Take 6 say artists must keep evolving

The vocal group Take 6 says artists must keep evolving and questioning themselves as they prepare to perform in Tallinn tonight, ERR’s Ringvaade reported. The group will share the stage with the Holger Marjamaa Trio.

Pianist Holger Marjamaa said he has recently worked more in Europe and written music in Estonia. Take 6 member Khristian Dentley first contacted him about three years ago after Marjamaa’s Hammond organ videos went viral among gospel musicians. Dentley invited him to guest on the group’s new album, and they will perform their collaboration, “Blue Skies,” in Estonia.

Marjamaa said he grew up listening to Take 6, whose Christmas album belonged to his mother. Hearing the group’s harmonies, groove and arrangements as a child opened the door to gospel music for him. Dentley said he was impressed when he came across Marjamaa’s playing on Instagram. The two later discovered they had met years earlier at a church in Times Square, New York.

Take 6, which began performing in the 1980s, has also worked with Quincy Jones, Ella Fitzgerald, Whitney Houston, Herbie Hancock and Stevie Wonder. The group has visited Estonia before, including a performance at Kaarli Church, and last came to the country in 2024 with Jacob Collier.

Bass singer Alvin Chea said the group’s shared love of music brings it back to Estonia. He recalled learning about the country’s strong choral tradition and said that singing together was also at the heart of Take 6. The group began as an a cappella ensemble, later adding instruments. Chea said its members continue to revisit old ideas and try new things, while asking themselves who they are and what they know about themselves.

Take 6’s next album, “Rhapsody,” is due early next year and will include “Blue Skies” with Marjamaa. Dentley, who produced the track, said he felt it needed more groove and realised Marjamaa’s piano was what was missing.