5 August 2014

TASHA PAGE-LOCKHART RELEASE SOLID DEBUT WITH ‘HERE RIGHT NOW’ | @tashalockhart

From the moment she stepped on the stage of season six of BET’s Sunday Best, to the moment she was crowned the season’s winner, one thing has been glaringly obvious about Tasha Page-Lockhart– she’s got it. The daughter of gospel legend Lisa Page Brooks, Lockhart impressed the judges with performances that screamed “seasoned pro” and vocals that had the audience on its feet– both in-studio and at home. Anticipation was compounded when Lockhart became the second artist signed to Kirk Franklin’s Fo Yo Soul label, and when it was announced that he would produce the entire project.

With the release of her debut album, Here Right Now, Tasha Page-Lockhart confidently delivers impressive vocals set to tried-and-true songwriting and production from Franklin.

Standouts on the project include the album’s opener, “Here Right Now,” the groove-laden “Yours,” featuring singer/songwriter PJ Morton, and the project’s two singles– the bouncy “Different” and the relatable “Fragile.”

Another real gem on the project is “I’m Living,” a quartet-vibed, churchy cut featuring Lisa Page Brooks. It’s the type of song that she was uniquely capable of on the Sunday Best stage, so it’s an authentic song to have included on the project. And the addition of her mom just seals the deal. And, don’t miss “Faith Come Alive,” with a superb vocal performance on par with gospel music’s most seasoned artists.

It’s easy to hear the influence of Lockhart’s label head in this music– some of the chord progressions, phrasing and production nuances are signature “Kirk Franklin.” But I think having his thumbprint on your music is no liability– it’s an asset, as decades of singable and successful songs from his pen have proven. And if anything, Franklin seems to have drawn out and began to develop the artist in Lockhart– she sings it and she owns it. This album is her testimony.

Tasha Page-Lockhart’s Here Right Now is in stores this week. Take a listen to some snippets below and make sure you grab it on Amazon or iTunes!

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