Dear TAKE 6 Friends and Supporters,

We are pleased to announce that we have established a scholarship in our name to help talented college students in need. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the TAKE 6 Vocal Jazz Scholarship.

To give by credit card online, click HERE and write TAKE 6 Scholarship in the comment box. To send a check please make the check payable to MTSU Foundation and write TAKE 6 Scholarship on the memo line. Checks may be sent to the following address:

Robyn Kilpatrick, Development Director
MTSU Foundation
MTSU P.O. Box 109
Murfreesboro, TN 37132

Thank you and may God richly bless you for whatever amount you are able to give!

Hello everyone,

The following message from Dr Dent is a very special one, that shares some very personal thoughts from both himself, and the group in general. We wanted to share with all in our "family." We ask for your continued prayers and support, as we embark on some changes to this wonderful journey... TAKE 6

Ave Atque Vale

Being a member of TAKE 6 has been the time of my life! It has been a storybook career-one that has taken us to some of the most beautiful and interesting places in the world! We've performed at the foot of Mt. Fuji in Japan, on the bank of the Red Sea in Israel, at Estes Park in the Colorado Rockies and visited the Berlin Wall months before it came down in 1989.

We've performed for heads of State including Nelson Mandela while he was president of South Africa, and for four US presidents.

In addition to winning 10 Grammy Awards, we've performed for the Grammy Awards ceremony several times, as well as other prestigious award ceremonies including the Oscars, the NAACP Image Awards, the Dove Awards, The Sports Emmys, and the Stellar Awards.

We've met interesting people from all walks of life and from nearly every part of the world. One encounter that comes to mind is the compliment that we received from Liza Minnelli after TAKE 6 performed the song "Moon River" with symphony orchestra featuring Stevie Wonder on harmonica. She said that there was a spirituality that comes through in everything that we sing.

We've recorded with or shared the stage with artists across several genres, headlined prestigious venues such as New York's Carnegie Hall and Apollo Theatre, and sang our rendition of "A Quiet Place" at a memorial service for the great Sarah Vaughn.

And now, two years before the 25th anniversary of TAKE 6's first commercial release, it is with mixed emotions that I announce that I will be stepping down from my post as a principal member of TAKE 6. This comes after much prayer and fasting, as well as conversations with family and my brothers in TAKE 6. It is perhaps one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make in my adult life, but I am convinced it is the right decision for all concerned.

It is my prayerful belief that this change will be a win-win for TAKE 6. For while I will not be touring with TAKE 6, I will still work with TAKE 6 behind the scenes contributing musical arrangements and offering help whenever needed.

One ongoing project about which I'm very excited is the "TAKE 6 Vocal Jazz Scholarship" that we are establishing at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). I believe that this will be an important part of TAKE 6's legacy and, as a member of the faculty at MTSU, I will take a leading role in raising scholarship funds. I recently read that those who consume without contributing to society develop a deep sense of emptiness. Accordingly, it is my firm belief that TAKE 6's continued longevity and sense of fulfillment and satisfaction can only be realized through stewardship in this area. The wise man said it best: "Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days." Eccl. 11:1.

My decreased role in TAKE 6 will also allow me to pursue other creative endeavors including more composing and arranging, music research, teaching, consulting, and writing books. Perhaps what I look forward to most is spending more time with my wife Beverly and son Cedric, Jr.

Finally, I must say a word about the multi-talented Khristian Dentley who will be replacing me in the day-to-day operations. He has been filling in for me off and on for 7 years, and in that time has developed a fine rapport with the group. He is a music producer in his own right, plays multiple instruments, and is a great singer and songwriter. With his youth (he's 20 years younger than me!) comes a fresh perspective and new ideas that will serve TAKE 6 well in the years to come. Most importantly, I'm impressed that he loves the Lord and is Spirit-filled.

Though I will be semi-retired from the group, my prayer is that God will use Khristian and me to the maximum benefit of TAKE 6 and ultimately to the glory of God.

Thank you to all who have supported and poured into TAKE 6 over the years. Please continue to do so and "More than Ever," keep us lifted in prayer!

"Hail and Farewell."
Cedric Dent

When King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquered Judah, he ordered the brightest and healthiest young men from Israel's royal family be separated out and trained for positions of leadership in Babylon. These young men were the best of the best in terms of looks, intelligence and education. Daniel and his three comrades-Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego-were among the elite. Daniel requested that the four of them not be given the rich food and drink of the King's court but be placed on a plain vegetarian diet. The steward in charge of the royal diet acquiesced and at the end of their leadership training, the King found Daniel and his companions to be ten times healthier and smarter than any of the King's wise men.

When King Neb began having a recurring cryptic dream, he called his wise men-magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and fortunetellers-to interpret it, or be killed. To add to their stress, they were also required to tell the dream itself.

