It was an overcast Saturday morning in February in the small town of Raymond, Mississippi where another page to the books of quartet history was about to be written.  The huge sound trucks loomed over the country church that sat nestled away in a small wooded area.  The morning atmosphere at the church was simply that of another Saturday morning in the country town of Raymond.  Interesting enough some 4 hours later the parking lot and streets would be full of cars, trucks, and vans from all over the country.  Why were we in this small town of Mississippi you ask? To see the lead singer of The Canton Spirituals, Harvey Watkins Jr. record his 2^nd solo project “Live” at his home church. 

As I arrived some three hours before the program to scout things out, I made my way into the church to be met by a beautiful yet small sanctuary filled with recording equipment and cameras from all angles.  Recording engineers were busily making their way around the sanctuary as I sat down in the back row to take some notes.  Shortly after sitting I felt the touch of someone’s hand on my jacket greeting me with a hearty “Man you’re already here. It’s great to see you”.  Who was it? None other than the man himself Deacon Harvey Watkins Jr.. He soon sat down and graciously provided me with information about the upcoming recording and the vision of the Canton Spirituals.  Probably the most memorable comments from this interview with Mr. Watkins was his call for unity and brotherhood in the quartet industry.  He felt that this recording would show to the world that quartet’s can come together and work together.  Throughout the conversation it was evident that Deacon Watkins is focused and determined to carry the gospel of Jesus Christ now more than ever before.

Around 5 pm the sanctuary doors opened and the large crowd began filing into the small sanctuary that could probably seat about 500 persons.  Why such a small church you may ask? According to both myself and Deacon Watkins, to recreate the “Live In Memphis I” atmosphere.  The feeling of a down home church service has always worked to the benefit of the Canton’s and surely it would work for Deacon Watkins on a solo recording. In no time at all the church was filled with guests from all over the country.  Personalities like Esther and Roy “Mr. Malaco” Wooten, members of the Canton Spirituals, Tyrone Porter, Rev. Andrew Cheairs, The Spiritual Voices, and so many others were in attendance to witness this event. Though the recording did start a little late once things were rolling the service ran beautifully. 

It was evident from the start that this was not just a Harvey Jr., effort but a combined effort of a church family that he loves so dearly.  The choir for the recording was the church, the quartet group backing him and the other guests on several songs called Purpose is from the church, and he even had his Pastor as a special guest on the second song during the recording.  Devotions were handled by Ministers from the church with long time friend and leader of the Gospel Songbirds, Rev. Andrew Cheairs reading the scripture and telling us all about God’s favor.       

All in all the recording was awesome!!  From the first song to the last Harvey Jr. and host of special guests sang their hearts out and didn’t mind showing their sincerity.  In all 13 songs were recorded with one of them being a short yet powerful guitar solo by legendary guitarist Spanky Alford of the Mighty Clouds with Harvey Jr. closing the song out with the first verse of “America The Beautiful”.  Special guests throughout the project included Doug & Melvin Williams, Paul Porter, Keith Wonderboy Johnson, and Pastor M.J. Williams.  While I can truly say that all 13 songs were good there were a few moments throughout the night that were just amazing. 

The second song of the recording “All of My Help” was definitely a trip down memory lane in tribute to Frank Brewer of the Bright Stars who recorded the song almost 20 years ago on Nashboro records.  However, for Harvey’s arrangement he enlisted the help of his Pastor on lead and the powerful Springhill church Choir on background.  This up-tempo song really set the mood for some good old time church the rest of the night.  “In My Heart” brought both Melvin & Doug Williams to the stage to share this beautiful song with Harvey.  The words called us to know why we do the things we do, and to make sure that it’s in your heart.

The 6^th and 7^th songs to be recorded hit with the one two punch that Harvey is so well known for.  “So Grateful” was a down home slow ballad much in the tradition of the late Willie Banks of the Messengers.  It is sure to be one of the favorites of fans for years to come. The follow-up song “Everything To Me” featured Keith Wonderboy Johnson, and was nothing short of foot stompin’ shoutin’ church.  Purpose really rocked the house showing their background skills as Harvey & Keith shouted and traded vocals as if they were long time members of the same group.  Another song that really stood out was the story driven “Because I Love”.  This song tells of the hardship of growing up in Mississippi and his father’s sacrifice for his family.  The song had that “Mississippi Po Boy” jump to it that constantly gained steam as the song progressed.  This was by far one of the standout songs on the recording.  Once again employing the one two punch tactic, Harvey brought Paul Porter out for his most spirited performance of the night on “Through It All”.  This song was much in the tradition of Christinaire barn burners like “Ain’t No Way I Can Loose”, and “You’ve Been So Good To Me”.  Paul tells a heart warming story of a young girl who is put out of her home for becoming pregnant at a young age.  The song’s climax is amazing and will surely draw you to tears. 

The recording closed with a final song with the whole cast, special thanks from Harvey Jr., and prayer for safe travel.  For 3 hours we cried, laughed, and shouted for joy as Deacon Harvey Watkins. Jr. and friends shared songs of joy and thanksgiving with family, friends, and fans.  Thank you for the memories!!

(All Song Titles mentioned are not official)