Recorded live in Puerto Rico,
Marcos Witt's
Dios Es Bueno is among the most sophisticated worship projects to hit the Spanish-speaking market in 2005, and could be for years to come. Many modern worship music productions tend to lean on emotion rather than musicianship, especially those geared toward Latino audiences.
Witt employs a hard-working horn section throughout. The use of strings (yes, actual strings) is sensual rather than syrupy. The arrangements for both have an expert touch, both complex and tasteful. From a songwriting perspective, it's clear that this was a concert, and subsequent CD, organized with an eye toward congregational participation. The songs are simple, singable.
Witt's performance is confident and inspired. Like many vocalists with their roots in worship leadership, his technique is not polished or flashy. However, his delivery is sincere, and vocal quality gutsy. Though by and large pretty poppy, there are truly Latino stylistic elements that are often missing from the music of his peers. Though far from a revelation,
Witt's
Dios Es Bueno is a good argument for his place at the top of the Spanish-speaking worship music world. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez