Product Description

Chaka Khan is backed by a nicely understated jazz combo andthe subtly seductive strings of the London Symphony Orchestra on this finely tuned set of classic jazz standards and pop tunes. Though Khan is not best known for her laid-back approach to the vocal arts, here she displays both taste and restraint. The track list runs the gamut of styles, from Willie Nelson's country classic "Crazy", here given a Ray Charles-style makeover, to the macabre "Is That All There Is", bestknown in its Peggy Lee interpretation. However, Khan shows her true mettle on the twin James Bond themes of "Diamonds Are Forever" and "Goldfinger", giving the British belter Shirley Bassey a run for her money with incendiary versions of both songs. Elsewhere, Khan's jazzy rendition of the Lulu hit"To Sir with Love" demonstrates both her elastic vocal prowess and her continuing ability to hit some stratospheric high notes. Classy, romantic, and lushly orchestrated, CLASSIKHAN reveals Chaka Khan's mature vocal talents at a peak.

Track Listing

1. Hey Big Spender
2. Hazel Hips
3. Best Is Yet To Come
4. Crazy
5. I'm In The Mood For Love
6. Is That All There Is
7. Stormy Weather
8. Round Midnight
9. Teach Me Tonight
10. To Sir With Love
11. Diamonds Are Forever
12. Goldfinger
13. I Believe

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #59207 in Music
• Released on: 2007-12-10
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .23 pounds

Customer Reviews

A natural transition.......
As a lifetime Chakaholic, I was eagerly awaiting this LSO accompanied release by one of the, if not the greatest vocalists of our generation.

"Classikhan" is a take on some of Chaka's favourite songs since her childhood.

Songs such as "Teach Me Tonight", "I'm In The Mood For Love", "Crazy" and "Round Midnight", all covered so frequently, become Chaka's own - her indelible stamp is sealed on each take.

Her versions of "Hey Big Spender" (the opener), "Goldfinger" & "Diamonds Are Forever" will have Dame Shirley gleefully doing the conga around Tiger Bay.

For those who have doubts about Chaka's continuing ability to hit those notes and deliver, there is no need for concern.

Her voice is in fabulous form and she hits notes that most of todays so-called soul singers would dream of.

Her take on the beautiful "To Sir With Love" is astonishing, with the LSO string arrangements in part sounding uncannily like Clare Fischer's arrangements on some of the classic Rufus & Chaka Khan tracks from the 70's.

One new track, "I Believe", co-written by Chaka is a lyrically moving ballad featuring some deft piano accompaniment and fits perfectly into this classic album.

In the UK, the lack of publicity surrounding this release means that it is arriving on the scene far too gently.......this should be storming the classier radio stations ensuring that the world's greatest soul singer is once again recognised for the immense and invaluable contribution she has made to today's music scene.

This compelling release further substantiates Chaka's standing at the very top.

Buy it..............this is class!!!!!!!

ClassiKhan

Some of the cover versions on this album really are great! its good to here the diversity in Chaka`s voice. The musical arrangement of the songs seems well thought out and very enjoyable, i personally love her version of LuLu`s "to sir with love" and both of the Bassey numbers.

CLASSIC!!!
I always knew Chaka Khan could sing anything and everything, but this album is a REAL eye-opener!!!!!!

Just for a change, we have Chaka's voice out in front and the orchestra behind her. Her covers of the James Bond themes knocked me for six!!!

I can't stop playing this album!!!