Chaka Khan - ClassiKhan
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Free Music Notes for ClassiKhan
Free Music Review: Simply - OUTSTANDING!!!!!
Hit: 5 Stars
This DVD is a must. It's nice and easy accompanied with classic material and VERY CHAKA... what a combination! - Brilliant!Free Music Review: Sheer, "Unfathomable" Genius With Big Hair
Hit: 4 Stars
After reading some of these latest Khan perspectives I had to say something, as a musicologist, a retired professional musician, and a thinking [Black] human being.
Chaka Khan, among those open to getting beyond social biases, assumptions, a manipulative media and a racist/superficial musical industry, is easily recognized as a creative musical genius, who despite her self (especially her past self) is a brilliant, profoundly influential brick in the architecture of music, all music. Especially music originating from People of African descent (which is dam**d there all American music, or music that occurs where ever Africans have been in the world). Unlike Regina Bell (who I mention only because of recent comparisons) whose influence is very limited, and everybody else who has appeared since Chaka has been on the scene, there is sangin' and the making of music BC, and sangin' and the making of music AC: Before Chaka (BC) and After Chaka (AC). That's just the way it is.
I'm not simply interested in critiquing 'Classikhan' in and of itself (though I think the album contains contemporary versions of Chakified genius, and moments of musical fear and apprehension, and some fun moments with Khan. But, more than anything it contains the rare courage and boldness of a musical adventurer, risk-taker and marvel. Along with, for example "Diamonds" where her genius is on full display, there is "Teach Me Tonight" and a [very] few others that have moments of apprehension (which some consider an uninspired moment). Yet and still, brilliance lurks within every moment.
Unlike almost every other singer from the era Khan began as a known talent, Chaka is not just a singer, Chaka is a language. You ain't sangin' background vocals right if Chaka's flavor is absent, let alone the lead voice. Khan is a key part of Black music and music in general. She is a factor in the technology of serious singing. The comparison to Regina Belle, etc. in some of the reviews of Chaka Khan was nerve wrecking. Sure, we are all allowed our tastes, but comments out of, or with little contexts are just difficult for me to muster.
I haven't heard Regina's album. I'm hearing good reviews, and no doubt it's nice. But it's ludicrous to compare her to Chaka. Chaka is the ONLY well know singer who can convincingly sang (the heck out of) any kind of music. And in the funk arena (and I mean real funk i.e. George Clinton, Larry Graham, Bootsy Collins, Stevie Wonder, Sly Stone, Parliament, James Brown), no woman, and few men compare to Khan when it comes to sangin' funk or funky -- period. She's beyond compare when it comes to being a fusion artist, meaning, again, she can sing anything. Regina Belle, Peggy Lee, even greats (and geniuses) like Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughn (uncomparable jazz singers), etc. cannot or could not. In that context, when listening to the mostly superb "Round Midnight" or "Porgy I love You", or "GoldFinger" this is the SAME singer that brilliantly "through down" on "Ain't Nobody," "Packed my Bags" and "So Not To Worry" (which is a performance dripping with so much of Khan's musicality (both female background and lead vocals) and genius, I wanna pinch her every time I see her).
Most people cannot do what Chaka Khan can. Even Anita Baker (also ironically recently compared to Khan) spoke of how so many singers including her; almost hurt themselves trying to emulate the ingenious, amazing and profoundly influential Chaka Khan. Incredible and noted bassist extraordinaire Anthony Jackson (who is to bass what Chaka is to singing) said in a 'Bass Player' magazine interview, "I've worked with countless singers (including Barbara Streisand, Teena Marie, The Ojays, Roberta Flack, Pheobe Snow, etc.) from divas to bicycle pumps, and none has been able to gather and harness such powerful creative forces as Chaka."
Khan is a source, in some instances THE source. As a singer/musician Khan is not a mutt (like most of her "peers"), but a thoroughbred and creative force. We currently live in a dumbed down society where one can actually read a high profiled review, i.e. L.A. Times newspaper, and hear a "musical critic" say Mary J. Blige's version of "Sweet Thing" is better than Khan's. Now that's ignorance on a stick! But it was published.
Sure there are other talented singers, some who do their thing quite well, but Chaka Khan is the biggest musical influence of her era. She is a language that is timeless.
