MUSIC REVIEW : A Cappella Masters Take 6 Bring Along the Band to House of Blues

A cappella pop rarely calls for the use of blaring sax solos and a driving funk groove. But the vocal group Take 6 was ready enough for that challenge Monday night at the House of Blues, performing its soft gospel-jazz-soul mix with the help of a full band.

Using a band was no surprise, though, since the group does it on the new “Join the Band” album. Those warm and silky harmonies were forever safe within arrangements that were never overwhelmed by the six backing musicians, whether they were playing light jazz or a rousing gospel number.

Dressed in matching earth-tones, the singers of Take 6 were amiable hosts, gently ribbing one another and the crowd. While this Grammy Award-winning vocal sextet is as slick and non-threatening as anything else on the easy-listening airwaves, the finesse and power of those voices was undeniable in the live setting--free from the aid of studio gadgetry.

The group really showed off its vocal skills during a performance of “4 Miles” from the new album. Accompanied only by piano, they virtually re-created the muted horn and other bop sounds from “Kind of Blue”-era Miles Davis. That may have just been another crowd-pleasing vocal demonstration, but it also indicated Take 6 isn’t ready to abandon the old vocal tradition that launched its career.