The great Chaka Khan
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Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — Chaka Khan
mikel3363 — 21 years ago(September 23, 2004 12:38 AM)
Chaka Khan is one of the modern greats and one of my all-time favorite singers! I had the pleasure of catching her at TRAMPS in NYC in December of '94. It was the second show of the night; I was about 20 -25 feet from the stage, standing in the crowd. She was awesome, and such a musical singer, not merely doing covers of her songs.
When I listen to her work with Rufus and her 1st four solo albums, I am always struck by her interpretations of the songs. The way she colors and modulates her voice, her phrasing, her musical instinct and character are vivid, intelligent and indelible. The words of the lyrics, the meanings, the subtexts all come alive. Not to mention the famous high notes she emits. The voice is a thrilling instrument; her singing encompasses the styles of gospel, soul, rock, jazz, opera. Stunning!
Favorite Chaka songs:
I'M EVERY WOMAN
MOVE ME NO MOUNTAIN
PACK'D MY BAGS
CLOUDS
YOU GOT THE LOVE
ANY OLD SUNDAY
FEEL GOOD
ALL NIGHT'S, ALL RIGHT
GOT TO BE THERE
NOTHING'S GONNA TAKE YOU AWAY
WE CAN WORK IT OUT
I FEEL FOR YOU
MY DESTINY
SWEET THING
WHAT CHA GONNA DO FOR ME
SOME LOVE
(PLEASE PARSON ME) YOU REMIND ME OF A FRIEND
ROLL ME THROUGH THE RUSHES
HOLLYWOOD
SWING DOWN CHARIOT
PAPILLON (HOT BUTTERFLY)
I'M A WOMAN (I'M A BACKBONE)
Favorite albums:
RUFUSIZED
NAUGHTY
WHAT CHA GONNA DO FOR ME
BLESSINGS OF LOVE TO CHAKA KHAN !!! I absolutely love this woman ! -
crisso — 21 years ago(September 24, 2004 08:04 AM)
Absolutely! Chaka has always been one of my favourite singers. Her talent for using her wondrous voice to show the feelings and emotions of a song is unparalleled (I think she even surpasses Aretha in that field) especially when compared to the likes of Mariah, Whitney, Beyonce etc who seem more concerned with showing off thir vocal ability. My favourite Chaka album is 1982's Chaka Khan (which is the only one never reissued on CD!) but then I love all her stuff, even material which isn't up to much is made listenable by the great Miss Khan.
Not only is Chaka an amazing talent but she seems like the most down to earth of people which really increases her appeal for me. I'm really looking forward to some new matrial from this legend not to mention reading her autobiography (although it's been out for months, I still haven't bought a copy!).
Chaka Khan - A true great.
Crisso -
mikel3363 — 21 years ago(September 24, 2004 12:38 PM)
I actually have the 1982 "CHAKA KHAN" album on CD. I believe I bought it in NYC back in the mid 90s. I know it is available; mine is a Japanese import (the booklet/lyrics printed in both Japanese and English). For me, that is her last, all around "good" studio album.
Good luck obtaining itperhaps through Amazon.com, Tower Records, or some other vendor
Years ago, I knew three seperate individuals who had known and/or worked with Chaka (two were session players in the biz at one time). She is greatly respected by musicians, and one remarked that she is a great cook. I am heartened that she is past her drug years (hopefully). I have gleaned that she is a complex, highly sensitive person (one would have to be to pull out such passion, artistry and deep soul).
I turn to Aretha and Gladys when I need to feel deep, subjective emotions; with Chaka, when I want to feel charged up. I can't really explain it; it is almost a sexual/sensual feeling with Chaka. I do marvel at her interpretive mastery of the songs! ("Pack'd My Bags" is a great example)
Best Wishes !