::ALBUM REVIEW::

Never before had a workshop-seminar-convention choir sounded this good at the time of the inception of this record. All the songs on "Give Us Peace" (1987) are juicy, enjoyable and are jammed with memorable vocal highlights and special musical guests. Plus consider the wealth of musical support captured here from renowned guitarist Jonathan Dubose, gifted bassist/drummer Joel Smith and a young and talented keyboardist by the name of Kevin Bond. But it is how the generations of talent, from surprising newcomers to the mighty legends, emerged onto this powerful collection and created such a delicate, timeless work of art.

Lynette Hawkins-Stephens excels on two of the cuts, particularly on the disco-tinged "I Need You". The funky flavors of the rhythm and the spunky bass lines begin to bubble over the infectious melody, but Hawkins-Stephens delivers her share of squalls over the vamp while the choir repetitively responds with their harmonies and spirited handclaps. She also joins in with Lawrence Matthews on the gutsy, contemporary workout of "He'll Never Let You Down". Matthews sings all of the solo segments, but when the vamp finally jumps into place Hawkins-Stephens and Matthews battle it out with splendid gospel interaction. When the parts break up and the band slides off, the energies of this song explode into pandemonium. "Spirit" is just as funky and stylish with its spunky groove and innovative sounds. Edwin Hawkins opens up the cut while Daryl Coley completes the song with his trademark jazzy vocals and impressive range. The cut is such a standout that you become upset when you hear it finally fades out.

"Give Us Peace" also displayed several memorable moments of historical relevance for the future of gospel music. John P. Kee is best known for his vocal appearance on his upbeat composition, "Jesus Lives In Me". It is written in the strong tradition of Kee's future music: feel-good melody, sing-a-long vamp and a powerful contemporary groove. Plus, you can hear his very first documented "me-me-me-me-me" vocal expression on this cut. Yolanda Adams' performance on the moving ballad, "My Trust Lies In You" is a defining moment on the album and also is a breakthrough for the young singer. The entire arrangement fits like a glove on her soulful vocals and truly captures the boldness that would ultimately pave the lucrative career and future she has inherited.

And when the album finally closes, the late Thomas Whitfield lends his vocal chops and colorful characteristics to "With My Whole Heart" (which was first recorded by Keith Pringle). This version is much more intense and has a glorious majesty within the depth of the choir's harmonies. Towards the end, the beauty of the song's vamp is highlighted and delivers the perfect finish to a remarkable presentation of gospel music.

Of course, there are several album favorites in the halls of Edwin Hawkins' Music and Arts Seminar that should come to surface. The talented convention enjoyed a lasting season of creativity and national support and helped launch prominent artists into the mainstream of gospel music fame, but "Give Us Peace", without a sign for debate, towers heavily over Hawkins' Music and Arts Seminar's achievements. Sadly, finding this album even on vinyl is probably the hardest task for any hunter for iconic gospel masterpieces. But once found, the celebration is sure to begin.