Take 6
@PizzaExpress Live
16 November 2022

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Biography

Without question, Take 6 is one of the world’s premier soul / gospel
a cappella groups. The group evolved from a quartet in 1980, originally inspired by founder member Claude Mcknight III. Though Mark Kibble knew Claude McKnight from their church attendances in Buffalo, he only joined the quartet after he over heard their rehearsals in a bathroom prior to a stage performance.

After various personnel changes throughout the 1980’s the group finally known as Take 6 (Claude V McKnight, Mark Kibble, Mervyn Warren, Alvin Chea, Cedric Dent and David Thomas) signed to Warner/Reprise Nashville.

1988 would see the release of their self-titled debut album, followed by “So Much To Say” in 1990. Group member Mervyn Warren left to concentrate on his production skills with Grammy award winning quartet Manhattan Transfer, Sister Act II soundtrack and “Handel’s Messiah: A Soulful Celebration” album. Warren’s place was filled by Joey Kibble (Mark Kibble’s younger brother).

By now Take 6 album releases were certified either platinum or gold, and by 1994 the group had completed two successful tours (including a tour of Japan).

Take 6 have embraced the many changes in musical styles throughout the years, and have managed to maintain their core gospel message. Their music ‘and message’ has influenced many who have followed in their footsteps as well as their contemporaries. To date the group have won seven Grammy Awards and five Doves (Gospel Music Awards). Other achievements include winning Best Jazz Vocal Group honors in Downbeat’s Readers and Critics Poll for four consecutive years, a Soul Train Music Award, BRE (Black Radio Exclusive) Vocal Group Of the Year as well as many other musical and humanitarian awards and acknowledgements.

Take 6 has recorded, or performed with an impressive array of artists, including Stevie Wonder (Conversation Peace) Ella Fitzgerald, Quincy Jones (Back On The Block & Q’s Jook Joint) Joe Sample (Spellbound, “U Turn”) Ray Charles, Johnny Mathis, Al Jarreau, Don Henley, James Taylor, Kenny Rogers, Randy Travis, K.d. Lang, Queen Latifah, Branford Marsalis, Bebe & Cece Winans, Patti Austin, Yellowjackets and Modern Jazz Quartet.

The sextet has also appeared on film soundtracks such as John Singleton’s Boyz In The Hood, Warren Beatty’s Dick Tracey, David Mamet’s Glengarry Glen Ross and Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing to name a few.Each Take 6 member also takes time for individual projects, such as album production. Alvin Chea, Claude V. Mcknight lll, David Thomas, Mark & Joey Kibble have also completed animated voice-overs.

Review

I first experienced the honeyed vocals of Take 6 within the expansive poured concrete walls of the Barbican, in 2006. Back then I was blown away by the ease at which Take 6 precise honeyed harmonies effortlessly filled that venue. Somehow, Take 6 transformed the venue into the most inviting intimate family living room. It was also heart-warming to witness even the stiffest patron transform into a lively and responsive being.

Take 6 are experienced and caring performers who aim to please. Their warmth and togetherness(like their rich harmonies) has a natural flow, which in turn allows the listener / viewer to relax and enjoy.

Take 6 could have sung the most obscure national anthems tonight; the emotional response would have been the same. Though they did not sing any of my favourites tonight, such as “Fly Away” and “Mary” did distract or mar our well-deserved Take 6 euphoria.

The message is definitely in the music. You cannot help yourself at a Take 6 concert. Join in, sing, and be positive. The message is clear!

Musicians:
Claude V. Mcknight III - vocals
Cedric Carl Dent - vocals
David Thomas – vocals
Mark Winston Kibble - vocals
Alvin Chea – vocals
Joey Kibble - vocals

Robin Francis
© Michael Valentine Studio Ltd.