Walter Hawkins And The Love Center Choir: Walter Hawkins (vocals); Patrick Sturgis (vocals, piano); Tramaine Hawkins, Edwin Hawkins, Lynette Hawkins-Stephens, Pastor Yvette Flunder, Shirley Miller, Karen Devone, Antoin Timmons, Grisanthia Franklin, Rusty Watson, Adrienne Kryor, Carole King, Shirley Miller, Daryl Williams, Lyniece Pinkard, Brenda Roy (vocals).
Additional personnel: Jonathan DuBose (guitar); David Blakely (strings, horns, organ); Daniel Hawkins (strings, organ); Kevin Bond (piano, organ); Maggie Wincher (organ); Joel Smith (bass, drums); Jerry Jordan, Sid Smith (bass); Jason Wright (drums).
Recorded live at The Paramount Theater, Oakland, California on October 24 & 25, 1997.
LOVE ALIVE V: 25TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION was nominated for a 1999 Grammy for Best Gospel Choir Or Chorus Album.
Walter Hawkins, one of the most prominent and popular singers in the contemporary gospel/Christian scene, "presides" over a concert that includes two large choirs and inspired, soulful soloists. This two-CD set is full of intense, almost ecstatic, testifying for the Lord. Whatever your religious beliefs, the power of these performances is undeniable. Though the subject matter is spiritual rather than secular, Hawkins has a powerful clear voice in the vein of pop music singers like Teddy Pendergrass and the classic soul/R&B vocalists of the '70s. The musical backing is spare: guitars, drums, keyboards, bass and strings (also patterned after the melodious sounds of '70s R&B), providing cushion-like support for the uniformly superb singing.
