Description
Now I See is an album by the American gospel singer, songwriter, and session vocalist Táta Vega, released on Qwest Records in 1998, manufactured and distributed by Warner Bros. Records. The album was produced by Jeff Vander Plate, Roger LaRocque, and Táta Vega.
The voice is familiar, even if the name isn’t. I first discovered her on The Color Purple soundtrack, having been mesmerized by the powerful «God is Trying to Tell You Something». The actress was actually lip-syncing; the voice was that of Tata Vega, whose soulful sound can also be heard in The Lion King, Amistad and Forrest Gump among other films. She’s also sung for such notable artists as Michael Jackson, Andraé Crouch, Stevie Wonder, Madonna and R&B hit-man Babyface.
Now, after years of behind-the-scenes studio and soundtrack recording, Quincy Jones wants you to put a face with her unmistakable voice. Vega’s debut, Now I See, is the soundtrack of her life. It’s a drama of movie-making proportions, the stuff most of us only hear about on talk shows or read about in the newspaper. Having survived a brutal rape which resulted in pregnancy, two bullets from sniper fire, homelessness, abduction and threats on her life, Vega sings her testimony to God’s faithfulness and healing as only one who’s been through the fire can sing. Now I See is our chance to hear a one-of-a-kind story and share in her joy.
From songs about the glories of heaven («Are You Ready» and «I Got Shoes»), the true source of love and grace («Love From Above» and «I’m Accepted») and the celebration that new life in Christ begins («Brand New Dance» and «Now I See»), these songs offer a veritable contemporary gospel feast of joy and a reminder that above all else, God is the author of all great things. Andraé Crouch’s classic tune «Oh It is Jesus» and «Walk With Me» by the legendary gospel great Thomas Whitfield are one-way-tickets to havin’ church.
The most grooving moment? «Brand New Dance». I can just see Vega’s beautiful braids spinning in the air like a propeller, dancing before her Lord. The most moving moment? Cut nine, Eddie DeGarmo and Dana Key’s «I’m Accepted». Knowing even a little about Vega’s dramatic life, this poignant lyric really hits home.
Stylistically, she’s Mahalia Jackson with a little Patti LaBelle and Aretha Franklin thrown in for excellent measure. And as far as I’m concerned, Vega deserves a place in their line. [Melissa Riddle, CCM, March 1999]
After hearing Cissy Houston wimp out on her last gospel album, I approached this with some trepidation! «Are You Ready» asks the first song on this comeback album from Tata Vega and the answer has to be a resounding YES! It’s been a while since this diva graced us with new material which makes the release of ‘Now I See’ even more rewarding. A disco hit for Motown «I Just Keep Thinking About You Baby» filled floors in 1979 but she is probably best known as a guest vocalist for Andrae Crouch and the sessions for oodles of mainstream artists. Embracing a variety of styles, Tata’s voice is amazing enough to win a deserved reputation and here she has the opportunity to stretch it across a variety of material. The pure heartfelt gospel of «Oh It Is Jesus» (the original with Crouch was a stone classic), the plain adult ballad of «I’m Accepted» and the modern comfortable groove of the title cut all bring to the fore different aspects of her voice but overall she’s somewhere between Aretha, Deniece Williams and Tina Turner! Standouts are the sassy sax filled opener «Are You Ready» with its ’80s styled pumping synth undertones and the obvious crossover dancefloor appeal of «Brand New Dance» which I’m already imagining in its 12 inch remixed formats! Not to forget the groovy soulful performance of «Walk With Me». The only disappointment is that this album is probably too wide in its desire to hit the widest appeal. I just love it when she’s smokin’, pulling out all the stops on the more dancy soulful stuff. But then I can’t have everything! It’s just joy to hear her wrap her pipes around this stuff! [Mike Rimmer, Cross Rhythms, August 1999]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/now-i-see/98439436)
CD tracklist:
01. Are You Ready? – 3:01
02. Walk With Me – 5:28
03. Love From Above – 4:13
04. You Don’t Have To Know Why – 4:51
05. Just Be There – 4:19
06. Brand New Dance – 3:39
07. I Got Shoes – 0:36
08. Oh It Is Jesus – 5:04
09. I’m Accepted – 3:57
10. Now I See – 5:00
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Qwest Records.
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