At this point, it's curious that the King didn't call Daniel and his cohorts first. The Bible says that King Neb interviewed them personally and found them to be ten times wiser than the rest of his wise men. I submit that it was a setup by the Almighty. You see, if Daniel had been brought in initially and succeeded, others would be tempted to say that the King's wise men could have done the same if given a chance.

Well, the wise men failed to divine the dream and the King ordered their execution along with Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

The five steps that Daniel took next are instructive for anyone seeking success in leadership.

1. Do your homework: When Daniel learned of the execution order he discreetly pulled the guard in charge aside and asked for a sitrep (i.e., a situation report). He gathered all the facts regarding the situation (Dan. 2:14-15).

2. Confidently step into your area of gifting: After being brought up to speed by the attending guard, instead of asking the guard to go to the King on his behalf, Daniel goes directly to the King himself. He boldly asks King Neb for a little time to interpret the dream (Dan. 2:16). Daniel's confidence was bolstered by the fact that God had already blessed him with physical and mental ability ten times that of the wise men.

3. Remember that prayer is your most powerful resource: Daniel goes home and tells his colleagues to pray that God would reveal to them King Neb's dream (Dan. 2:17). Notice Daniel's wisdom in soliciting intercessory prayer. He's not the only one talking to God. He understands that when it comes to prayer there is power in numbers.

4. Give God praise and thanks: That night God revealed the mystery to Daniel in a vision (Dan. 2:19). Daniel's prayer of praise and thanks is one of the great prayers in the Holy Writ. Here it is taken from "The Message" Bible:

"Blessed be the name of God,
forever and ever.
He knows all, does all:
He changes the seasons and guides history,
He raises up kings and also brings them down,
He provides both intelligence and discernment,
He opens up the depths, tells secrets,
Sees in the dark-light spills out of Him!
God of all my ancestors, all thanks! All praise!
You made me wise and strong.
And now You've shown us what we asked for.
You've solved the king's mystery." (Dan. 2:20-23)

5. Understand that sometimes it's not about you: Can you imagine Daniel's confidence, swagger even, when he goes back to the attending guard and tells him to call off the execution and to take him to see the King. He tells the guard he knows the interpretation of the dream (Dan. 2:24)! The Bible says that the guard ran to the King with Daniel (Dan. 2:25). In my minds eye, I see the guard breathless after running, hunched over with his hands on his knees, and barely able to get a word out.

Conversely, Daniel is barely winded. Remember, he's in ten times better shape. But I digress. Daniel prefaces interpreting the dream with telling the King no human can solve the mystery of his dream. Only God can do that. He further tells the King that the interpretation didn't come through him because he is smarter than others, but because God the Revealer is showing the King the future. And the King needs to know the role his kingdom will play in that future (Dan. 2:27-30). It's not about Daniel, and he properly puts the dream and its interpretation in its Sitz im Leben-its broader perspective.

Because of these steps, Daniel's life, the lives of his comrades and the King's wise men were spared. Additionally, the King promoted him to one of the highest positions in the Babylonian government.

Cedric Dent
www.take6.com

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Cedric Dent is a baritone vocalist in Take 6 and an accomplished producer and music arranger. Dr. Dent is a professor of Music at Middle Tennessee State University. He studied at the University of Michigan (B.M., Vocal Music Education), University of Alabama (M.M., Music Theory/Arranging), and the University of Maryland (Ph.D., Music Theory).

To our Friends in Beautiful Japan,

Our hearts break as we view the pictures of the horrible devestation you are experiencing over in your homeland. Please understand that the earthquake, tsunami and other threats are not only felt there, but in our souls and around the world.

It is no secret that we, the members of Take 6, have a special bond and relationship with Japan, our second home. For many years you have been our family, and we love you. At this point, we are not sure of the best way to help, but we will offer our prayers to God on your behalf. He knows all and sees all.

We are looking forward to seeing you soon in Tokyo. God Bless you, Peace and Happiness to your homes.

Alvin Chea
On Behalf of Take 6

Since the untimely death of Michael Jackson, you would have had to be living under a rock to miss the media's nonstop coverage of his life and career. NPR's "All Things Considered" posed the following question to its listeners, "what were MJ's three most brilliant songs?" Perhaps a better question is, "can you find two people who would agree on the three most brilliant Michael Jackson songs?"

After pondering this question, I came up with what I believe to be three of the most brilliant. Of course this is just one person's opinion. I'd love to get your answers to this question too.

