Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on January 2012

Claude McKnight’s a cappella group returns to its undying Japanese fans for club dates as well as a Valentine’s Day concert at Triphony Hall with the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra. Formed at Oakwood University in Alabama, Take 6 scored ten Grammys between 1988 and 2002, working with the likes of Stevie Wonder and Whitney Houston. Their latest was 2010’s Christmas album The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, while 2008’s The Standard won them plaudits for its interpretations of jazz classics.

Blue Note Tokyo, Feb 11-12; Triphony Hall, Feb 14 (listing).