Chaka Khan - ClassiKhan
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Free Music Notes for ClassiKhan
Free Music Review: Chaka rules, but somethnig is off here...
Hit: 3 Stars
How sad that it took Chaka years & years to finally release her long-rumored "jazz" LP that's been long-postponed on various labels - I recall seeing her blow the roof off at the now-defunct STRAND in Redondo Beach in the mid-90s when she belted our MY FUNNY VALENTINE, ALFIE, and other jazz/pop standards - but here, it's too little, too late, as Chaka's heart isn't into it and she's only going through the motions - how can this be?! While the song selection is solid, the choices are way too obvious and pedestrian - and for once in her long, amazing career, Chaka's vocals are, horror of horrors, too laidback and listless, like she's being too precious/careful with her material instead of knocking it out of the park like she's always done before - Chaka the singer never sounded "safe" - but here, she sounds as if she's merely phoning it in. Which is a shame for longtime fans. Still, as a whole, you could hear a lot worse from today's alleged "singers" - and Chaka still looks stunning on the cover. So add your collection, only if you're a Chaka completist like me!Free Music Review: Some pretty convincing evidence that Chaka is no one trick pony
Hit: 4 Stars
When Chaka Khan emerged on the national music scene in the early 1970's as leader of the funk group Rufus I was not particularly impressed. Funk was never one of my favorite genres anyway so I paid little attention to the young lead singer from the south side of Chicago. Later in that decade Chaka would leave Rufus to pursue a solo career. Her debut single "I'm Every Woman" made some noise nationally and Chaka seemed to be on her way. Over the next few years Chaka would release a few albums with varying degrees of success. Finally in 1984 Chaka released her breakthrough LP "I Feel for You". The title track won a Grammy and would become one of the biggest singles of 1984. To be honest with you I have not heard a whole lot from Chaka in the two decades since. So when I happened upon the Chaka's 2004 release "Classikhan" I was curious. How would she handle this kind of material? A great many artists have attempted to make this transition and in my estimation only a handful have succeeded. It would be an interesting disc to listen to.
For me "Classikhan" has more ups than downs. The album was recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra so the music is top drawer. The disc features an eclectic mix of tunes that Chaka was anxious to record. I must say Chaka did a terrific job on the discs opening track "Hey Big Spender" from the Broadway musical "Sweet Charity". I was also impressed with her interpretation of a couple of old favorites namely "Crazy" the Willie Nelson tune original made famous by the legendary Patsy Cline and of all things "To Sir With Love". I have always loved Lulu's original version but in my estimation Chaka's is even better. The highlight of the disc would have to be Chaka's take on two James Bond movie themes "Diamonds Are Forever" and "Goldfinger" Shirley Bassey's originals were certainly a very tough act to follow but Chaka pulled it off and made these songs her own. I also enjoyed the disc's final track "I Believe" a lovely ballad that Chaka co-wrote with Ira Schickman.
There were however a couple of tunes I did not care for at all.
I did not like the arrangement of Sammy Kahn's "Teach Me Tonight" at all. I much prefer the DeCastro Sisters 1955 version or even Al Jarreau's 1981 take on this tune. I was also none too pleased with Chaka's rendition of the Harold Arlen classic "Stormy Weather". Too much screaming for my taste but to each his own.
Overall, I found "Classikhan" to be a most pleasant surprise. Chaka definitely has a future doing this kind of material. She exhibits far more talent that I ever gave her credit for. "Classikhan" comes with a great 20 page booklet that includes all the lyrics for each song as well as some great background material on Chakas long career. Recommended.
Free Music Review: Really a 3 1/2
Hit: 4 Stars
I can't believe a CK recording I can't give a full five stars to (not since the C.K. recording in the 80's)!!
I really wanted to love this one. As an artist matures, so should their material. But I think the song choice is problem number one. Most of the songs are too common, especially in this current trend of cover recordings abound.
It would have served Ms. Khan to select a little more obscure, less obvious standards. For example, some of the works of Cassandra Wilson or early Bette Midler (which is what USED TO make the Divine Miss M interesting). Songs by Tom Waits, Nina Simone, Elvis Costello, Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Marvin Gaye, Kurt Weill or Oscar Brown, Jr. might have been more challenging and of interest.
Also, Chaka's delivery on many of the tunes tend to be slightly tame or careful. I am used to her brazen, non-conforming inflections and staccato rhythms when delivering a line. Way too clean here for my taste.
Still, it is Chaka...gotta love her!!!
The songs I prefer are HEY BIG SPENDER, CRAZY, TEACH ME TONIGHT, TO SIR WITH LOVE (although still nothing touches Lulu's heartwrenching version!!), DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER and the original tune, I BELIEVE. If you are a true Chaka fan (and if you are reading this you probably are!) you should have in your collection.
In the meantime, lets hope Chaka graces us with another more funky or jazzy recording in the near future!!!
Free Music Review: Wonderful!!!!
Hit: 5 Stars
This is an absolutely wonderful recording! I came across it by accident on iTunes, downloaded a couple of tracks, then promptly ordered the CD from Amazon. I won't bore you by repeating the glowing comments left here by others. I must add however that I was stunned to read the handful of negative reviews on this site.
Here's the bottom line for anyone considering buying this CD.... 1)If you loved Chaka Khan's funky music and only want to hear her sing that type of music, DO NOT buy this CD. You will be disappointed. 2)If, however, you love Chaka Khan's vocal virtuosity, love her "Echoes of an Era" CD, appreciate a wider range of music than just funk, like Queen Latifah and Rod Stewart's recent stabs at singing standards, and like Diana Krall (even just a little), then add this to your shopping cart immediately. You will absolutely love it! Chaka can sing rings around those people I mentionned.
Free Music Review: A singer shows how to belt and handle jazz songs
Hit: 5 Stars
I have listened to a lot of singers who simply "belts", and I am also familiar with singers who sing good jazz (Cheryl Bentyne, Ann Callaway, Jane Monheit, Cleo Laine). Honestly, I really think that most of the songs in the CD does not need so much belting. Also, given the textured voice of Chaka Khan, there would definitely no need to belt. She of course, occassionally belts.
Does this CD make it not at par with good jazz albums? No!. This CD showcases how good belting (with purpose), can highlight songs. There are songs in this CD that I think would be better with less belting (e.g. Peggy Lee's Is That All there is), but overall the vocal technique is well-employed.
Good thing she is backed by a tight orchestra (London Symphony).
Chaka Khan can outbelt and outsing the best jazz and broadway can offer (e.g. Lillias White, and others). Even in her high notes, her words and notes are clear and precise. Her low notes are just divine (e.g. Teach Me Tonight).
For those looking for the Chaka Kahn who really BELTS like there is no tom, sorry to say this CD is not for you (unless you listen clearly to the song and not so much focus on the singer). If you are looking for a good jazz CD, this is definitely a good buy.
Good versions here are : The Best is Yet to Come (try to listen also to Ann Hampton Callaway's version in Signature), Teach me Tonight (Jacqui Dankworth also sang this wonderfully), To Sir With Love (just listen to the wonderful shift midway).
An aside, i though i would NOT like Goldfinger song. Surprisingly, I enjoyed it.