I don’t think the gospel community acknowledges and appreciates Táta Vega like it could.  Not because the industry is being rude… just cuz everyone doesn’t know about the musical treasure that she is.

The entire WORLD knows her voice– she’s the singing voice of Shug Avery in the classic film The Color Purple (remember her singing ”Speak Lord” and “Miss Celie’s Blues (Sister)”?!).

But before she did THAT, she was a well-known lead vocalist with Andraé Crouch.  She’s got a whimsical performance style and a voice like none other… the only similar contemporary vocalist that comes to mind is Ledisi, in that they both use their entire EXISTENCE to interpret a song, a line, a note… and give you what’s there.

She’s released several solo projects and has provided background vocals for everyone from Michael Jackson and Chaka Khan to Madonna and Stevie Wonder.  You MIGHT have also heard her lead vocals recently on Kirk Whalum’s Gospel According To Jazz Chapter II (“El Todopoderoso”) or Andraé Crouch’s Mighty Wind album (“I Was Glad”).

I couldn’t decide between two videos I wanted to post, so you’re gettin’ both of ‘em.

The first is Táta Vega singing with Andraé Crouch on the classic song “Right Now”:

The second video features Táta singing “Until Jesus Comes”:

Sooooooooo… whatd’ya think?!

Curious– does the gospel music marketplace attempt to dictate who can sing gospel music?  Moreover, do we think that God has asked us to determine for Him who is authentic and who is not?

Two things served as the impetus for my query– first, this morning, Gerard Bonner launched his new radio show, Bonnerfide Radio, during which he played an incredible track from Ledisi entitled “Knockin’.”  In it, she tells the devil “I hear you knockin’, but you can’t come in.”  In the chatroom, we discussed whether it’s “okay” for secular artists to sing gospel songs, etc. (I think we all agreed that she sang that song and we love it).

Second, on Monday, I announced the release date for the debut gospel album from legendary R&B/soul group The Whispers.  Comments were made that suggested the group was just another secular act trying to take advantage of the gospel marketplace.

My concern: It seems unfair to me that a musician who has spent any amount of time singing or playing secular music would have to PROVE to us that they’re legitimate before they can enter “our” arena.  First of all, we stand divided as to whether “secular” music is even bad.  But even assuming that it is, why would we have SOOOO many barriers up and hurdles to jump before some prodigal singer or musician can “come home”?

We’ve seen it time after time.  Whether it’s Coko, Kelly Price, Dave Hollister… we give them the side-eye and assume the worst FIRST– they’re probably not for real, they probably don’t really wanna honor God, they must have a hidden motive.

But do we look at our altars every Sunday morning and assume that most of the people who have come to it are just fakin’ it?  Do we wonder whether they’re just trying to steal from the offering plate?

Why is the default response, in MUSIC, one of mistrust, rather than a warm embrace?  When was the last time WE had to prove ourselves in the same way?  And if we haven’t had to do so, what Biblical basis do we have for demanding such proof from them?

AND, if we’re gonna demand proof, what have we decided it will be?  Do we need press releases about their salvation before the gospel album is released?  Is there a waiting period of 3 years between the time that they “leave” secular music and start singing gospel?  Where’s our list of criteria and from where are we deriving it?

It all seems unfortunate, but it’s the reality…  I’m just wondering why.

Thoughts???

Word has it that the Clark Sisters, J Moss and Kierra Sheard are joining forces to re-make the Frankie Beverly & Maze classic ”I Wanna Thank You.”  The track will be featured on I Wanna Thank You… An All-Star Tribute to Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly, due in stores in August of this year.  The compilation will also feature Mary J. Blige, Mint Condition, Ledisi, among others.

At first, I thought “ummm… but too many cooks spoil the broth.”  My ears won’t know what to do with the Clark Sisters, J and Kierra cuttin’ up.  But then, I heard that Donald Lawrence is gonna produce the track, and all was well with my soul.

By the way, this will be “all-star compilation album” #2 for the Clark Sisters in ’09.  Get it!

When I share stuff with y’all, I try to find the best quality audio and video clips I can find.  This time, the video is NOT good… it’s one of those “videotape-my-television-screen-and-post-it-on-YouTube” deals.

BUT.  It’s Ledisi.  So… we’ll all just have to deal!

If you recall, I talked about her Christmas album in a HUGE way in December (click here to see that post).  This song, “Thank You,” is from that album, but it’s not necessarily Christmas-y, so I’m posting it as a Goodies piece right now.  It’s been blessin’ me all morning and… to WATCH this woman perform… she gives every bit of herself to each performance.

I promise, if you were not aware of Ledisi, you’re going to feel so cheated in a minute.  LOL  Enjoy:

I am certain that I am wholly ill-equipped to do a post about Ledisi.  She’s been recording for nearly a decade by now, but she’s only recently been considered “mainstream,” following a couple of Grammy nods this year (Best New Artist and Best R&B Album).

Well, this year, Ledisi released her Christmas album, It’s Christmas (Verve Forecast), and SHE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT.  Credit goes to my boys, Damon and Jerod, who independently mentioned it days apart from one another… and finally to the Gospel Music Channel, which aired her Christmas special, closing the deal and making me a bona fide fan.

The album boasts 12 tracks, 5 of which are original compositions, the remainder of which are her arrangements of Christmas classics.  She co-writes on 4 of the 5 original songs, with the fifth being written by Richard Smallwood (who also plays the piano on it).  To be honest, I’m lovin’ the ORIGINAL stuff just as much as (maybe more than) the classics, which is rare for a Christmas album.

She’s singing about Jesus like she knows him well and, after seeing her do it live, it would probably not be an unfair assessment to say that she has one of the greatest voices since Aretha Franklin.  I cannot stress enough that this album is for EVERY music lover.  Buy it and fix the gaping hole in your Christmas music collection.  LOL

I can’t list the best tracks, cuz they’re all “the best.” But, I will give a short clip to make you a believer: