To those who have come to love him as the so-called “singing policeman,”—the New York City cop who helped bring the country an uplifting spirit of promise and hope with his stirring rendition of “God Bless America” after the September 11 terrorist attacks—it is no surprise that Daniel Rodriguez has always been a spiritual man. His first two albums, the debut SPIRIT OF AMERICA and the romantic FROM MY HEART, both included a spiritual song as a testament to the driving force in his life, and he has welcomed the opportunity to work with institutions such as the USO, the City of Hope, Dr. Robert Schuller’s Crystal Cathedral and numerous law enforcement organizations.

Thus, IN THE PRESENCE, his first album devoted to inspirational music released by Seattle-based Blix Street Records, is a gift whose time has come. For the album, Rodriguez applies his rich and warm tenor to traditional spiritual and church songs as well as contemporary gems. Taken together, the record brings the same spirit of healing and compassion that he brought the country in those days after September 11. Clearly, Daniel’s strength is in translating music into the warm embrace of community.

“I’ve always wanted to record an inspirational album,” Daniel says. “Every album I’ve done has included a song of faith on it. In concert, I often end with ‘God Bless America.’ The theme of God and country has always been a part of my life, so I thought my next album should be something that really outlines what I believe in. It’s really a universal album.”

Besides beautiful and timeless songs sung in Daniel’s full-bodied tenor, the album features two hallmarks: a pair of stunning duets with soprano Lea Salonga, best-known as the star of Broadway’s “Miss Saigon” and “Flower Drum Song,” and the last three musical arrangements ever written by the late composer-arranger Johnnie Carl, long-time Crystal Cathedral Musical Director.

Salonga teams with Daniel on Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s “Pie Jesu” from “Requiem” and the traditional “Panis Angelicus.” “We knew we were going to do ‘Panis Angelicus,’” Daniel says of his plans with Salonga, whom he met while both were doing a project with the West Point Glee Club. “While in the studio, I asked her if she would try ‘Pie Jesu,’ and she came and laid down one of the most beautiful renditions I’ve ever heard.”