The Canton Spirituals - New Life

By Cherisse Stephens

Verity Records

The Canton Spirituals have been around for years bringing us some of the best traditional and quartet music in the world. These guys know how to have church and most importantly, make you have church too.

Their latest offering, New Life, was recorded live in Harvey, Illinois and as always, The Canton Spirituals make you shout, cry and wave your hands! Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect!

New Life starts out with song God Can Work It Out, written by Harvey Watkins, Jr. Harvey is famous for his wonderful but “down to earth” stories about putting trust in God. They don’t disappoint on this one either. The song goes on to say “There were times in my life, it seemed that nothing would ever go right, tried the Lord and I’m a witness today that Jesus will always make a way!” Yes Lord…this song sets the stage for the rest of the service!

Stand Up and Be Counted written by Lee Floyd Johnson, Jr. features Ray Johnson. What I love about the Canton Spirituals is their ability to bring that quartet flavor with a lot of soul and most importantly, anointing. Johnson does an awesome job on lead vocals. This mid-tempo number has the group’s smooth harmonies, encouraging the believer to stand up and be counted!

That’s Enough is written by the legendary Dorothy Love Coates and the Cantons represent wonderfully on this tune. I remember the saints singing this song when I was just a little girl and now the Canton Spirituals put a fresh spin on it without losing the original flavor. I don’t know about you, but I’ve got Jesus and that’s enough. “If you press me down, He’ll pick me up, stand by me when the going gets tough! I’ve got Jesus, that’s enough” (repeat and clap and sway).

I Wouldn’t Be Satisfied features Bishop Neal Roberson and was written by L.J. Lowe. This is definitely one of those songs from the barbershop quartet days. The sweet sounds of the harmonica and band make you want to slap your knees and praise Him. The song simply says “I wouldn’t be satisfied if I couldn’t go to church on Sunday morning or tell the world about the crucifixion or the resurrection; you could lay the whole world by my side; I wouldn’t be satisfied.”

Bless Me is incredible number that thanks the Lord for all His blessings. I remember going to “singings” on Sunday afternoons, hearing groups sounding similar to the Cantons. But nobody does it quite like they can. They have an energy that just pulls at ya until before you know it; you’re almost on the stage…. trying to shake Harvey’s hand. I love it! Sing ya’ll, sing!

I Been In the Storm Too Long is heart touching and moving! Harvey tells us what a real storm is, not the wind, not the rain! When you lose someone that you love so well…that’s a storm! But one of these ole days, it’ll be all over with. Just go ahead and lay prostrate on this one in the beginning. It ministers to everybody. Everybody’s had to go through something! Harvey breaks it down, as only he can, letting us know God has brought him from a mighty long way; He’s been good in the midst of the storm. God uses all types of ministry to bless people. Follow Me keeps us in the same vein and ministers to those who may be missing their loved ones. The Canton Spirituals encourage us to live right so that we can see our loved ones again. Okay, this is a tearjerker and will bless you abundantly.

Take A Stand is a message for church! It’s time for us to get up and take a stand. And after you hear this tune; you’ll be standing for sure. The Canton Spirituals always give us the message straight from the hip! Stop putting the blame on other folks and take a stand! They tell that the hospitals wouldn’t be full; the jailhouses wouldn’t be full, if the church would take a stand! Evangelists, preachers, singers, everybody….take a stand! The band is awesome on this CD. Anybody ever notice that quartet groups have the fiercest musicians out there…fo’ real.

The Thief, featuring Harvey, is a traditional song which talks about the death of our Lord Jesus Christ and thief that cried out “Lord, remember me.” We need to be reminded that Jesus died for us and because of Him we can live again. Take your time Harvey and sing, okay? And that’s exactly what he did! This song has plenty of space for us to just worship the Lord! Remember me Lord!

I’m Doing Fine is a song that will lift your spirits for sure. You may be down today, but God has not forgotten about us! The words say, “considering all things, I won’t complain, I’m doing fine. Thank you Lord for health and strength, shoes on my feet, food for my family to eat, clothes on my back! God has brought us from along way. Hey…I’m doing fine!”

I Know I Can Make It is just what the doctor ordered. It speaks to the hearts of those who might feel like giving up and letting go. You’ve got to tell yourself, I know I can make it. Just remember the Lord will see you through.

Can’t Let Him Down starts out with a serious intro from the band. I love this tune. James Bennett brilliantly writes this song. “I just can’t let the Lord down” is simple and catchy. You’ll be tappin’ your toes and moving your neck on this song. Go ahead and praise Him ‘cause I know by now… you’ve gone and bought the CD!

Stronger is a high praise, energetic number that will have you dancing in the house, car or wherever! The song simply says that “I’m stronger than I’ve ever been. Satan thought he had me, now I know I win and I’m stronger than I’ve ever been.” This song features the talented Paul Porter who always brings the house down. Anybody been changed? Clap your hands and bless Him on this one.

Don’t Worry About Me, written and led by Paul Porter is a beautiful ballad that gives the listener hope and joy. The tight harmonies and sounds of the Canton Spirituals make you want to join in and sing along. This song closes out New Life in a wonderful way. Thank you Canton Spirituals for keeping it real every time and doing it like only you can! Don’t worry about me… I’ll be alright!