Rufus

by Alex HendersonIn 1973, Rufus had yet to start going by the name Rufus & Chaka Khan. The band was still obscure, and the single that made Khan a superstar (1974's "Tell Me Something Good") was still a year away. Khan was handling most of the lead vocals, although keyboardist Ron Stockert was still doing a fair amount of lead singing. It was in 1973 that ABC released Rufus' self-titled debut album, which wasn't the big seller that 1974's Rags to Rufus, 1975's Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan, and 1977's Ask Rufus would be. From a commercial standpoint, the problem with this LP was its lack of a really strong single -- there wasn't a "Once You Get Started," a "Sweet Thing," or a "Tell Me Something Good" to drive radio programmers wild. But from a creative standpoint, this is a decent and promising, if imperfect, debut. In 1973, Rufus' original pre-Tony Maiden, pre-Bobby Watson lineup favored an earthy soul/rock blend along the lines of Ike & Tina Turner; in fact, Khan's passionate vocals on "Feel Good," Stevie Wonder's "Maybe Your Baby," and Stephen Stills' "Love the One You're With" point to the fact that Tina Turner was among her early influences. Not that Khan is actually emulating Turner, Aretha Franklin, or anyone else; in 1973, Khan was quite distinctive herself. As time passed, Rufus & Chaka Khan became sleeker and less rock-minded -- if your introduction to them was "Once You Get Started" or "Sweet Thing," you might be surprised to hear how rock-minded this LP is. Rufus falls short of essential and isn't recommended to those with only a casual interest in Khan's years with the band, but it's an enjoyable debut that certainly isn't without historic value.