Take Eight

Jazzy vocal group with combo

Vocal jazz group 'Take Eight' from Mierlo is formed by eight singers (four ladies and four gentlemen), hence the name, is accompanied by a combo with piano/guitar/bass guitar and drums, and is led by Ruud van Vlerken. The group is unique in the region because of its choice of repertoire.

This repertoire includes: from beautiful arrangements by the most renowned vocal groups in the world: Manhattan Transfer and New York Voices. How high the moon/ Desafinado/ Charleston Alley/ Corner pocket come straight from the traditional jazz repertoire. From the contemporary repertoire, the playlist includes Painted on Canvas (Gregory Porter) and Sinking soon (Norah Jones). In addition, songs by Paul Simon (One man's ceiling) and Stevie Wonder (I wish) are also performed with a jazzy sauce. Nice swinging up-tempo songs with exciting accompaniment from the band alternate with beautiful slow a cappella songs.

With this repertoire, 'Take Eight' is unique in this region. “We try to keep the sound intimate, which makes the beautiful harmonies stand out even better”. Ruud is very enthusiastic about the entire group. “Each and every one of them can hold their own as a soloist”. Due to the many solo changes, the variety in style and tempo, the quality, the experience and pleasure of the group itself, and certainly because the combo complements the whole with beautiful solo work, a performance is a pleasure to experience for anyone who loves polyphonic vocal jazz.

Made possible by the sponsors of Theater De Hofnar.