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| Take 6 | |
|---|---|
| Name | Take 6 |
| Background | group_or_band |
| Origin | Oakwood University, Huntsville, Alabama, United States |
| Genres | Gospel, A cappella, Jazz, R&B, Gospel music |
| Years active | 1980s–present |
| Labels | Reprise Records, Warner Bros. Records, Quiet Water Entertainment |
| Associated acts | Andrae Crouch, Stevie Wonder, Burt Bacharach, Al Jarreau |
Take 6 is an American a cappella gospel sextet formed in the early 1980s at Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama, known for complex vocal arrangements, tight jazz harmonies, and crossover appeal in gospel music and Rhythm and Blues. The group has collaborated with prominent artists across genres, earned multiple major awards, and influenced contemporary vocal ensembles in jazz, gospel, and R&B circles.
The ensemble originated among students at Oakwood University during the 1980s, performing in campus venues and local churches before gaining wider attention through an encounter with Andrae Crouch and recording opportunities with Reprise Records. Early breakthrough moments included performances at events associated with Motown and exposure on broadcasts tied to Gospel Music Workshop of America gatherings. Touring expanded through connections with artists like Stevie Wonder and engagements in festivals such as the Newport Jazz Festival and international appearances in Europe and Japan. Over subsequent decades members pursued side projects with figures including Burt Bacharach, Al Jarreau, Quincy Jones, Ray Charles, and ensembles linked to Columbia Records and Warner Bros. Records, while occasionally changing personnel and founding independent ventures like Quiet Water Entertainment.
The group's arrangements draw from a confluence of traditions: close-harmony techniques rooted in barbershop lineage and gospel choir practice, improvisational elements from bebop and cool jazz, and rhythmic sensibilities associated with soul music and R&B. Influences cited in collaborations and repertoire encompass composers and performers such as Burt Bacharach, Stevie Wonder, Oscar Peterson, Herbie Hancock, and vocal innovators linked to The Hi-Los and The Swingle Singers. Their approach integrates contrapuntal voicings reminiscent of J.S. Bach chorale textures with modern phrasing found in works associated with Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Ella Fitzgerald, producing arrangements that appeal across contexts from cathedral sanctuaries to jazz clubs like those tied to Village Vanguard traditions.
Founding and long-standing contributors include vocalists who studied at Oakwood University and later collaborated with institutions and artists such as Howard University ensembles, the Los Angeles Philharmonic on crossover projects, and studio sessions for productions linked to Motown and Capitol Records. Individual members have recorded solo projects, participated in soundtrack work for film and television productions, and taught masterclasses at conservatories like Berklee College of Music and Juilliard. Lineup shifts involved artists with backgrounds performing with groups associated with Gospel Music Workshop of America, session work for Quincy Jones, and guest appearances alongside names such as Ray Charles and Al Jarreau.
Studio and live releases span major and independent labels. Notable albums appeared on Reprise Records and Warner Bros. Records, with later releases issued through independent imprints including Quiet Water Entertainment. Recordings include collaborations featuring repertoire tied to songwriters and producers such as Burt Bacharach and arrangers connected to Quincy Jones projects. Albums charted on industry lists maintained by organizations like Billboard and received radio play on stations affiliated with networks such as National Public Radio programming focused on jazz and gospel music.
The ensemble has received multiple Grammy Awards and Dove Awards for recording excellence, praised in critical circles including publications associated with DownBeat Magazine and Rolling Stone. Honors include wins and nominations in categories spanning Best Gospel Performance, Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album, and recognition from institutions like the Gospel Music Association. Their work has been cited in academic studies on vocal harmony published through university presses and featured in retrospectives at museums with musical exhibitions honoring African American vocal traditions.
Tours have taken the group to venues and festivals linked to Newport Jazz Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival, and concert halls such as Carnegie Hall, with international itineraries across Europe, Asia, and Africa. They have appeared on television programs tied to networks such as PBS and performed at events hosted by cultural institutions including the Kennedy Center, collaborating onstage with artists like Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, and Al Jarreau. Tours have included choral workshops at conservatories like Berklee College of Music and guest residencies in cities associated with major music industries such as Los Angeles, New York City, and Nashville.
Category:A cappella musical groups Category:American gospel musical groups Category:Jazz ensembles