Artist: Take 6
Title: Feels Good
Genre: Doo-Wop-Gospel-Jazz
Label: Take 6 Records
My first impression of Take 6, not knowing anything about them from the start, was that they must be new on the scene, I had never heard of them before. That was my first mistake, making an assumption and being narrow-minded. I am not new to the Doo-Wop sound, although my exposure is admittedly limited. Oh sure, I know who the Manhattan Transfer is and I remember Huey Lewis and The News doing some Acapella, but my experiences hearing this style of music are few and far between. I figured that the band might be putting out an independent recording because they have never been on a major label…I know better though. It was a quick passing thought. This is not the case anymore; it is quite the opposite in many cases. Major label artists are leaving labels all the time and starting their own labels while producing and distributing all of their music. This band has been around the block and back. Their first album came out in 1988 and they have been with three major labels. No doubt they tired of the bureaucracy that the majors are known for and the lack of control with their careers, then decided to do things the indie way. No wonder they titled their album Feels Good.
I do not listen to enough of this kind of music-it is so beautiful. This is the perfect example of using your voice as an instrument rather than adding your voice to the instruments. Take 6 puts together an incredible album with Feels Good. With doo-wop, gospel, some jazz, and a little bit of Ladysmith Black Mambazo in the baritone section, and you get six men with tremendous talent and a positive message to offer anyone within earshot. Every track comes at you smothered in energy and atmosphere.
I can picture this band in church or standing on a Philadelphia street corner snapping their fingers in unison singing the night away. Actually I can see them performing just about anywhere with tremendous success. Anyone that can appreciate real talent, people with god given vocal chords willing to share their gift with others, well to me, that is what this kind of music is about. You will hear very few instruments coming into play on this album; it is minimal and barely noticeable because of all the prolific voices that come together as one powerful spiritual unit that will bring sunshine to your soul.
If you could use a little levity and some feel-good-all-over music in your life-I have a one-way ticket to the show, Take 6 and you are on your way.
01. Come On (3:48)
02. This Is Another Day (3:27)
03. Feel Good (3:51)
04. Wait For The Sunshine (3:49)
05. Family Of Love (3:53)
06. More Than Ever (4:03)
07. Set U Free (3:33)
08. Vinterlude (:31)
09. Just In Time (3:45)
10. Lamb Of God (3:27)
11. I’ll Never Turn Back (1:27)
12. You Can Make It – Go On (3:50)
Rating-9/10
Credits:
Claude McKnight-1st tenor
Mark Kibble-1st tenor
Dave Thomas-1st/2nd tenor
Joey Kibble-1st/2nd tenor
Cedric Dent -Baritone
Alvin Chea -Bass
Reference:
- Take 6 Website:www.take6.com MuzikMan’s Reviews Website: www.muzikreviews.com