After listening to Classikhan, listen to, for example, "We Can Work It Out" or "Best In The West." Discover this woman's extraordinary versatility. In context, all you can say is - Da*n!
While, over the years, she has revealed to those of us who have watched and cared, that's she's human, her voice is not.
Buy Chaka's latest album, you will realize why Prince as a youngster fooled Khan into coming to his studio, as he posed as (the impeccable) Sly Stone. For the integrity of it, be supportive of what seems to be a dying art -- Talent! Khan and Classikhan is a embodiment of that phenomenon.
Cleo
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: Nice, 4 Stars
ClassiKhan, Chaka's latest outing of standards is really like a breath of fresh air. Interestingly enough, the title is rather misleading for diehard Chaka fans would be expecting smooth, funky, grooves, that she is known far and wide for. But her jazz afinity/expertise has always been relegated to the back burner for obviously commercial and unforgivably negative reasons.Chaka is one of the all-time premiere vocalists and it is terribly unfair to pigeonhole her or any other artist for that matter whose craft transcends cateogrization.
This is a wonderful, jazzy set of standards that true music aficianados will readily appreciate as well as enjoy. There are no surprises here in terms of vocal performance - Chaka can get as smoky, and sensual, and exhilarating as anyone out there and she is more than capably backed up by the London Symphony Orchestra no less. On a very good sound system, this is the bomb! Top-notch production which gives you the feeling of being in a grand concert hall with Chaka blowing you away while you sip luxuriously on your favorite cocktail and enjoy a good cigarette.
The only complaint I have is the choice of selections. Chaka put out a jazz album in the early days with Chick Corea and Ron Carter which is ample evidence that she can indeed carry a jazz standards album with absolutely no problem. Even some of her R&B stylings indicate an enormous range. As a matter of fact, the whole time I listened to this I was reminded when Aretha did the very same thing releasing Soul 69, quite possibly her best Atlantic recording. This was an album of standards as well with Aretha literraly blowing you away with smoky renditions of blues and jazz cuts, but with an earthier selection. Diana Ross did the same when she recorded Lady Sings the Blues which I believe helped her find her true voice.
While Chaka's rendition of Stomy Weather is deep, her reading of To Sir With Love inspired and her interpretation of Teach Me Tonight is quite simply superb, one has to wonder why she felt the urge to include TWO James Bond themes. The CD ends with a beautiful ballad she penned, showcasing again, what we just love about Miss Chaka.
In the final analysis, there are some artists who deserve to be at least noticed no matter what you may think of the product. Moreover, an artist of Chaka's stature is forever adding to their body of work - it is futile to try to put a finger on the "best thing an artist has done" but rather, revel in the next level of the art form.
If you are familiar with jazz standards and appreciate the musicality of this genre, you will be quite pleased..
Free Music Review: A Standard Above the Rest
Hit: 4 Stars
Here Chaka delivers to her fans and newcomers something fresh in terms of jazzy/pop standards backed by The London Symphony Orchestra who seem to infer her every twist and turn. Her interpretation of such familiar staples as "Hey Big Spender causes the contemporary enthusiasts to appreciate the jazzy "Big Band" sound. Can't you just see the diva in the studio shaking them hips and kicking up those hills? She delivers the sequence of songs with such ease as singing a nursery rhyme but with such conviction and familiarity as if she was born for the genre. Chaka takes a simple country and western song as "Crazy", which at one time only belonged to Patsy Cline, and slipped it unto a modern era with simplicity and style while adding her special spice. Another standout track is the smoky "Stormy Weather" in which she tackles with a force and pure delight. Lena, girl you should have tried a Chaka move. Chaka's performance is bananaz. There is no impression but an appreciation for fine music delivered through out the cd. "Teach me Tonight" brews a mixture of magnificent musical wonder. The orchestra also deserves kudos for their participation in this superb project. Where other artist may tend to over sing in certain areas of a songs, Chaka delivers each note with a rawness and a silkiness that can only be appreciated by her distinct voice. Who else can make you appreciate such songs as "To Sir with Love? After hearing her rendition it makes one long of the innocents of youth again. Like another reviewer, I wonder why the producers and Chaka felt to add two James Bond theme songs. Once again it is only the professionalism, ripeness, and history of this true stylist that causes even the novice to sit up and take notice The last song "I believe" is beautifully done and adds a classy ending. I highly recommend.