Customer Reviews

Ask Rufus

5 star:		(38)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This album truly represents a pinnacle for both the collective known as Rufus, as well as soul music in the mid-seventies.
Rufus and Chaka Khan had put some serious funk on vinyl before they recorded "Ask Rufus", and this album is quite a departure from their previous efforts. Much more lush and subdued than their previous recordings,Ask Rufus is sheer magic from opening cut to closing coda.
Rufus follow the lead of 70's pioneers Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder in that they made they made the transition from a "singles" band (admittedly, with some mighty fierce singles in their catalogue) to "album" band, where tracks are thought out and programmed to provide maximum pleasure to the listener. As a result, there is not one single moment of filler on this album.
The opening kick of "At Midnight (My Love Will Lift You Up)" reminds you that Rufus probably kicked funk grooves as well as any of their seventies compatriots. Surprisingly, it is the only heavy funk jam on this entire album. From track two, the incredibly beautiful Close The Door, through the end of the CD, the mood goes soft, and restraint shines brilliantly. It shows a side of Chaka rarely seen on the band's earlier performances - the ability to use that incredible voice to wow, rather than plow you over.
The two best tracks on Ask Rufus, "Everlasting Love" and "Better Days" give Chaka the chance to show off the best pipes in the industry. While many listeners have always been amazed by Ms. Khan's wailing abilities, it is her incredible talent to show bliss and pain through her voice that makes these tracks stand out.
"Hollywood", another stellar track is the kind of tune that you can easily swing and sway along with. It's impossible to sit still when this jam is playing.
"Magic In His Eyes", "Earth Song" and "Egyptian Song" also shine. Each of these tracks flow with a rhythmic smoothness that is missing in modern music.
Soul albums this good simply are not made anymore. Despite all the "neo-retro" revivalism going on in the r&b world today, there will never be another golden era of music like the mid 70's r&b age. And Ask Rufus is right at the head of the class of this entire "old skool".

This album was not only a hit with the critics but it was a major hit with the fans. This album out sold all of the other previous albums by Rufus and Chaka Khan. This album marks a period of experimentation by Khan and the group. For example, for the first time Chaka sings in a very low octave at the beginning of the song "Everlasting Love." During an interview, after the album's release, she stated that she wanted to explore the lower ranges in her voice.

This album is a classic because it includes some of their best songs like "Close The Door," "Everlasting Love," "Earth Song," "Egyptian Song." Every song on this album is excellent. Not only did this album sell a million-plus, it was nominated for a Grammy in 1978 for best R&B performance by a duo or group.

Rolling Stone member Ron Wood performed some guitar work on the album.

Overall this album is a classic because the band decided to take a chance and go in a new direction and as a lover of all kinds of music I am glad they did.

Being such a powerful presence on her own, one tends to forget that Yvette Marie Stevenson (better known as the wondrously voluptous Chaka Khan) was once a member of this top notch band. This 1977 release was a benchmark for future R&B groups to follow. From the synth intro to "At Midnight (My Love Will Lift You Up)" the band never falters. This album is that rare gem that manages to balance the key elements I look for in a 5 star recording; good lyrics, superb musicianship, a singer who actually seems proud of her voice and isn't afraid to wail her heart out, pristine sound quality, memorable hooks and last but not least, unveil something new with every listening. On these levels, "Ask Rufus" succeeds brilliantly. The ballads are all standouts; "Close The Door" is fairly straightforward until it's bridge when drummer Andre Fischer does some subtle, jazzy improvisations complemented by Bobby Watsons' supple, deep bass grooves, "Earth Song" is one of many tracks featuring the sublimely gorgeous string arrangements of Claire Fisher and evokes a relaxed, intimate feel. The hits "Everlasting Love",( one of Ms. Chaka's best vocals ever, building from a very sexy, deep throated croon to her trademark ecstatic wail) has become a quiet storm staple deservedly so, "Hollywood" is the catchiest hook on the album sung in a comfortable, confident alto and tightly harmonized on the chorus. This song also features some great guitar work by Tony Maiden (acoustic and electric that lends the track it's jazzy, highbrow feel, one listen and this tune will be in your head for days. The mellow, smoothed out vibe on "Magic In Your Eyes" is perfect bedtime listening (my brother Wilson first made me really listen to how the strings surge in the background after the second chorus) and dares you not to be relaxed while it's on. My personal favorite is the insistent, hopeful "Better Days", (Special Note: listen to how Chaka's voice melts into the synth line on the word 'ahead' in the first chorus, it's one of many little production touches that elevate this piece of music to the level of art),features great lyrics about looking forward to a long, happy relationship with the one you love. The hook is repeated several times into the fade and lingers long after song has ended. The closer, "Egyptian Song" is stunning and problably the most ambitious thing these guys have ever put on record. To put it most aptly, it's a grandiose, sweeping mini-epic highlighted by Chaka's spine-tingling vocals, and more of Ms. Fisher's string arrangements which are always in perfect taste, never obtrusive. To close a pop album with a song about your ancestry and pride is further proof that these people were willing to take chances and it paid off. In all, great music from a great, influential band and the most gifted, sexiest singer of her generation. I'm proud to call this one a classic.

