Verny Varela is one reason that Washington DC is emerging as a world capitol of salsa. Coming off the international success of his debut disc Amar de Nuevo, his talent as a composer, arranger and performer of the highest order is evident on his latest release. Gracias, Verny's sophomore album, is a deeply personal artistic statement, combining spirituality, emotion, and political observation with the undeniable sound of Colombian salsa. The entire album is original, with all music and lyrics written by Verny. On the single "Pa'l mundo", he salutes his international fans by singing in English, French, Italian and even Japanese. "Yo soy Latino"  tells the continuing story of the immigration and evolution of Latin people all over the world, in both English and Spanish. "El Soldado X" is a track of currulao, a 6/8 rhythm from the Pacific coast of Colombia, which tells the story of the human cost of war. Though the rhythm and the subjects of his songs may vary, they are held together by one thing: the deepest, most danceable old-school salsa swing, straight from Cali, Colombia. With help from Cali's top musicians including Ricardo Sabogal and Andres Viafara, Verny Varela's Gracias is a rare blend of artistry and dance-driven rhythm, and clearly one of the best salsa releases of 2006.