Chaka Khan - ClassiKhan
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CD Details
Artist: Chaka KhanEdition: Music CD
CD Release Date: 2004-10-05
Music Label: Music World
Soundtracks:
- Hey Big Spender
- Hazels Hips
- The Best Is Yet To Come
- Crazy
- I'm In The Mood For Love
- Is That All There Is
- Stormy Weather
- Round Midnight
- Teach Me Tonight
- To Sir With Love
- Diamonds Are Forever
- Goldfinger
- I Believe
Music reviews of ClassiKhan
Music Review: Sheer, "Unfathomable" Genius With Big Hair
Rating: 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
Description of ClassiKhan
This new Chaka album is a superb collection of standards, sure to be a coveted treasure for decades to come. She delivers beautiful renditions of such classics as "Round Midnight", "To Sir With Love", "I'm In The Mood For Love", & "Stormy Weather", adding her own special brand of vocal expertise to each song.Dance & DJ CDs
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