Mark Kibble: Harmony, Purpose, and a Lifetime of Listening

On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with Mark Kibble of Take 6, a group whose music has been part of my life since the very beginning of my musical journey.   We start with a full-circle moment, me seeing Take 6 live as a teenager, and now getting to sit down and talk with Mark about his career, his process, and the music that continues to inspire him.We begin with his work on Pat Metheny's latest project, in which Mark contributed vocal arrangements that add an entirely new dimension to Pat's sound. Mark walks through the process, receiving tracks, interpreting harmonic language, and building a choir sound that fits seamlessly into a complex musical landscape.   From there, we zoom out and talk about what it means to be a collaborator, how Mark approaches working with other artists, what he listens for, and how he balances his own voice with the music's needs. His perspective is simple but profound: it's not about him. It's about making the music better.We spend time reflecting on the longevity of Take 6, how a group can stay together for decades, navigate challenges, and still maintain both musical excellence and deep personal relationships. Mark shares that their foundation goes far beyond music; it's rooted in purpose, faith, and a genuine commitment to each other as family.  We also talk about influence, how artists like Jacob Collier are carrying the torch forward, and how meaningful it is to see a new generation connect with the music that Take 6 has been making for decades.There are some great moments of reflection, too, working with legends like Joe Sample, collaborating with Lalah Hathaway, and the challenge (and joy) of continuing to grow as a vocalist over time.  We also get into vocal health, longevity, and what it takes to sustain a career at the highest level—physically, mentally, and creatively.This is a conversation about harmony in every sense of the word: musical, personal, and spiritual.Key TakeawaysMark Kibble breaks down how he approached arranging vocals for Pat Metheny's latest project.He shares why collaboration is about serving the artist—not showcasing yourself.The longevity of Take 6 is rooted in purpose, faith, and treating each other like family.Mark reflects on the group's influence on artists like Jacob Collier.Great arranging is about fitting into the music—not competing with it.Vocal longevity requires discipline, rest, and learning how to pace yourself.Coaching others reinforced the importance of finding your own authentic voice.Music from the EpisodeBiggest Part of Me - Take 6Don't Look Down - Pat MethenyU-Turn - Joe Sample with Take 6Someday We'll All Be Free - Take 6 with Lalah HathawayCome Unto Me - Take 6About the PodcastThe Bandwich Tapes is my chance to sit down with musicians, composers, and creative artists for honest conversations about the craft, the process, and the stories behind the music. It's about digging deeper—into how great music gets made and the people who make it.Connect with the ShowEmail: [email protected]