Canton Junction

Canton Junction
Difference Media

My first reaction was shocked disbelief when I first saw the YouTube video of a brand-new quartet called Canton Junction, made up of Tim Duncan, Michael Sykes, Aaron Crabb and Matthew Hagee. The first thing I did was contact Difference Media, only to find out that this new group didn’t even have a record cut yet. Thank the Lord they got around to making their self-titled debut, “Canton Junction.” Somehow the Lord directed all these men’s paths to a junction known as Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas.

Hagee has been thrown into deep water with vocal powerhouses; and he is not just keeping his head above water, but is swimming along with Olympic strength. With “Canton Junction,” Duncan lays the quartet’s foundation with impeccable tone and pitch. He showcases his early studies of bass masters such as George Younce and London Parris.

Sykes not only calls his own number on the song that was sung the night I was saved, “Coming Home,” but he takes the full opportunity to lay the lead vocals in there with conviction.

Most notable to me is the signature Sykes track and vocals on “Hold On.” Sykes has created a landmark Southern Gospel recording and has brought these singers to a higher level.

Crabb has once again stepped up his game on this record with singing that is guaranteed to give you glory bumps.