Eerste zes albums, uit de periode 1973 - 1978, van Rufus (ook wel Rufus & Chaka Khan of Rufus feat. Chaka Khan) in een boxje. Het betreft verkleinde versies van de oorspronkelijke LP-klaphoezen, maar helaas wel ontdaan van de binnenhoezen waar verdere opname-info op te vinden was. "One of the most commercially successful funk groups of the '70s, the multi-racial Rufus are today best remembered for launching the career of soul diva Chaka Khan, whose fiery lead vocals were easily the band's focal point. Powered by Khan -- who was eventually billed in addition to the group -- and an unerring sense of groove, Rufus scored an impressive string of US hit singles on both the pop and R&B charts, which lasted through the '70s and up to Khan's official departure in 1983." (bron: Allmusic) Het laatste deel van Khans carrière met de band, dat bijv. nog de hit "Ain't Nobody" opleverde, is dus niet opgenomen in deze set.
"As Khan released her first solo album, "I'm Every Woman", the band released 1978's "Numbers", sans Khan, and it went absolutely nowhere. "Masterjam" finds them back together, renamed Rufus and Chaka, with Quincy Jones producing. Khan had worked with Jones on his 1978 album, "Sounds...And Stuff Like That". The most striking thing about "Masterjam" is that is doesn't sound like a trademark Rufus effort. Jones' production style is so strong that the band's individual sound is all but lost. It's nothing to cry about, since Jones was at his R&B/pop peak and Rufus couldn't do it any better on their own. The album's first track is "Do What You Love What You Feel," with its subtle horn riffs arranged by Jerry Hey and vocals from guitarist Tony Maiden and Khan. On a track somewhat close to a ballad, the brilliantly arranged "Heaven Bound," Khan delivers a good raw vocal. A frequent Jones collaborator, Rod Temperton, offers the title track and the even better "Live in Me"." (Jason Elias, Allmusic; 4 uit 5 sterren)
Beroemde dubbelaar waarbij trouwens getwijfeld mag worden aan 't live-gehalte, gezien de cleane sound. Mix van fusion, funk, disco en soul in perfect gearrangeerde subtiele nummers als 'Ain't Nobody', soulvol gezongen door La Chaka.
"In 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. If your introduction to them was a later album, 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." (Alex Henderson, Allmusic)
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