This is a perfect example of the difference between old-school r&b & the r&b of today.On this album,you don't just have great singing/vocal acrobatics from one of the greatest vocalists,EVER!You also have EXTRAORDINARY MUSICIANSHIP-which you DON'T have on r&b records today.Of course,Rufus is an actual BAND,so that's the way it should be.On most r&b albums these days,actually since the 90s,there usually aren't actual instrumentalists playing behind the singer(and a lot of them can't sing,anyway),instead you have some "producer"picking out sounds from a computer-at least that's what it sounds like-to make a "track",as opposed to a song or a composition. The people who like the popular music of today couldn't handle an album like Ask Rufus.There's too much going on.
Like the interplay between the drummer,keyboardist,and the guitarist during the out of this world intro & coda of Earth Song.Its called jammin.Jammin is something that usually happens when you have a group of musicians doing what musicians are supposed to do.
Then there's the jazzy piano of Better Days or the knock you out of your seat drum fills right before the coda of Close The Door.And don't even get me started on the majestic Egyptian Song,which is indescribable,you have to hear it!
You see,in real r&b,or should I say soul,the music is just as important as the vocal.Those of us who have listened to this album,as well as classic albums by Stevie Wonder,Curtis Mayfield, & P-Funk,among others,know what guitars,pianos,horns & a drum kit are supposed to sound like.Good luck trying to find that on a Destinys Child or Mariah Carey record.

I go along with the consensus opinion on this body of work. This album, though different, possessed a little of everything on it. Funk, Soul, Ballads. Ladies and Gentlemen, you will find it on this album. Just pop it in and forget it. When I hear this music, I think back to late 70's, when I would play this album and study my trigonometry to it (a great mellowing agent!). That was a long time ago! Buy it at a good price and enjoy it! Five stars!

This is really the best Rufus album/cd. A very, very close second is Rufusized, but sometimes I think Rufusized is number one and Ask Rufus is a very, very close second. Truth be told, they are both great records. I think the stand out for this recording was Chaka's vocal range. She really explored the depth of her voice on many of the cuts/singles as mentioned by the other reviewers. It is so pleasing to read so many great reviews on this cd and Miss Khan. I really don't think Rufus ever received the kind of accolades they should have or Chaka for that matter. Their sound is appealing to young, old, pop, rock and r & B fans and this cd is a great introduction to the novice listener of great music in general, Chaka and Rufus in particular.

Rufus and Chaka Khan IS my favorite group of all time. I now have every CD to match every album that I purchased during the vinyl record days and I continue to listen to everyone of them as I have throughtout the years. I never put their music down. Ask Rufus is their best and so is Rufus featuring Chaka Khan, with their famous hit Sweet Thing,(the cover with her infamous LIPS). It shows all of their talent and Chaka mixes her voice throughout with demanding lyrics and the band has always been the best and I really mean a talented band. They have their own style. Just listen and you will dance and sing to all of their music. I can truly say that I will never let their music die. Ask my two adult sons. They love them too.
I will be celebrating with them, their reunion this year (2001) in Washington, DC. Something us die hard fans have been waiting for. I'd advise all Rufus and Chaka Khan fans to see their show. I know it will be like back-in-the-day concerts, when they were full of soul and funk. So check them out if they come to your area. It will be something to remember.
From Rags to Rufus, to Stompin' at the Savoy, you must have them all. They are for me "The Best."

