St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, Harvey, Illinois, was the setting for this historic recording.  As the cameras scanned the crowd you will immediately notice that the Church is an awesome structure and as described by Harvey is “beautiful.”  It was certainly large enough to hold the crowd, with plenty of room for everyone who wanted to shout to do so.  The crowd of several thousand was jubilant during the entire recording.  Even Rev. Jessie Jackson was on his feet. 

The pulpit area (the stage) was certainly large enough so that the guys were not clustered together.  The layout of the band was great.  It did not distract from the main event, the singing of Harvey and the guest artists.  The camera angles varied and uniquely accompanied each song.  In other words, when the cameras should have been on the crowd they were.  When they should have been on the band they were.  When they should have been on the singers they were. The close-up shots are just great. 

You will also appreciate the lighting.  Yes, there are times when the audience is in the “black.”  However, when the lights should be on the audience they are.  At no time is there a diminishment of the lighting on the stage.  And speaking of the stage, the decoration was fitting for the song service.  The background decoration does not distract at all from what is happening on the stage.  In addition, there was no one standing or sitting to the side of the stage.  In other words, there was no distraction from the song service by others leaning on equipment or just hinging around the stage.    

The quality of the sound is superb.  No highs and lows.  The recording level is consistent throughout the video.  

The video begins with an interview with Harvey, followed by a brief statement by Paul Porter.  Thereafter, the service began.  It what a service it was.

The Cantons did fourteen songs during this service.  A review of the songs can be found in our Quartet CD Review section.  The songs on the video occupy the same track number as on the CD.  However, on the video there is a reprise to the song “I Know I Can Make It.”  And being able to see Paul singing “Stronger” will just make you appreciate this song even more.

In addition to the singing, each member of the Cantons shared personal moments from their time with the group.  For those interested in the history of gospel quartet music, sometime you will find a gem in interviews.  And you certainly will in these.  Also, on this video you will learn of the path taken by various members of the Cantons that led them to be a member of the group.

It is obvious that this was a big budget production.  Overall this is a great video.  You will certainly want to have this video in your collection.  We give this video a 9.5 out of 10.  To purchase your copy of the video click here.      

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