Karlene Batolo - Father Of Light

By Peggy Oliver

RKB Music

Gracing audiences in the Caribbean for over two decades, this singer/songwriter releases her first North American release. Karlene Bartolo's hardcore gospel ministry is exhibited on Father of Light from RKB Music (the RK standing for the first letter in Karlene and her husband Richard). The bulk of her experience comes via one of the more respected groups in Jamaica, The Grace Thrillers, who along with Claudette Clark, Papa San, and others, opened more doors in Christian Reggae recently despite the music's deep Gospel influence.

Now living in Atlanta, Georgia, where this CD was recorded, Bartolo has toured Canada, the U.S., the U.K, and of course, the Caribbean, performing with international artists like The Mighty Clouds of Joy and Pastor Shirley Caesar. Bartolo, who wrote most of the lyrics and melodies, teams with producer/musician Jeff Rogers whose work includes Babbie Mason, and D'Vine.

Initiating a high energy spirit, Let Everyone Praise The Lord coaxes us to drop our guard and call on the One who saved us from darkness: "Come to earth to save us on that cruel tree."

We can't thank Him enough for mercy and grace. In God displays this fact no matter where we are on the faith meter. The steel drums chime in along with dosages of funk accentuated by backing vocals soaking it all in: "yeah..ah..yeah…ay."

I Come Unto You fills up that faith tank: "Come to all who are thirsty, Come and drink from the water of life." (John 7:37) This track along with numerous others concentrates on Bartolo's calming but conveying vocal approach.

From the soft expressions to the ultimate 'mountaintop' moment, Holy Is Your Name addresses the majesty of the Lord: "Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6).

The title track reveals our awe of how the Creator never leaves anybody out of His plan: "I am amazed at your wonder and your beauty, And to be called your child, joint heir with Christ." Keeping that thought in mind, the well-crafted vamp on "He Answers My Call" says, "You won't forsake me." (Hebrews 13:5)

Firm Foundation, dropping a march-tempo snare drum, places those marching feet "on the solid rock" (Matthew 7:24-5, Luke 6:48).

Now back to the 'dance' portion of the CD with Glory To The King, which requires little explanation when the "presence of the Lord comes on your soul."

Some love offerings are in order: the fragrances of our praises on My Everlasting Love and that underrated thing called agape or unconditional love, Jesus Will Be There, "Greater love has none than this that He would give us life." (John 15:13)

Father of Light exhibits praise from several angles, mostly from a contemporary perspective. Rogers plays almost all instruments and stirs up techno edges, jazz, R&B, calypso - even Jewish folk traditions. It's hard to decipher that most of the music is programmed resulting in intricate percussion, ambient strings and blazing horns. Sonny Lallerstedt's gentle guitar sweeps completes Rogers' orchestrations. Jonathan Kilgore kicks in fluid saxophone support on Jesus Will Be There. The background vocalists, Bruce Stevens, Tiffany Martin, Jeannie Davis, and Maya Tolbert, suit Bartolo's lead voice with sheer ease.

In essence, Karlene's desire is solely as a vessel of the Lord. Mission accomplished. The next item of business, if possible, would be a North American release of The Grace Thrillers' greatest hits, to receive another taste of this absorbing worshipper.

To check info on Karlene Bartolo or purchase her CD, go to www.karlenebartolo.com. Her e-mail is info@karlenebartolo.com.