WordSound&Power
Forget the rumours about the breakup of Christafari.  With the release of Word Sound & Power, a slimmed down Christafari has released one of the most complete reggae albums ever.I had my doubths on hearing about the defections to Temple Yard of 2/3rds of the previous group and wondered how Christafari would sound without the pop sensibilities of previous members. Could Mark Mohr pull it off? Yes I had my doubths, but I kept the faith, by continuing to plug in on the group's website to stay informed. Lo and Behold, on delivery, WS&P; blows me away like no other reggae album in years. I knew that the project was special and sanctified when I browsed through the intense booklet accompanying the disc. Playing the product was another revelation that kept me up until 2 this morning and doing serious damage to my CD player.WS&P; makes previous Christafari releases sound like amateur recordings by over enthusiastic American kids with a love for reggae and Jesus. WS&P; does what no other reggae artist has done in recent memory; systhesise DeeJaying and smooth vocals so that the album becomes wonderfully unclassifiable.Most of all WS&P; is testimony to the creative genius of Mark Morh and his ability to succesfully blend the different genres of reggae and still sound authentic.On a different tone, the album is bound to cause Morh controversy with the recording of the haunting yet daunting Selassie Say and Why You Ago Look. Whereas former reggae rasta stars have converted to Christ, none has dared touched the subject of Haile Selassie's divinity on any of their post-Christ recordings. However, Morh boldly steps out in faith...again...Considering that it was for this reason his life was threatened during a prior Sunsplash Tour.Still the album on its own is a wonderful testimony to the awesome power of reggae, and when used to take the gospel, becomes unmatched in its effectiveness.My favorite tract is all but 47 seconds but it delivers the final blow well....No Water Can Out This Fire....called Christafari! Can't wait for Sunday Night to play the entire CD on my show. --Pablo Assab, Ital Living, Sundays 10-11pm, 93.5 FM WRTN New York CityIn 1997, pioneering Christian reggae band Christafari came to a crossroads, with two factions looking to continue down different musical paths. As a result, several members, including lead vocalist Erik Sundin and bassist/songwriter Johnny Guerrero, exited to form Temple Yard. Christafari founder Mark Mohr (aka Tansoback) and his wife, Vanessa, recruited a new band, started a new label (Lion of Zion), and began working on this Christafari record. The result is an ambitious, 24-cut disc that finds Mark Mohr taking over lead vocals. As a songwriter and ordained pastor, Mohr draws heavily from the Bible and effectively merges Scripture with his own keen observations. Musically, the project combines contemporary dancehall reggae with traditional elements. Highlights include the gently moving "Why You Ago Look," "Love Of My Life," and "Blood And Fire." Fans will delight in knowing that, in its 10th year, Christafari remains strong as ever.   --Billboard Magazine, June 12, 1999This is THE reggae record the world has been waiting to hear. Christafari charts on Billboard? That's a given. Mark comes through again. File this one under BESTSELLER. Solus Christus  --John Vanderveen, Music buyer, Family Christian Stores