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.

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:

How about some doo-wop? You probably won't hear Peace In The Valley in this fashion on a regular basis. The instruments are left behind on this number as well.

Closing out the proceedings is the other Bill Withers (co-written with Skip Scarborough composition Lovely Day. The whole group shares lead, and Miller renders a mild electric guitar solo on this bouncy, reggae setting. A bit of praise is noted:

You can't go wrong with this Beautiful World CD. The musicians, some who are solo artists in their own right, enhance much of this CD, though Take 6 could pull off just about any song with their well-orchestrated voices. It’s rare that vocal groups demonstrate harmonies that tackle a variety of genres. Whether its jazz, world music, R&B or Top 40 classics, the Take 6 mission is to further God's Kingdom. That could truly place us all in a Beautiful World.