Canton Spirituals (Driven) - Reviews

Canton Spirituals
Driven

Founded over 6 decades ago, The Canton Spirituals are a very model of consistency, longevity and faithfulness. With their new project, Driven, their third on Verity Records, the group dwells on their trademark sound. Led by Harvey Watkins Jr., the bluesy quartet makes traditional, hip, and the tried and true, contemporary.

The 15-track album (12 songs) was recorded in studio with production from Watkins Jr. and Stan Jones, and deftly mixes together stompin' drives and soulful ballads.

Prime among the slow cuts is "Get Aboard", a poignant cut penned by Paul Porter that recalls the late founder Harvey Watkins Sr. and member Wallace Strickland, while extending the invitation to join the Gospel train in the popular locomotive metaphor.

Indeed, transportation is a theme of the project, with the title Driven referencing the single-minded determination that Cantons have to pursue their calling to musical ministry.

Driven

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Perhaps you could even expand the meaning of the album to include the up-tempo 'drives' that this quartet delivers so well. "I Recommend Jesus" is one such, with instant grab from the opening chord. Tight harmonies, in-pocket band work and swinging lyricism are the hallmarks of this gem, written by Jones.

"I Never Met a Man" (like Jesus before) is another winner, as is the groove-laden "That Man From Galilee", which the Cantons bring back from a several years ago.

On "Call Jesus", the group invites fellow quartet star Lee Williams to join them. The song is a gentle, bluesy number and with Watkins Jr. and Williams in control, it's simply wonderful stuff for quartet lovers.

With other songs in the mix (including the contemporary soul snagger "Watch Him Move"), Driven is a project that smoothly switches gears with its various quartet styles, while retaining the unmistakeable stamp of one of Gospel's most enduring and beloved groups.

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Producers: Harvey Watkins Jr., Stan Jones album release date: August 28, 2007
Verity Records

— reviewed by Stan North —