Reviews
Take 6 - Beautiful World
Describing Take 6’s sound is a challenging assignment. The vocal sextet format is rare compared to quartets and trios, but the average listener may not fully grasp the possibilities of the harmonic structure of six persons. With one only personnel change since Take 6's beginnings in the mid-80's, their cohesiveness is almost unmatched.
Besides their longevity, just count the honors bestowed including numerous awards (Doves, Grammys, Soul Train, etc.) plus a nod in the Down Beat Magazine's annual readers poll as "Best Jazz Vocal Group". Beautiful World is the tenth CD (their first self-titled CD dates back to 1988) from this primarily a cappella outfit. Yet another of their biggest radio hits, Biggest Part of Me (a cover of a Top 40 ballad) utilized instrumental accompaniments, and thus is the case here.
Almost all selections were written (plus performed) by such as musical luminaries as Bill Withers, Donald Fagan and Donny Hathaway. Co-producer Marcus Miller, who has worked with the group on previous efforts, has a tremendous ear for Take 6 harmonies. Since Take 6 themselves are also musicians, it's no surprise their most recent concerts have combined a cappella as well as live instruments.
All songs were chosen for the spiritual character of the song lyrics, even though there have been occasional rewrites or touch ups. The Doobie Brothers' upbeat and soulful Takin' It To The Streets follows the lines of the original version. The opening lyric packs a punch in itself:
David Sanborn, one of two saxophonists on the project, sizzles during the mid-break intermingling with Take 6's rich sound.
People Get Ready from Curtis Mayfield, was originally recorded by The Impressions. Bass singer Alvin Chea, in a rare solo spot, seals it with a steady smooth performance alongside Claude V. McKnight III and Mark Kibble. Another version has been released recently by Trin-i-Tee 5:7 on their recent CD. The Take 6 version varies a bit, with more jazz flavor and a slower tempo.
