Alvaro Moreno: Hasta Lo Ultimo De La Tierra

Latin Beat Magazine, Oct, 2002 by Rudy Mangual

(Carpintero Records)

The title and opening track Hasta Lo Ultimo De La Tierra (To the End of the Earth) --composed by Mario "Mayo" Flores--sets the scene for this salsa cristiana (Christian salsa) release from vocalist Alvaro Moreno. Originally from Puerto Rico, now based out of southern California, Moreno delivers strong and exciting vocals and soneos through eight compositions in this recording, which is blessed by the grace of God as well as by a prodigious cast of musicians from his motherland. Recorded in Carolina, Puerto Rico, the musical direction and arrangements are led by Héctor "Papo" Lugo, who also served as the recording engineer and backup vocalist for the production. All the percussion credits go to Luis "Camaron" Berrios with horn credits going to master trumpeter Elias López and trombonist David "Filosofo" Irurita. Under the flag of salsa dura with a Christian message, Moreno showcases his vocal talents through a variety of son montunos, plenas, guarachas and guaguancos. The tracks Alaba a Dios, Saludo a Latino America, and the title track swing as hard and intensive as most salsa hits of our times.