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Anthony, you have had some pretty good success in SGM thorough the years singing with Heaven Bound, the Journeymen, Down East Boys, and Mercy's Mark Quartet. You took some time off and now are starting a group of your own. What brought you to the conclusion to do this? After singing with such successful groups, are you going to do anything differently?
God has blessed me so much through the years. I always knew that my calling was to gospel music. Starting with my family group as a teenager I never thought I would have been traveling full time but in 1993 God open the door with Heaven Bound. I remember me and my Dad driving to Kinston, NC to try out on a Monday. They hired me and I was on the bus that Thursday, I was so nervous.
Taking some time off the road was so good for me because I was able to focus on my relationship with the Lord and get involved with church. I believe sometimes we just need to take a break and get "fed" spiritually and that is what I did. God woke me up one day and gave me a clear vision for starting a new ministry and within one week He gave me who was supposed to be with the group, we practiced once and then we were traveling the next week. Isn't it cool how God works and how He has a plan for each of us.
I want to be used by God and I want Crossroad to be viewed not only as a singing group but a ministry. Stylistically we may be a little different than some of the groups I have been with in the past but this is what I have always loved and I am having the time of my life.
Tell us a little about the guys in the group and what brought you to the decision to choice these two individuals?
I cannot believe how God has blessed me with two great Christian men. Justin Howard sings lead and he has got such a distinct voice. I met him over a year ago at a local church where he was singing. I sat in the front row and was just overwhelmed by his talent and anointing. That night we I joked with him about coming and singing with me..ha, I never know that it would really happen. I took his number that night and kept it and when I know it was time to start this group he was the first one I called! Justin has never sang with a group but has been raised in church and around music all his life.
Singing baritone is Brian Alvey. He may be familiar to a lot of folks. He used to sing and play with the group Southern Sound. This is a another cool story and evidence that God put this group together. Brian and I met about five years ago and also joked about singing together. I kept Brian's number for years and again when it came time to start this group he was the first person I called to sing baritone. Brian also was raised in church and around music all his life.
These guys are like family to me and I truly love them like brothers.
What's the story behind selecting the name Crossroad?
I believe that in life we find ourselves at crossroad's so many times. When I started the group I was at a crossroad in my life. I didn't know if I was going to sing again and was praying for God direction in my life. This is where the name Crossroad came from.
Describe for us the sound of Crossroad. Is there a specific direction you are wanting to go in?
I would say Crossroad is music for the church. The sound has got that smooth harmony but with an edge to it. Each one of us comes from different musical backgrounds which makes for a cool blend. I have had many people say that we are a combination of the Gatlin's, Gaither Vocal band and Philips, Craig and Dean!
What's your first project like?
Our first project takes some familiar songs along with some new ones and puts our touch one them. We wanted to have a little something for everyone and I believe we have done that...I hope!
Do you already have a song that is relating to audiences where ever you go? Are there any songwriters in the group?
So many of the songs we are doing the audiences relate to. Songs like Daystar and I Bowed on My Knees always touch people. We have some new songs like I'll Win The War and it is moving people every night.
Are you continuing with your real estate business?
Yes, I still work every week in real estate. I plan on always having my hand in selling real estate, I always say I have to pay the bills somehow!
What is a typical weekend on the road like with Crossroad?
We absolutely have a ball when we climb on the bus. Justin keeps us laughing, Brian keeps us sane and Dusty keeps us in the right direction. Everyone has their responsibilities on the road and so far it's working..ha ha. Like most groups we get to a town and we shower, eat, set up, sing, meet and great, tear down, drive and then the next day do it again...thank goodness we all love each other..lol!
What's a typical service like when Crossroad is ministering?
I think a Crossroad concert is sort of like a roller coaster ride of emotion. From laughter to crying we want people to walk away feeling like they have experienced God and if carrying a load its a little lighter.
From the beginning we try to take people on a musical journey. Starting with smooth harmonies we then go to something progressive then throw in some standards and then involved the audience!
If someone wanted to get in touch with you for booking the group, how would they do that?
They can contact our office at:
615-866-8605
1708 21st Ave. South
Ste. 158
Nashville, TN 37212
http://www.crossroadonline.net
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Written: 10/01/2007 
Author: SGN
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