Reviewed by Paddy Hudspith

Ron Hawkins And HBF are a relatively new outfit (formed in memory of Hawkins' mother who passed away in 2007) but Ron himself has enjoyed a music career stretching back to the 1970s. He has been called "the innovator of doowop gospel" having had stints with the Del Vikings and R&B greats Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes. Alongside his wife Sandra the ever-present multi-tracking of their voices bears witness to Hawkins' heritage in vocal harmony groups. 'Make Heaven Your Home' is their five-track debut offering on the Hawkins' own independent label, and I can hear echoes of the Winans (as well as siblings BeBe and CeCe's offerings as a duo) in these mid-tempo tunes. My favourite is the impassioned title track, but I am less keen on "The Mama Song" which, despite bags of sincerity, was a little to schmaltzy for me. It deals with Ron Hawkins' mother's final days and subsequent entry "through the pearly gates" to join with the heavenly choirs. Clearly this message and imagery means a lot to Ron, Sandra and their nearest and dearest, but less so to the casual listener. There is nothing here which misses the mark terribly but, nevertheless, also little to get very excited about.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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