Rock With You (from the LP, "Off the Wall"), 1979

This song is brilliant because of so many things that were done well from songwriting to production, arranging to Michael's performance. First, it tapped into what was hot in pop culture at the time. There was a dance out at that time called The Rock." Quincy Jones, the album producer, asked Rod Temperton (the song's composer) to create a song about "The Rock." And speaking of songwriting, Rod Temperton is one of my favorite pop songwriters of all time! He wrote three songs for "Off the Wall" - the album's title track, "Burn this Disco Out" and of course "Rock With You." While discussing Rod's songwriting, Quincy Jones once said, "it is beyond human... it makes a divine connection." I agree, particularly when it comes to melody, chord progression and bass lines. Listen to, for example, "Baby, Come to Me" from Patti Austin's "Every Home Should Have One" LP (1981); "Mystery" from Manhattan Transfer's "Bodies and Souls" LP (1984); the title track from George Benson's "Give Me the Night" LP (1980); the three songs he penned for Michael's "Thriller" LP (1982) - "Baby Be Mine", "Lady in My Life" and the title track; "Always and Forever" from Heatwave's "Too Hot to Handle" LP (1976); and "The Groove Line" from Heatwave's "Central Heating" LP (1977).

Man in the Mirror (from the LP, "Bad"), 1987

This song has one of the most inspiring messages of all of Michael's recorded works. When the single was released, I vividly recall a young lady who was severely over weight losing over 100 pounds and changing her outlook on life as a direct result of this song! And again, as with "Rock With You," the level of arranging and production is stellar. Quincy Jones has a knack for summoning the perfect musicians for every aspect of every song he produces. For instance, André Crouch is as good as it gets when it comes to gospel-style vocal arranging and his contribution to this track perfectly compliments its inspirational message.

I'll Be There (from the Jackson 5's "Third Album"), 1970

Though not from any of Michael's solo recordings, it might as well have been. It was the most successful single ever released by the Jackson 5 and Michael continued to perform it live throughout his solo career. I'm also partial to this song because it was recorded for Motown Records. I'm from the original Motown - Detroit, MI. Need I say more? But also, Michael leads this song, and at 12 years old his singing was beyond his years. It was as emotive and nuanced as the singing of his adult years. Some would argue that he was actually a better singer as a child. Put another way, Michael's growth in the areas of stage presence and dancing throughout his career is easily observable. It's not as obvious with his singing, which was always mature beyond his years. You be the judge.

So what are your picks for Michael Jackson's three most brilliant songs?

Cedric Dent
www.take6.com

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Cedric Dent is a baritone vocalist in Take 6 and an accomplished producer and music arranger. Dr. Dent is a professor of Music at Middle Tennessee State University. He studied at the University of Michigan (B.M., Vocal Music Education), University of Alabama (M.M., Music Theory/Arranging), and the University of Maryland (Ph.D., Music Theory).

Joey vs. Merv

If you know anything about group dynamics, you probably know that keeping a band together for as long as TAKE 6 has been together (over twenty years professionally) is nothing short of a miracle. Marking 1987-the year that TAKE 6 signed its first commercial recording contract-as the year our professional career began, it's perhaps even more remarkable that we've only experienced one member change along the way. Again, this is by divine appointment and no one understands this more than the six of us. In fact, I often tell the guys that I believe TAKE 6 exists first for OUR eternal salvation, and secondarily for the salvation of others.

In 1991, Joel Kibble replaced Mervyn Warren and sparked a debate among our fans that continues unabated today. The debate concerns whether TAKE 6 is better or worse since the change in membership. This is a complex question that requires a nuanced answer. Ultimately, I'll let you be the judge. But let's take a look at the difference in their respective contributions to the band.

Merv's contribution to TAKE 6 was unique in two areas that were vitally important during the nascency of TAKE 6. Joey's contribution is just as unique but in two different areas. I have no doubt that the timing of their respective contributions was ordered by God.

The first thing that Merv brought to the band was his gift as an arranger. His gift looms large in this area. For instance, his arrangement of Ralph Carmichael's "A Quiet Place" was included on TAKE 6's first professional recording released in 1988, and is still one of the most requested songs in our repertoire. The legendary chanteuse Sarah Vaughn once told us that "A Quiet Place" became her favorite song after hearing our performance of it. When she died in 1990, we sang Merv's arrangement at her memorial service at the request of Quincy Jones who was the musical director for the ceremony.

The second contribution Merv made to TAKE 6 was his tireless work ethic and discipline. He could be a taskmaster in rehearsals, something we do much less of since his departure. Also, his ear for detail in the recording and mixing of our CDs was legendary. Arguably, the quality of our performances, both live and recorded, has suffered since Merv's departure.

Again, the timing of Joey's arrival was a stroke of divine intervention. His first contribution was raising the bar as a lead singer. His voice is one of those rare instruments oozing with natural pathos. It drips with the dew of God's anointing. I often get a lump in my throat when I hear him sing. Listen to, for example, his lead vocal on songs like "A Few More Miles," "Come On," "More than Ever," and "Shall We Gather at the River." And it was his voice that inspired the song "Over the Hill Is Home."

