The Canton Spirituals’ “Driven” In Stores August

New York, NY – Trailblazers of Quartet Gospel, THE CANTON SPIRITUALS prepare for the release of their new album, DRIVEN on August 28, 2007.  

The Canton Spirituals - who have been described as “a little traditional, a little blues, and even a little R&B” - offer up another project that is a healthy dose of classic and contemporary Cantons’ music.  Honing in on what makes them one of Gospel music’s favorite Quartets, DRIVEN is packed with contemplative spiritual tunes, moving ballads and vintage rollicking up-tempo tracks.

The 13-track project features the lead single, “That Man From Galilee,” a swingy and catchy throw-back track from the Cantons’ deep archives; and the simply powerful “Call Jesus,” a bluesy track that brings Harvey Watkins Jr. together with long time friend and quartet fixture, Lee Williams.   Watkins and Williams’ laid-back delivery still captivates with the infallible name of Jesus.  “We’ve known each other for over 30 years and our fans have really wanted us to do a song together,” said Watkins. “So it was such a blessing for us to be able to come together this time and work together … I am so proud to have him as part of our project.”

The tried and true sounds of “Got Him On My Mind,” “I Never Met A Man Like Jesus,” and “I Recommend Jesus,” are all high-energy, toe-tapping, clap-your-hands tunes that definitively make The Canton Spirituals who they are.  Other highlights on DRIVEN include the groove-heavy “Watch Him Move” a highly-stylized smooth song; the easy-listening pop-soul of “I Need You,” and the beautiful ballads “Peace” and “These Eyes.”

An all-studio album, DRIVEN has been cited by long-time member Watkins as their best in years.  “We were able to take our time with this CD,” said Watkins. “It still has our signature sound and people will see that we didn’t stray from our roots. I’m feeling real good about the project and it definitely has that ‘Cantons’ sound.”