Light Records Gospel Legacy Series

Sandra Crouch who is chiefly known as Andrae Crouch’s twin sister, is a powerful songwriter and musician in her own right who played with several artists, including Diana Ross. Her abilities as a worship leader and a voice that resonates with Andrae’s richness, through two solo efforts on Light Records are in evidence, especially with Nothing But The Blood and We're Waiting. Other soloists step up on this representation, including JeanJohnson’s fervent take on He’s Worthy, and then joining Sandra on Completely Yes.

The Hawkins Family, including Walter Hawkins, former wife Tremaine, sister Lynette, brother Edwin and a host of others delivered some soulfully packed, spiritually charged stage shows throughout the seventies. The best material arises with Lynette’s expressive alto, that somewhat mirrors Vickie Winans, especially on a song of exercising trust, Try Christ, and Walter’s versatile pipes, which are heard on this CD more than his solo representation. Tremaine’s memorable solos include the sizzling encourager, Changed.

Walter Hawkins’ enriching tenor is an underrated voice in itself, but most of this CD spotlights the Love Center Church Choir, from the church he founded, and the choir he has directed for many years. Much of the material comes from the popular Love Alive series through the eighties featuring LCCC. Must hears are When The Battle Is Over, Be Grateful, and how to equip ourselves in on the battlefield, There’s A War Going On.

Tremaine Hawkins possesses a voice that cuts like a knife, Tremaine Hawkins sang more than notes; she breathed new life, adding purpose to every lyric she communicated. Prime examples are I’m Going Up Yonder and Changed. She also puts her spin on the classic worship staple, Trust and Obey. This mix includes both her tenure with The Hawkins Family and Love Center Church Choir, before she headed for dance floor waters with A&M Records.

The Mighty Clouds of Joy are known for their sharp R&B harmonies with some preaching overtones. The Mighty Clouds of Joy also faced some controversy for their tightly choreographed stage appearances throughout the sixties and seventies. Most of the CD is dedicated to their return of the more traditional sound in the eighties and nineties, including their calling card, Steal Away in a live recording, a duet with Melvin Williams on Living Testimony, and the stirring hymn, Nearer My God To Thee.