Fanmail

May 20, 1999

Forget the rumors 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 doubts 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 even though he was being assisted by the Jamaican reggae band "Change?" Yes I had my doubts, but I kept the faith, by continuing to plug in on the groups 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's 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; synthesis DeeJaying and smooth vocals so that the album becomes wonderfully unclassifiable.

WILL SOMEONE TELL ME WHO IN THE WORLD IS KEVIN KELLEHER AND WHY IS HE THE BEST DRUMMER NO ONE HAS EVER HEARD? Kelleher spices up the entire album with drumming not heard on any reggae album of which Squiddly Cole (Ziggy Marley's drummer) is not a part.

Most of all WS&P is testimony to the creative genius of Mark Mohr and his ability to successfully blend the different genres of reggae and still sound authentic.

On a different tone, the album is bound to cause Mohr 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. Not that have to.
However, Mohr 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..

Cant 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 City.

P.S. Have Mark contact me to set up an interview.

Will have more comments on the CD, shortly.

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May 18, 1999

Mark,

Here's the word from the Raleigh/Cary, NC area (You played Enloe High School here about a year and a half ago):

Family - In stock, a featured listening selection and on sale. Sales Clerk said that he had personally sold 3-4 copies.

To be honest with you, I went to Family as a favor to you guys. I had little or no intention of buying the CD. (I made the same assumption, once, with Soulfire-now it's one of my favorites - a bonafide reggae classic).

I assumed that Word, Sound, and Power would be very heavy on Dancehall, which is not my favorite style of reggae. I'm more of a Bob Marley, Steel Pulse, Aswad, Burning Spear, roots fan. (I didn't mind it on Soulfire. I thought the dancehall hurt Valley of Decision, even though Valley was a very good CD).

Anyways, I bought Word and after about a listening and 1/2, I'm pretty doggone impressed. Usually when a band is in transition, their musical direction can be a mess. Not so with Word. The variety of the songs are what really shine. Yes, it's a new Christafari, but a good strong one, musically. If you were shooting for the real thing (reggae-wise), you guys got it right.

One of my concerns was that if Christafari went too hardcore, you would isolate a lot of you more mature listeners. (I'm 38 and I don't hip-hop). But, you've got some good mainstream material here. Let me know what selection you would like targeted for airplay and I'll call the radio station and bug them about it.

Later,
Tim

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May 18, 1999

Hi Mark,

I finally got it!! And was it worth the wait! I must say, this blew me away! And I would have to agree with the guy from CPR that gave it five stars!

On to more specifics: Overall the album is consistent and much, much better sounding, quality wise, than Valley.
A lot more bass, and separation of the instruments. Just to check, I slipped Valley in to compare the two. Hands down, WS&P blew Valley away.

The only song that I didn't like straight away was "Emancipation Proclamation". I haven't figured out whether it is the music or Geneman's vocals. He does have a unique voice, and it isn't grating or anything like that. Maybe this is one of those songs that has to grow on oneself.

One thing I do like about the album is that the bass is up in the mix. (In case I never told you, the bass is one of my favorite instruments, but not like the kids nowadays that go 'thump, thump' down the street. Geddy Lee of Rush is my favorite bass player). That is something that I have noticed about reggae albums in general, that they are awfully 'trebly' with hardly any bottom end to them. Not so with WS&P!

Another pleasant surprise was to hear the return of the talk box!!! I haven't heard a talk box since "Frampton Comes Alive" back in what, 1976?? Keep that in the 'instrument box' for future releases!!!

So far, the two songs competing for my favorites are 'My Stereo' and 'Why You Ago Look?'

So, to wrap this up, if it were I at CPR reviewing this album, I would have to give it 12 out of 5 stars.

In His Service with One Love,

Mark Ragsdale

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May 18, 1999

Hey Mark,

FYI, I've seen your album in all the stores around here, including Lemstone at the Mall of America. If I order a copy of it from the 'store' will I get an autographed one? :)

My reaction to it is still the same, it's the best reggae album I've ever bought. It has everything I like about reggae and the best part is it's Christian. (A few of my non-Christian friends have bought it - I've never been able to interest them in Christian music till now!!)

God Bless you!!
Devon

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May 18, 1999

BIG UP to Christafari!!! I bought your new CD bra. Your right it's REAL reggae for da fans. Keep on stayin' true to da sound. I LOVE IT!!! I'm recommending it to everybody who not only love Christ, but loves music. Yo I'm checkin' out all da shops, I'll get back with all da ones who don't carry it. By the way, I heard the temple yard CD. Not much to say, it's clear who wants to spread da GOOD NEWS!!! Fight da Good Fight with NO COMPROMISE Christian Warriors!!!
OBSERVE

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