Pioneers with proven staying power, Christafari has been going strong for two decades now, from the time of founder Mark Mohr’s saving encounter with Christ at a youth camp. Mohr has not wavered from his initial dream of bringing gospel reggae to America, a counter-cultural drug-aversion ministry to win the lost, especially those lost in the drug culture, as he had been. The band has also performed at two Olympics, as well as before an American president, and “To The Foundation” is still going strong with the same message, serving up fifteen tracks of joyous, organic reggae.
“Freedom Step” starts things off on the money, calling listeners out of addiction, Mohr’s growling vocals railing against the devil’s character, or lack thereof: “you’re a liar and a cheat, spinning a web of deceit.” “Bozrah” utilizes their signature sound of warm horns, rootsy acoustic guitars, and rich percussive touches as a lilting backdrop for Isaiah 63 and Psalm 40. Mohr keeps the pressure on with the spitfire lyrics of “Rooftop,” calling us to speak against the virus of sin in our culture.
Mohr tends to move in and out of unique vocal stylings, but his steadfast backup singers keep the sizzle strong with their warm vocals, especially helpful on “Hunger & Starvation/Satisfy My Soul.” A number of guest artists further enhance “To The Foundation,” including co-producer Avion Blackman on the nuanced standout track “Fear Not.” This track drips with fertile organic power, as does the track that follows, “Never Give In.” Mohr easily spins out hooky melodies that incorporate influences as diverse as hip-hop, soca, dancehall, and calypso; the latter track oozes with warm energy and percolating rhythms, underscored nicely by a jazz-flaired trumpet.
Mohr never shrinks back from a battle, and offers up “My Defender,” a bright dis against those who criticize without understanding, and the well-written “Too Many Cannibals,” challenging listeners against their flesh-eating ways. But my favorite track is a sizzler, “The Prodigal,” a rich upbeat reggae take on the Biblical account. “To The Foundation” closes out on a Latin groove with “Triumphal Entry,” dense with fierce intentions over a gentle flamenco guitar and honeyed trumpet. “To The Foundation” will be available from Christafari’s newly formatted website on April 17th.
