Primavera con Cristo CD, Vol. 1

When OCP recently hosted a contemporary Spanish song contest, the response was overwhelming: more than 200 compositions poured in from songwriters all over the world. The result is Primavera con Cristo (Springtime with Christ), two exciting new CDs packed with the best 22 of these songs and two bonus tracks.

Ranging in style from danceable calypso to pop, jazz and edgy rock-all enriched by irresistible Latin rhythms-these faith-filled songs reveal the abundance of talent and inspiration within the Hispanic Catholic community. Hailing from Argentina, Mexico, Panama, and throughout the U.S., the composers are a mix of well-traveled veterans, like Sal Solo and Santiago Fernández, and super-gifted newcomers.

Volume 2 opens with "Es Jesús," by Aldo Blanco. Marked by stylized vocals, a dazzling saxophone solo and righteous Latin percussion, this funky song proclaims Jesus as the one road that leads to salvation. "Tú Me Conoces," by Efrain Arellano and Nelson Murcia, is an unforgettable new pop setting of Psalm 139. Written by Donna Lee and Chris Muglia and featuring Matt Maher on piano, "Yo Te Alabo" is a simple but stunning acoustic song of praise. The album closes with "Cristo, Sáname/Jesus, Heal Me," by Estela García-López, a bilingual bonus track inviting Christ to transform our lives that we may become more like him.

Hear a song you''d like to sing with your youth group or assembly? Besides 12 tracks for listening, each of the two enhanced CDs offers print music files for downloading on your computer: a text/guitar chord version and a guitar/vocal lead sheet version of each song, in PDF format.

The release of Primavera con Cristo, with its incredible diversity of talent and styles, is a good and obvious sign of a new springtime for contemporary Catholic music in Spanish.

Primavera con Cristo, Volume 1