All male sextet Take 6, one of the most innovative and influential Contemporary Christian a cappella groups of all time, was formed at Oakwood College in Alabama in the early 1980s. In 1988 they released "Take 6" nationally, and won Grammies for both best Jazz and best Gospel group. After 9 groundbreaking, critically acclaimed releases, this long-awaited recording, aptly named "the standard," returns to those jazz roots, covering standards like "Sweet Georgia Brown," "Straighten Up and Fly Right" (featuring George Benson), the scattish "Seven Steps to Heaven" (featuring Jon Hendricks, Al Jarreau and Till Bronner), the moody a cappella "Windmills of Your Mind," "Someone To Watch Over Me," "A Tisket A Tasket" (featuring a sample of the original recording by Ella Fitzgerald), the whimsical "Bein' Green" (with an unexpected Obama plug at the end), the a cappella "Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans" (featuring Aaron Neville and some great faux horns), and a jazzy a cappella cover of Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" (featuring Brian McNight). Take 6's Contemporary Christian material is also included, the autobiographical "Back to You," a bluenote a cappella "Shall We Gather at the River" and the lovely, wordless, accompanied "Grace." Wow. This recording sets "the standard" for Vocal Jazz/Contemporary Christian CD of the year. Don't miss this one, it's a soulful treat from beginning to end! |
