Del Pesebre a la Cruz

Their OCP debut
Introducing Diego and Damaris! Puerto Rican natives based in New Jersey, this dynamic husband-and-wife team already has several collections under their belts. Their OCP debut, Del Pesebre a la Cruz (From the Manger to the Cross) surveys the life of Christ with a splashy, colorful, Caribbean sound.

14 colorful, new Caribbean-style songs
These 14 new songs include psalm-inspired devotionals, eucharistic songs, songs of praise, and music with Advent, Christmas and Easter themes. Their beautifully written original texts are entirely in Spanish.

Amazing performances on Latin drums and percussion
Recorded in Puerto Rico with top studio musicians, the CD brims with energy, joy and rhythm, all typical of that tropical island and its rich musical heritage. Styles include plena, joropo, bomba, guaracha, danza, nueva trova puertorriqueña, aguinaldo jíbaro, and others. Both gifted singers, Damaris and Diego take turns on lead vocals. The disc also features amazing performances on Latin drums and percussion, flute, accordion and guitar.

Danceable songs in praise of God
"Nace en un Portal" is a tender ballad reveling in the birth of Christ. Urging us to "open your house to the child Jesus," it features mood-setting rain sticks and a delightfully unexpected tempo change. Marked by acrobatic flutes and potent syncopation, "Te Alabaré por Siempre" is a danceable song in praise of God's holy name.

"Let us praise the Lord with the rhythm of dance and tambourines"
Other highlights include "Tú Eres el Alimento," a fast-paced eucharistic song in the style of "Aguinaldo Orocoveño." It features lyrics and raspy, impassioned vocals by Victoria Sanabria. Echoing Psalm 150, the refrain from "Al Ritmo de Danza y Pandero" makes a good summary of the entire collection: "Let us praise the Lord with the rhythm of dance and tambourines."

Music in honor of Christ's manger and cross
The CD booklet includes a touching reflection by the composers. Of all God's gifts to us, they write, two stand out: Christ's manger and cross. Made from the "same tree," both are central to our salvation. With Del Pesebre a la Cruz, Damaris and Diego invite "all the earth" to sing praise for these splendid gifts.