The Jazz Channel Presents Chaka Khan (BET on Jazz)

Starring:Chaka Khan
Studio: Image Entertainment
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
Most mainstream fans associate vocalist Chaka Khan either as the lead singer for the seminal '70s funk band Rufus or as the R&B singer who became a short-lived '80s sensation with the infectious cover of Prince's pop hit "I Feel for You." However throughout the years Khan has shown an interest in jazz as well, and this 60-minute live performance gives the artist a chance to show off her nuanced versatility by covering a handful of old jazz standards. Khan sets the evening's mood by allowing her superb band (which is not credited, unfortunately) to warm up and take individual solos on the instrumental "Dark Secret" before finally making an appearance on stage. Once she does, it's a bit shaky at first. During "Them There Eyes," she sounds tentative and nervous, but by the time she hits "My Funny Valentine," the singer hits her stride. Throughout this brief but thoroughly enjoyable set, Khan consistently picks the right spots to demonstrate that her unmistakable voice hasn't lost a thing over the years. She can still belt them out with the best of 'em. Even if they're not Chaka Khan fans, jazz loyalists will want to see this show, simply because her band powers the evening; the bass and horn playing often outshine the singer. Make no mistake: Khan is good here, but her band is better. --Dave McCoy
Description
Take a musical journey with BET On Jazz: The Jazz Channel and legendary soul diva Chaka Khan. Recorded live at Black Entertainment Television Studio II in Washington, D.C., this historic "Jazz Central" concert features the incomparable Ms. Khan interpreting jazz standards. Set list: Dark Secret, Them There Eyes, My Funny Valentine, Man From Mars, High Wire (The Aerialist), I Loves You Porgy, I'll Be Around, Reconsider, The End of a Love Affair, Love Me Still.

Amazon.com

Most mainstream fans associate vocalist Chaka Khan either as the lead singer for the seminal '70s funk band Rufus or as the R&B singer who became a short-lived '80s sensation with the infectious cover of Prince's pop hit "I Feel for You." However throughout the years Khan has shown an interest in jazz as well, and this 60-minute live performance gives the artist a chance to show off her nuanced versatility by covering a handful of old jazz standards. Khan sets the evening's mood by allowing her superb band (which is not credited, unfortunately) to warm up and take individual solos on the instrumental "Dark Secret" before finally making an appearance on stage. Once she does, it's a bit shaky at first. During "Them There Eyes," she sounds tentative and nervous, but by the time she hits "My Funny Valentine," the singer hits her stride. Throughout this brief but thoroughly enjoyable set, Khan consistently picks the right spots to demonstrate that her unmistakable voice hasn't lost a thing over the years. She can still belt them out with the best of 'em. Even if they're not Chaka Khan fans, jazz loyalists will want to see this show, simply because her band powers the evening; the bass and horn playing often outshine the singer. Make no mistake: Khan is good here, but her band is better. --Dave McCoy

Description

Take a musical journey with BET On Jazz: The Jazz Channel and legendary soul diva Chaka Khan. Recorded live at Black Entertainment Television Studio II in Washington, D.C., this historic "Jazz Central" concert features the incomparable Ms. Khan interpreting jazz standards. Set list: Dark Secret, Them There Eyes, My Funny Valentine, Man From Mars, High Wire (The Aerialist), I Loves You Porgy, I'll Be Around, Reconsider, The End of a Love Affair, Love Me Still.

Full Frame - Color - English - 5.1 Dolby Digital, 5.1 DTS

Customer Reviews:

Passive.......2005-08-17

Was very disappointed with this DVD. From the very beginning I asked myself, "Why did I order it"? It didn't have the depth of character that is Chaka Khan. It will not remain in my collection.

Someone who is looking for a more laid back sound will enjoy this one.

Dont bring Chaka out with this band again. .......2005-03-11

The reason Chaka doesnt really "shine" on this DVD is because of the band. Though they are good musicians, I think they are BET studio musicians or something. I've seen this on other BET DVDs that I own. I am pretty sure that Chaka didnt pick the band on this production. As such, I think she seems uninspired because the band doesnt give her a goal to hit. I know if you brought out members of her previous live encounters you would really have something here. She knows how to sing jazz and anybody who thinks otherwise has got rocks in their head.

Chaka Does It All!.......2004-07-17

I first saw this video on a big screen at BB King's club in Times Sq, NYC and as a CK fan, I had to own a few copies. I found it most inspiring because she sings the standards, the funk and pop tunes in her own inimitable style. Anyone who is a CK fan will love this DVD.

Also Recommended: Dee Dee Bridgewater's Keeping Tradition/ Tania Maria's Viva Brazil

Pretty Good until She fades.......2003-10-05

the show started off good&then around the middle of the show Chaka Khan just kinda went down from there.the Band was on point but Her vocals strayed&after a while it felt like She was just going through the Motions.if this Performance had have stopped early after a few songs then it would have been tight but it goes a bit to long.the Musicianship was tight throughout nevertheless.

Timeless Performance, So-So Delivery.......2003-01-30

This was a good concert. Chaka's in great voice, the backing band is hot,and the song selection / arrangements have high
creative value. However,(and I hate to say this) the one missing
ingredient I felt when watching this was Khan's little rapport with her audience. She seems shy,hiding behind all that hair. You can see the faces in the audience-she's got them eating out of the palm of her hand yet she seems oblivious to it or not engaging it. Maybe this was done when she wasn't feeling jovial or maybe she's not that emotionally involved with her audience-which is her choice . But the fire between performer and audience that makes performances really warm seems lost without that to me. In other words, it just feels like she's going through the motions. I can imagine that she still performs many dates per year and that can probably become tedious. I would still go to her live. Highlights are her reading of "Man From Mars", her mean scat on "Them Their Eyes" and her touching performance of "Love Me Still". The last song sounded sincere as if she were asking the question from her heart. And the answer is yes! Yes, Chaka we love you still!

The Jazz Channel Presents Chaka Khan [Region 2]

Average customer rating:

The Jazz Channel Presents Chaka Khan [Region 2]
Starring: Chaka Khan
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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