Joey's second contribution to TAKE 6 is as a spiritual leader. He is our designated chaplain, and our spirituality has grown exponentially since his arrival. A strong relationship with Jesus Christ is foremost for us collectively and individually, and Joey helps us remember this. In fact, without this particular contribution, other contributions are immaterial. It is as we get closer to and stay close to Christ that we develop and maintain cohesion as a band. When we put Christ in His proper place-at number one-egos are kept in check. It causes us to be sensitive to each other's needs as we strive to be more Christ-like. And when we find ourselves mired in pettiness, it's how we get unstuck. Our relationship with Christ is the secret of our longevity. Put another way, Jesus Christ is the sine qua non of our existence as a band.

So when it comes to Joey vs. Merv, both were needed to make TAKE 6 what it is today. It was part of God's master plan. Technically, that would make us "TAKE 7." And isn't it ironic that "7" is the biblical number of wholeness?

Cedric Dent

Claude McKnight speaks to Music Business Radio about the formation of Take 6, how to keep a group of 6 people together for 20+ years, the changing face of vocal music, the group's ten albums on Warner Brothers and why they left, life on an independent label, the importance of music education, touring internationally...and more!! -> LISTEN NOW!

Bible Promises

These are some of my favorites...

For the LORD your God will bless you just as He promised you; you shall lend to many... but... not borrow; you shall reign over many..., but they shall not reign over you. (Deut. 15:6)

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. (1 John 5:14-15)

... prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. (Mal. 3:10)

O taste and see that the LORD is good....
(Ps. 34:8)

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Prov. 3:5-6)

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chron. 7:14)

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (Rom. 8:35)

Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. (Ps. 30:5)

... for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (Heb. 13:5)

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isa. 40:31)

For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. (Ps. 91:11)

No weapon... formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD.... (Isa. 54:17)

Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD... for the LORD will be with you. (2 Chron. 20:17)

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. (Rev. 21:4)

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:1-3)

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (1 Thess. 4:16-17)

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. (Ps. 23:6)

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. (Jude 1:24-25)

October 5, 2010
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Releases TODAY!

iTunes (MP3)
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Concord Music Group (CD)
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Best Buy (CD)
Rhapsody (MP3)

It might be the parties. Or maybe it's the roasting of chestnuts. Or the caroling out in the snow. Whatever the reason, most people consider the holiday season to be the most wonderful time of the year. That's certainly the case among the members of Take 6, the a cappella group that has been mixing elements of jazz, gospel, R&B and vintage doo-wop for nearly 25 years. Winners of 10 GRAMMY® Awards, 10 Dove Awards, one Soul Train Award and two NAACP Image Awards, the group has made an indelible musical and cultural mark in the past quarter century - whatever the season.

Every member of this brilliant vocal team - Claude McKnight III, Mark Kibble, Joel Kibble, David Thomas, Dr. Cedric Dent and Alvin Chea - has held onto fond childhood memories of the holidays and made them a part of their adult lives. The timeless magic is very much a part of the their new holiday CD, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, a collection of seasonal favorites that are as heartwarming as a crackling fire and a festooned evergreen.

The primary objective in the making of the album was to create a sense of familiarity, says McKnight, who founded Take 6 in the '80s with some classmates from Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama. "We wanted all the songs on this album to be the kind that people would hear and say, 'Oh, yeah, I sing that at Christmas time,'" he says. "We each picked songs that we sing with our families every year at the holidays... We just wanted to make a record that would, for most people, just put out a really cool, all-around Christmas vibe."

Mark Kibble, who arranged six of the album's ten tracks, focused on keeping things simple, yet incorporating some of the harmonic spin that has become the Take 6 trademark. "The basic idea was to just let the Christmas melody ring through, and present it in a way that's interesting but still familiar," he says. "You shouldn't have to bend your ear too hard to enjoy a Christmas song. It should take you right back to those early Christmases when you were a child."

In the end, says Kibble, accessibility was the overriding objective in crafting these holiday tracks. "We wanted to record songs that were simple enough so that anybody listening could follow the melodies and sing along," he says, "and yet still be ourselves and give a little bit of the harmonic backdrop that Take 6 is known for."

This holiday season, when there's much mistloeing and hearts are glowing when loved ones are near, sit back with Take 6 and enjoy The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.

Welcome to the new Take6.com! We've been working on this website for months and are so excited to finally show it to you!

Take a look around and be sure to check out all the new features. We are starting a weekly live chat to get to know YOU! Info will be posted on the homepage regarding times - you won't want to miss this!

We've got a bunch of new tour dates coming up and would love to see you out at a show. Check out the tour page for all the scoop.

Don't have "The Standard" yet? Check out the merchandise page for all our stuff.

If you like what you see, let us know! Join our Facebook page, send us your comments, and follow us on Twitter!

Enjoy! : )