It doesn’t seem possible considering how consistently good they are, but this vocal a cappella group keeps getting better. While many performers’ voices falter with age, Take 6’s vocals have a greater sense of blend and a fuller timbral resonance. While they have always tiptoed around jazz in the creation of their individually oriented gospel and soul sound, the sextet fully jumps into jazz with The Standard. Combining the smoothness of Manhattan Transfer with the hipness of New York Voices, this release showcases a truly new jazz-influenced approach for the ensemble.

Highlights include an amazing rendition of Miles Davis’ “Seven Steps To Heaven.” The slightly R&B-inflected version of Gershwin’s “Someone To Watch” never loses its jazz fashion and Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” gets new life with a killer swing arrangement.