Search - The Signature Diva on DVD

4 Because It's Chaka, but...

Karl Miller | Phoenixville, PA United States | 06/12/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"There is not a whole lot to this DVD. Any fan of Chaka knows it is difficult getting live material on DVD, so this is a welcome addition. But with only 6 fully live recording songs (all from the "Whatcha Gonna Do For Me" era), this DVD leaves you really hungry.
The tracks include "We Can Work It Out", "I Know You..I Live You" (a real good version, Chaka's voice is in great shape, and she looks like she reallly is enjoying singing), "The Melody Still Lingers On (Night In Tunesia)" (Chaka's vocals here really amaze you, her scatting is excellent, and follows the beat of the music perfectly), "Any Old Sunday" and "Whatcha Gonna Do For Me". Unfortunately, at 35 minutes, you don't get the entire show, and you certainly are deprived of some great music from the "Whatcha" project (particularly "Fate", and "Father, He Said").
If you're a fan, you're going to buy this, because this was a period when Chaka was playing with some great musicians, and live Chaka is always difficult to obtain. If you're looking for some live Chaka, the BET on Jazz DVD is a better offering. But here's hoping that SOMEONE will release the Live from Hammersmith show recorded at the peak of "I Feel For You" mania."

A rare Chaka concert for SERIOUS Chakaholics!

chakasworld | Atlanta, GA United States | 07/01/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Hey Chakaholics
The recent Chaka Khan 'Signature Diva' is a must have for your collection. While the DVD lacks the polish (no 5.1 surround sound for example!) of a major release it does showcase Chaka throwing down @ The Roxy. The concert seems to be a promotional show for the THEN-NEW 'What Cha Gonna Do For Me ?' album from 1981, and Chaka is quite exceptional!! With regards to Chaka's vocals, she seemed to be a bit restrained, and there was a little friendly interaction with the crowd during the brief set. Most of the key songs from Chaka's 1981 album are performed, and she throws in a version of 'I'm Every Woman' at the end, in which she does a better job TODAY than on this DVD.
Since getting a Live Chaka Khan DVD is at the top of any fan's list, I recommend this for the completist 'Chakaholic', and F.Y.I., the Diva is doing her famous Chaka dance, while wearing an all Black outfit (without a bra I might add for the fellas!!). Her weight is also quite pleasant, and she seems to be in good spirits while sweatin up a storm on the Roxy's stage.
DVD bonus features include a photo gallery (many of the pictures were TAKEN FROM the 'Chaka's World' website, but I won't trip!!), Discography, and a rare 'Cover Story' episode/interview of Chaka & her mother that was recently seen on Ebay as a VHS tape.If you enjoyed the recet 'Intimate Portraits' on Chaka, this bonus interview would be a great supplement.
Peace, S.D.
(fr.'Chaka's World')"

Signtaure Diva live

C. A. Ingram | Solihull, West Midlands England | 06/02/2003

(2 out of 5 stars)

"There is no doubting Chaka Khan has a fantastic voice but I feel this concert on dvd leaves the fan a bit short.Only six songs and alot lacking in energy and excitement.Extra footage on the dvd has been sourced from old vhs tapes complete with line dropout.Bits of the concert that should be on this dvd are shown on the extra footage and this is what the fans deserve to see.Due to the lack of material on these soul superstars fans have to buy only what is available.My advise is to wait untill the real 1980s concert becomes availble and then we can see Chaka in all her glory."

Exceptional Performance

C. A. Ingram | 01/01/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Though this is a shortened version of the original 1981 Roxy concert, I highly recommend this DVD.Unlike the mediocre "BET On Jazz" DVD, Chaka seems very comfortable with the material on "Signature Diva" and she maintains a connection with the audience. Judging from her spirited performance here, she seems to actually be enjoying herself. Not to mention her voice is exceptional here. The real treat here is the inclusion of "A Night In Tunisia", which was deleted from the original Roxy concert release. Famed jazz duo, The Brecker Brothers (Randy and Michael) add a lot of spice to Khan's dynamic band. The DVD also contains a revealing interview which originally aired only in Europe in 1986 and a nice photo gallery.There are several songs missing here from the original concert that would have taken this DVD over the top. However, Khan's presentation of these few select songs is so vivacious, it leaves you hard-pressed to find any wrong with this DVD. This DVD is a must, especially considering it is difficult to find footage of Khan from this particular era. An energetic performance, fantastic material and a tight band make this DVD a winner!"