I remember buying this album the year it debuted and how I played it until I almost wore the grooves out. I used to be able to sing this song so flawlessly. My pipes can't quite do it anymore, but when I want to remenisce, I just go put this album on and transport back to that moment. Yep. I STILL have this album in my collection along with most of the Rufus ft. Chaka Khan and all of her solo albums as well. Great classic stuff that never gets old.
On of my all time FAV Chaka Khan songs! Chaka has a way of turning a phrase like Billie that makes it uniquely her own rendition. Not to mention her voice is like a musical instrument. I STILL have and STILL play this Album! It just never get's old.
I love all the positive comments here. And Willie Jordan I really have to tag on to what you said. Yes Chaka does fall on the great lists of artists such as Billie, Ella, and Sarah and the other greats. Let the haters hate but we all know that Chaka is one of the greatest. And like one of the commenters mentioned they did this album in a couple of takes. That is pure and organic vocals from Chaka. The whole band was great and just took her under their wings. Chaka also made history with this album. In 1984 Chaka was nominated for 5 Grammy awards. 2 were from her eponymous Chaka Khan album, 2 I believe were with Rufus and 1 for the Echoes of an Era album. She won 3 Grammys that year 1 with Rufus for Ain’t Nobody, 2 for her Chaka Khan album. The Echoes of an Era didn’t win but to be nominated right off the bat with a pure straight up jazz album for the first time for her is incredible. Look at the company she was nominated with in the jazz category. We are really talking about some big time heavy jazz hitters. They even complimented Chaka big time on her feat. Also I think the Grammys really gave her respect of her doing jazz altogether with the Echoes of an Era nomination though it didn’t win like I said but she won for a jazz song and that was for best vocal arrangement for 2 or more voices for Be Bop Melody on her Chaka Khan album. So it all came back around to her lovely. So let the haters hate because we the true Chaka fans know the real deal.
One of my favorite vinyl LP’s of all times. I dedicate Echoes Of An Era to my granddaughter. Born months early into the Swiftie #ERA; and in the Swiftie NICU. #MuchLove: AAJW! ❤
I've just put up Sarah Vaughan's, Carmen McRae's and Chaka Khan's version / arrangement of this song on my Smooth Jazz Sunday FB spot...I enjoy hearing the different interpretations of certain songs. Thank you for the upload, TheCmelmoneyman. Blessings...
2020: My very first exposure to Ms. Khan's singing jazz was hearing I'LL BE AROUND and DON'T GO TO STRANGERS . . . I had slept on this one . . . thanks for posting!
I really love this album. I wish it had done more back when it was released so that perhaps Ms. Khan would have felt encouraged to record more songs in this genre. I believe that she could be one of the all-time greats in this vein. Along with people like Billie, Ella, Sassy and Carmen.
I want to see Ms. Khan at the Universal Amphitheater in the 70s, and her magical performances are forever in my heart. Absolutely beyond compare, the BEST vocalist I have EVER heard. Thank you so much, Ms.Khan.
In the great tradition of singers who could sing R&B and Jazz with equal alacrity.. Dinah Washington, Aretha, Natalie Cole...and right after Chaka comes Ledisi. Complete singers...So called fans who aren't intersted in hearing Chaka sing jazz are tragically the losers
Two of my favorite performers, Chick and Chaka performing my favorite piece. But neither brought anything special to it for me, pretty below average rendition. Their ability and artistry was superb but the song is really lack luster.
Sorry Chaka Khan, this sucks, your Sarah Vaughan imitation isn't working. There's only one of each of you, stick to who you are you're both great in your own world
You're right it would suck if it were a Sarah Vaughan imitation. But since it's not...I'll take it. As a fan I would be saddened if Chaka limited herself to "her own world". I'm hoping she does more of this in her later years. By the way, Betty Carter agrees with me. I know this because she told me so when I met her at the Blue Note in NYC. We were both there to see Chaka do a jazz set...I'm sure glad that happened.
