Take 6: Alvin Chea, Cedric Dent, Joey Kibble, Mark Kibble, Claude McKnight, David Thomas, Mervyn Warren (vocals).
Additional personnel: CeCe Winans, Stevie Wonder, George Benson, Joe Sample, George Duke, Herbie Hancock, Sarah Vaughan, Gerald Albright.
There are numerous musical styles represented on this compilation. Gospel, befitting the group's Seventh Day Adventist background, is the genre most represented. On "Oh Thou That Tellest Good Tidings to Zion," the group is joined by Stevie Wonder. "A Quiet Place," while a hymn, is delivered as if it came from the Top Ten pop song chart. Jazz, albeit smooth, is represented by the Quincy Jones-produced "Setembro," featuring such contemporary jazz luminaries as George Benson, Herbie Hancock, and Gerald Albright. Sarah Vaughan is also listed on the playbill. But if she is in fact there, it is as a background singer; her voice is overwhelmed by the vocal group, synthesizers, keyboards, and the other electronic wizardry dominating this cut. Albright's alto is given a few measures, providing some musical substance to this tune. Smooth jazz has another entry with "U Turn," from the Joe Sample album Spellbound. The harmonic gifts of Take 6 are best displayed by those songs having a rhythm & blues, gospel flavor. "One and the Same," featuring gospel and R&B diva CeCe Winans, is an album highlight. The 1960s singing style of the Temptations is brought to mind with "The Best Stuff in the World Today Caf‚." On "Spread Love," another gospel influenced R&B number, Take 6 uses the Hal David/Burt Bacharach song "What the World Needs Now" to bridge choruses, with good results. The session ends with the lone tribute to vocalese, "So Much 2 Say." The album is a fine compilation from previous Take 6 recordings, and should appeal to fans of this popular and erstwhile crossover singing group. ~ Dave Nathan
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