First Take ... is a Boston area based jazz ensemble led by Bassist/Guitarist Larry Jackson and Vocalist Penni Layne. Formed in 2005, they perform frequently in the New England area. Their current line up as a quintet includes Damon Carter on piano, Johan Narsjo on guitar, and Ricardo Nhuch on drums. However, they play in a variety of configurations, from vocal/guitar duo to full quintet. Their repretoire a includes a mixture of originals, standards and even a few jazz arrangements of popular songs.

First Take released it's debut CD, "Like Christmas" in 2005 featuring nine traditional holiday classics and one original composition. Recently, two of these recordings, including the original, were signed for distribution in Europe. Their newest recording, "This Time", was released on 12/12008

Some performance highlights for 2008 have included an opening set at a private event with Sir Elton John and various corporate functions for clients such as Raytheon, Angel Flight, and Christopher's Haven. They also have a summer residency on Monday nights at the beautiful Waquassett Inn on the Cape.