As you shuffle through the hordes at Penney’s and shoulder your way to the checkout counter with so many shopping days left until Christmas, Take 6 is here to remind us what this holiday is all about. As they said in concert here last October, “We’re going to church.” And every soul-drenched note that pours out of these righteous singers is enough to make a believer out of the most devout atheist. Their perfect harmonies vibrate in the ear but reach much deeper within. They sing as one voice: intonation, dynamics and vibrate in perfect synch. The bass acts as a bass guitar, singing walking lines and imitating the sharp slap of an electric. The mid-range voices punctuate the harmony with horn-like arrangements echoing and answering the soul-bared soloist.

This album is just in time to bring some much-needed freshness to an otherwise stale musical season, with new arrangements to the well-worn songs. It opens with a peaceful soul version of “Silent Night,” with slow, vocalized chords in the background. “Away in a Manger” and “The Little Drummer Boy” each have a slow groove background with the melodies fitting loosely over the top. “Drummer Boy” goes into a percussive African chant, the slow melody running contrary over that. “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “O Come All Ye Faithful” are given traditional treatments with straight melodies and beautifully pure harmonies. “‘Twas Da Nite” is a fast-spoken rap of the old tale of St. Nick over accompaniment. “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” is a more commercial venture, teaming the 6 up with the Yellowjackets of fusion fame. It starts as a pop-fusion ballad saved by the deeply soulful vocals, then breaks into an a capella round, ending with a fusion sax solo.