Take 6
Initially a quartet known as the Sounds Of Distinction then the Alliance, this a cappella gospel group of breathtaking ability first formed at Oakwood College, Huntsville, Alabama, USA, in 1980. The group evolved into a six-piece comprising Alvin Chea (b. 2 November 1967), Cedric Dent (b. 24 September 1962), David Thomas (b. 28 October 1966), Mervyn Warren, Mark Kibble (b. 7 April 1964) and Claude V. McKnight (b. 2 October 1962). The combination of their Seventh-day Adventist beliefs and their appreciation of jazz and R&B styles enabled them to make inroads into both record-buying markets, winning Grammies for best Soul Gospel and best Jazz Vocal categories. Their 1990 appearance with k.d. lang in the movie Dick Tracy singing "Ridin' The Rails" also gave them further valuable exposure. Additionally, they recorded with artists including Dianne Reeves, Quincy Jones and Joe Sample. Joey Kibble (b. 26 May 1971) replaced Warren in 1991, the only change in the group's line-up during their history. Join The Band marked a new direction for the group as it incorporated live musicians including Greg Phillinganes, Gerald Albright and Herbie Hancock. It also featured lead vocals from Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder and a rap from Queen Latifah. In 1998, Take 6 returned to their roots with the predominantly a cappella So Cool. Music writer David Okamota aptly described Take 6 as "winning over a loyal congregation of secular fans with a soothing, uplifting sound that stirs the soul without twisting the arm". The singles "I L-O-V-E U", "Biggest Part Of Me" and "All I Need (Is A Chance)" all charted on the Billboard R&B Hot 100, the latter peaking at number 7. Their studio albums are note-perfect, but interestingly their live release clearly demonstrates to those who have not seen them perform live that the sound on stage is equally stunning.

Listen to Take 6 at Finetune.

Albums
Top Tracks
  • Biggest Part of Me
  • Mary
  • If We Ever Needed The Lord Before
  • I L-O-V-E U
  • I've Got Life- Spread Love
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