Take 6 - Beautiful World

One of two Bill Wither's songs, Grandma's Hands comes complete with Miller's percussion-heavy background, including live stomps and thigh slaps as well as lead vocals from Joey Kibble.

Stevie Wonder's Love's In Need of Love Today features the horn duo of Michael Stewart on trumpet and Kirk Whalum on tenor saxophone. Take 6 and Stevie joined forces on last year's TV special for 9/11, America: A Tribute To Heroes.

Anchored by the bass guitar-popping Miller, the Steely Dan hit Beautiful World (first named I.G.Y. (What A Beautiful World) is nearly turned upside down in the hands of Take 6. The funk is in full throttle, and newer lyrics by several group members' focus on our relationship with Jesus:

A tender piece, Don't Give Up, breaks from the usual Take 6 trademark. With group member Cedric Dent's bright piano fills and a mixed choir (Take 6 plus four woman vocalists) that breathes peace, this Peter Gabriel composition keeps hope alive.

Wade In The Water definitely stands the test of time with numerous renditions. Yet Take 6 and lead vocalist David Thomas' arrangement displays their vocal flip-flops, plus a restrained yet complementary tenor saxophone solo by Kirk Whalum.

Someday We’ll All Be Free brings in Donny Hathaway's daughter, Lalah Hathaway. Lalah and co-lead vocalist Mark Kibble mesh well alongside Take 6's background vocals. Some of the potent lyrics we can take with us include:

Everlasting maybe a one-minute interlude, but check the wonderfully melodic bass clarinet played by Marcus Miller in a traditional jazz context. This leads into Fragile, written by Sting. The flamenco-flavored selection features Marc Antoine with a bubbly acoustic guitar solo. As everyday people, we tend to get caught up in that "rat race", but here's a reminder about our human condition:

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