ALBUM DESCRIPTION

When Christafari recently returned from our successful tour of Brazil, we came back with more than fun stories and great life experiences. We also carried back a box of CDs from our new favorite artist Nengo Vieira.

We did a few shows with Nengo on our last tour and were floored by his music, distinct voice, and humble heart for Christ. Though we couldn't speak each other's language, through the help of a translator and a shared love for Reggae and Jesus we got along like family. It usually takes a lot to impress the finicky musicians of Christafari, but Nengo is one of those rare musical gems that is just brimming with talent. He floored us all after just one song!

Nengo Vieira lives and breathes reggae and has been doing so for around three decades. Like many other gospel reggae singers, Nengo started off doing secular reggae, but in the mid nineties he came to Christ and since then he has arguably pioneered gospel reggae in Brazil. Now he is a musical minister at Bola De Neve in Santos, Brazil. When he is not leading worship in his home church, he is touring heavily throughout his beautiful country with his backing band and his wife and daughter as his background vocalists!

On "Mata Atlantica", Nengo and his Tribo d' Abraao (Tribe of Abraham) join up with Bola music to give a definitive collection of roots songs that would make Marley roll over in his grave. This material IS roots reggae at its best. It doesn't get any tighter than this with organ and clavinet galore and round bass that will surely stretch out your sub woofers. This project is perfection squared.

Every track on this 10 song LP is an instant classic that drips of authenticity and sounds like it was recorded in Tuff Gong Studios back in 1979. Though the majority of this album is in Portuguese and what I like to call "Brazinglish", great music transcends all linguistic barriers--and this is BETTER than great! This guy is a living legend. Just listen to the audio samples, the quality of this album speaks for itself. If you like roots reggae then you will LOVE this CD! Buy your copy today and hear the best gospel reggae that Brazil has to offer. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

Review by Mark Mohr