Praise Him Live

While perhaps not as evenly keeled as others in their live series, Praise Him... Live!, winner of the 1996 Dove Award for the best choral collection, is arguably the strongest representation of the power with which the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir makes itself fully present for worship. Clearly, the choir take to heart Christ's message of being a living manifestation of the Gospel. Typical of their material, the choir eschews numbers that talk down, condemn, or glorify hair-shirt Christianity, choosing instead to focus on the everlasting well of God's love and the infectious joy and praise that comes with believing. Glorious moments are achieved on "I'm Not Afraid," wherein the choir, led by soloist Calvin Hunt's spectacular enthusiasm, punctuates each syllable of song with fully realized exultation, and on the public-domain-based "Medley of Change," a rockin' handclapper featuring soloist Robin Giles. Praise Him closes with "Lead Me Lord," a dedicated anthem of discipleship. --Paige La Grone