::ALBUM REVIEW::

Before this Blackberry Records national release, the Canton Spirituals had already worked a number of albums on several small, independent labels (J&B, Newbirth) and developed a grassroots campaign of faithful fans while continuing to pour out their heartfelt, bluesy traditional quartet sound on the Deep south. "Live In Memphis" (1993) provided the appropriate platform for their favorite tunes to witness the exposure it needed. Produced by Melvin & Doug Williams of the Williams Brothers, this project finds most of their recycled underground hits (mostly penned by Harvey Watkins, Sr. and Cornelius Dewayne Watkins) revived with quality production, gorgeous instrumentation and the right energy from a live crowd at the Greater Community Temple COGIC in Memphis, TN.

The sound of Mississippi blues with a taste of soul quartet gospel surrounds the gates of the Canton Spirituals' delivery. But they are quick to pull out moments of humor, powerful adlib action, killer breakdowns and rap segments from frontman Harvey Watkins, Jr. - it's those moments that make this project such an easy-listening experience. Opening the collection is the funky, midtempo tune, "Mississippi Poor Boy"; which tells of Watkins' struggles through poverty and his current posture of thankfulness. Hard to imagine that a song filled with such emotion is built upon a lively groove like this. "Hello Mother" is a brilliant piece of work as it engages into a moving lyric speaking of the singers' joy of meeting their mothers in paradise, but it is the overly emotional "Heavenly Choir" that trailblazes this entire set. With Watkins providing one of the better story backgrounds in modern gospel and his father, the late Harvey Watkins, Sr., delivering his trademark falsetto to the table, this nine-minute traditional gospel sparkler definitely remains a colossal highlight in this group's recording career. It is easy to understand why "Fix It Jesus" proved to be a rightful choice for the immediate public's enjoyment. The song has a spunky Southern scent, a likeable sing-a-long vive and a vamp full of churchy energy. It proved to be a mighty success for the Cantons. Other songs to pay attention to include "Jeremiah" (a seminal praise break featuring sanctified movements, a boisterous hand-clapping tune and mighty exhortations from Watkins) and the beautifully-written ballad "I'm In Your Care" by James Bennett. The walking bass action and warm melody found on "I'm Coming Lord" definitely stands out, while "Ride This Train" and a slowed down version of the classic congregational tune "Certainly Lord" (featuring the Original Canton Spirituals) gets the royal treatment in the deep traditional sound of Memphis blues.

Along with the Canton Spirituals' committed musicians (Wallace Strictland, Merlin Lucious, Dwayne Watkins, Victor Allen) comes a crew of well-recognized names including Ralph Lofton on organ and Jerry Smith & the Children of Israel providing choral background duties on certain cuts.

"Live In Memphis" is full of spark and easily builds on the historic pillars of traditional gospel music. It also opened multiple doors for the energetic quartet into mainstream gospel prominence. When one seeks to find the gateway project to this group's immediate popularity, this one marks the spot without any question. Definitely a milestone in traditional gospel music.