A very haunting, soulful album, "Ask Rufus," by Rufus and Chaka Khan (a number of albums billed the group as Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan), was one of 1977's best.

This was a period in which disco -- 1977 marked "Saturday Night Fever" to the big screen and some schmaltzy recordings passing for disco like Leo Sayer's "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing" -- thrived, and R&B was, as it is sometimes even today, underappreciated.

"Hollywood" and "Everlasting Love" were the most recognized tracks from the album, but in listening to "Earth Song" and "At Midnight (My Love Will Lift You Up)," it's clear Rufus and Chaka Khan didn't tow the typical party line. Their choices in recordings weren't designed for the purpose of "selling" but for the pure sake of "creativity."

All the tracks on "Ask Rufus" are excellent, with non-commercial singles "Close the Door" and "Magic in Your Eyes" showcasing the insight and ferocious intelligence with which Chaka Khan's voice is so luscious and strong.

In 1977, the National Academy of Recording Arts & Science nominated the following for the much-coveted Album of the Year Grammy: "Aja" (Steely Dan); "Hotel California" (The Eagles); "J.T." (James Taylor); "Rumours" (Fleetwood Mac); and "Star Wars" (John Williams, conducting the London Symphony). The Fleetwood Mac LP won, but it's too bad "Ask Rufus," by Rufus and Chaka Khan, was not allowed to challenge that group.

"Ask Rufus" was one of 1977's best albums.

I have the great fortune to own two copies of this great album on vinyl as well as CD. I am so glad that this and other landmark albums by true artists with talent are being released on CD to be cherished by those of us who remember what it's like to own vinyl records, but also to open the ears to the generation ahead of us and let them know that you don't need outrageous costumes or know the latest (and sometimes lewdest) dance steps, nor do you need to hop around the stage like a frog on speed; no, you needn't do any of those things. All you need is talent, which Chaka Khan has in spades!

A true "home girl" from the Windy City, Chaka's voice is indeed a one of a kind and unforgettable. She also has formidable jazz chops, as evidenced by her album "CK", which features two of my favorite standards, "The End Of A Love Affair", and "I'll Be Around", both of which coincidentally, were done by none other than the great Lady Day, Billie Holiday ("Lady In Satin", Columbia records, 1958) herself! In many ways, Chaka reminds me of Lady in the sense that she, like Holiday, has a voice that is instantly recognizable, and also like Lady, Chaka has the unique ability to take an good song and make it great and make a great song truly transcendent. Case in point, from the "Ask Rufus" album, a good song, "Close The Door", and a great song "Better Days". No matter what groove she's in, Chaka's always honest in her approach and true to the music she creates.

It will be interesting to see what avenues she takes with regard music; personally I'd love for her to do an album of standards ala` Natalie Cole ("Unforgettable", "Take A Look" and "Stardust") or Linda Ronstadt ("The 'Round Midnight Collection"). Chaka acutally did an album along those lines ("Echoes of an Era"), but unfortunately it was not a commericial success, something I still don't understand to this day. If anyone is fortunate enough to own a vinyl copy knows what I'm talking about. If you can get your hands on one, do it. You won't be disappointed. A truly unique talent with a voice that can take you straight to heaven, Chaka Khan is indeed among a select pantheon of singers who has few equals.

In her 70's heyday, Chaka Khan was soul music's ranking tomboy and few could keep up with her spunky, sexually-charged persona. "Ask Rufus" marked the pinnacle of her work with the group Rufus. But unlike the bulk of her work with Rufus--which owed as much to Rock as it did to Soul and funk--"Ask Rufus" is much softer, a pensive and romantic mosaic. As such, it's as powerful and moving as anything she's ever done. Khan fiercely wraps her luscious and limber voice around the horn-driven funk of "At midnight" and the jumpy, syncopated rhythms of "Better Days"(on which she also displays her considerable talent for songwriting). She then swoops down into gorgeous, smooth-as-silk ballads like "Close the Door," "Earth Song," "Everlasting Love" and "Magic in Your Eyes" with equal dexterity. It is a great tribute to her versatility and fearlessness that she is able to pull off all styles with equal aplomb. Chaka's first album "Rags to Rufus" put her on the map and it remains to this day one of the best albums of the 70's. But if I had to choose only one Chaka Khan/Rufus album as my favorite, "Ask Rufus" would win hands down.