Chaka Khan & Rufus "Street Player" LP (1978)

Details: Rufus & Chaka Khan "Street Player" ABC Records, 1978, gatefold cover, rainbow ABC labels. Original insert and track sticker included. Record is in very good condition, light wear. This album is such a '70s groove!

Description: "The brilliance of the multi-racial, Chicago-based outfit Rufus rested on their commitment to fearlessly coalescing funk, soul, jazz, and pop-rock influences into a succulent whole. Their dynamic frontwoman, Chaka Khan, doused sass and sensuality into the band’s thrilling sound with her blistering voice. It was the perfect marriage that imprinted an indelible stamp on the entire funk and soul landscape. Their affinity for tackling unchartered territory put them ahead of the curve. When their fifth album Ask Rufus was released at the top of 1977, their stylistic trajectory shifted in mood and personality. Its musical scope was uncharacteristically audacious for a commercial pop-soul release.

The late great Clare Fischer’s dramatic orchestrations scrawled a new level of depth within the band’s dazzling funk grooves. There was a greater emphasis on seductive balladry and jazz improvisation. Even Khan stretched her distinctive sultry vocal style, possessing full control and serenity in her delivery. Diverting from the hard-edged funk flair of their earlier repertoire to a contemplative approach at the height of the disco era was a risk that could’ve backfired. However, the band’s artistic ambition and vision culminated in Ask Rufus becoming one of their most enduring offerings to date. ...

While Rufus and Chaka would score a few more triumphs during their tenure, before imploding altogether in 1983, Street Player sadly represents the band’s last full gasp of brilliance."--Albumism

Grade: VG+ (Record/Cover)

TRACK LISTING SIDE A:

A1. Street Player
A2. Stay
A3. Turn
A4. Best Of Your Heart
A5. Finale

TRACK LISTING SIDE B:

B1. Blue Love
B2. Stranger To Love
B3. Take Time (Instrumental)
B4. Destiny
B5. Change Your Ways