003Reviewed by Andree FariasMost people that have had the pleasure of seeing the live monster Salvador in a concert setting have been quick to point out that the Texas natives easily fill the void for electrifying Latin-infused, jam-based music left by Burlap To Cashmere. Their new project Worship Live finally confirms these reports by exposing fans and audiences nationwide to their brand of explosive, no-holds-barred…Similar sounding releases
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