Puchi Colon successfully brings an authentic salsa vibe into Gospel with his first English language release, fittingly enough titled Salsa Praise from Jovi Productions / InSync Records.

Offering a mix of originals and covers of familiar Gospel tunes from recent years, Colon sings them with panache, and puts them all into an irresistible live Latin instrumental package complete with never-ending, always-busy piano, infectious congas, timbales, bongos, cowbell, and those punchy horns and upright bass.

The result is a one-of-a-kind album. For example, the familiar melody of The Winans' "Tomorrow" is delivered by Colon amidst the catchy latin percussion and brass, culminating in a exhorted chorus groove.

Nicole Mullen's interpretation of "On My Knees" is so well known, but Colon sings a new arrangement (from Efrain Davila) of this beautiful piece to make it live a new setting. He sings it in duet with his wife JoAnn Colon and also includes a brief rap from Edwin Martinez, before the song ends on a mellow note.

Colon also digs into "Grace Enough", the song that Anointed made popular some years ago. Michael W. Smith's "Stubborn Love" also gets the conga treatment, and is sung by JoAnn Colon.

Amid the covers, are several new songs. Rey Torres' song "Morning Star" is in the worship vein. "All That I Need" from Carlos Ramirez is sung to Jesus, telling him that He alone is sufficient. This one is reprised on the album as an slow simmer "R&B version", with arrangement from Preston Fulwood.

Salsa Praise is thoroughly enjoyable— a Latin praise celebration that fills a definite need.