listening room | Christafari - Gravity (2003)
by: Matthew Hundley
Last year I spoke to Christafari’s Mark Mohr about the release that would follow “Word, Sound, Power.” His chief concern at that time was how he could muster up the energy to match the strength of the material on “Word, Sound, Power.”
He definitely set the bar high, however to the critics at large, the new CD called “Gravity” has surpassed the mark (no pun intended). Last I checked the new release has hit peaked #10 on the Billboard Charts a great accomplishment for Mark Mohr and Christafari.
For me, “Gravity” has taken a while to grow on me. While there are some tremendous tracks on here like “My Sustenance” and “Here Comes The Morning,” the material overall took a while to sink in. In fact, when I initially sat down to write this I had noted that, “At times Gravity hits the bar, sometimes it falls short and other times it surpasses the mark.” But upon repeated listening I find myself agreeing with the critic who noted that this release gets better with every listen.
I think a big factor in the listenability palletability of this collection is that there are so many different styles of music represented on this collection, giving it the feel of a world music compilation over a unified Christafari front. Mark’s work with the Blackman family in Trinidad has lead to a Caribbean flavor that takes us through soca, jamoo, blues, roots reggae, ragamuffin and a variety of other island rhythms. There’s even an Indian influenced track on this recording.
My favorite track on here is the very last song on the CD, “My Sustenance.”
My Sustenance
On this track Marge Blackman Mohamed’s lyrics are beautiful as she opens the song, “Time is slipping away. Lord I need to draw close to You. I don’t want to stray,” and this voice really hits you in the gut at the chorus, ”I don’t ever want to be away from you. Loving you is the only thing I want to do.” The raps performed by Mark Mohr, Sherwin Gardner and Avion Blackman augment the message of this piece without getting in the way. The production is astounding. A dessert island track for sure.
Now let’s jump back to the beginning.
Cannot Hide
For me this song captures the feel of Christafari live. It’s not over produced and Mark’s vocals are up front. The lyric works, “You can run, but you cannot hide from the truth that is deep inside.” There’s some nice sax work and I like the double time drumming coming out of the sax solo. This is a fine song, but not hitting the caliber of music that was prevalent in Word, Sound and Power.
Hiding Place
This song is classic Reggae. Mark definitely has his own style when it comes to vocalizing. I say this with this track because the groove is very Marley-esque, but Marks lyrical meandering takes ownership of this piece as a Christafari tune.
Lion of Zion
Why a track that is also the name of your record label? While I know this isn’t self aggrandizement (and neither was the song “Christafari”) but nonetheless it’s hard not to ask. The song incorporates Isaac Blackman on vocals. He does a great job but this broke the Christafari feel even though Mark throws some dub into the mix.
Gravity
A title track should be one of your strongest pieces. I don’t know if “Gravity” fits that bill. The song opens with a very catchy guitar lick with background singers. I do like Isaac Blackman’s dub in this. I do have to say that Mark’s singing throughout the “Gravity” album has improved over past Christafari releases.
Visions of the Father
Very reminiscent to early Island romp Christafari songs that were typically sung by Erik Sunden. In this case it is Ace Winn filling the role of the 2nd voice.
Rest My Soul
I love the 3 part harmonies that open this one. “Rest My Soul” matches par with the WSP line-up. I’ll have to ask Mark what “Cha na ni” means. Overall though the lyric is simple and memorable and applicable.
Here Comes The Morning
There are a number of sound samples that precede tracks. In this case it’s an annoying buzzing alarm that succeeds in getting your attention. This piece is great. It’s got a funky backbeat. It’s got great production – not over produced. The echoing female vocal is nice. Mark’s vocals are extremely soulful. The piano work and the funky little “bomm shicka” vocals are a nice touch. The song moves into, “This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice.” And then the wah-wha piano-sax with the funky lick. This one is over the top.
In a conversation with Mark Mohr he told me, ”People love this or hate it. Half people say it is the best on the album. We recorded 16 songs and the 2 we got rid of were total Reggae. It creates an album that fits in a broader market.”
Colossians 3:16
I like this too. I’m not sure how well it fits in the flow of the album. Knowing that Mark is sampling stylings of Trinidad (dancehall, soca, calypso, jamoo, ska, Indian chutney, salsa, jungle, hip-hop).
Kingdoms In Conflict
A personal spiritual essay.
Hypocritical System
This onecs got a great phone conversation (entitled “the telephone game”) remniscent of Zap Mama. This one too captures the energy of Christafari’s live feel.
(Mark Mohr is a huge Zap Mama fan. Recently we talked about his having tickets for Zap Mama at Hollywood Palace August 8, 2003. I’m jealous.)
Broken-Down Communication
This is a hugely personal song. As Mark told me, “It’s about my relationship with Vanessa. The triumph and defeats of this personal relationship. Sometime the communication breaks down. You just build up wall to protect person from you.”
He continued, “There’s not a sitcom today not based on broken-down communication. It’s really the first song I’ve written that didn’t mention the word God. But this is something we all face.”
Arise
Ace Winn joins Mark for this bluesy Reggae number that caputres the story of Mark and Vanessa’s rocky final months before their divorce. Note on “Word, Sound, Power,” Ace Winn shared vocal credits with Mark. Ace appears briefly on this release as well. A quick aside, Ace is a native of Jacksonville's North side, former bank worker by day, a musician by night, he is now a youth minister in Gainesville.
Only Way
Pluralism. Mark on his doorstep opening. Up beat head nodder. “Christ is the only way.”
Look for Christafari dates in the midwest later this year and into 2004. Until then pick up your own copy of “Gravity” from local record shops and Christian book stores.
Posted: August 04, 2003  
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