MINNIE RIPERTON - Come To My Garden (2022 Reissue) - LP - 180g Clear Vinyl
Label: Soulgramma
SKU: FUNK/SOUL
Barcode: 781930069328
Catalogue ID: SOULG001
Format: vinyl
LP - 180 Gram Clear Vinyl
Minnie Riperton's debut album was originally published in 1970. She came to prominence with the highly influential Chicago band Rotary Connection, forerunners of the rock & soul crossover. In addition to their own recordings, including their 1967 debut album Rotary Connection, the band is notable as the backing band for Muddy Waters on his 1968 psychedelic blues album Electric Mud. Standing on her own, Minnie cut a series of sublime albums moving in a more soulful way.
Opening track Les Fleur is a shiny cover of Ramsey Lewis – who is musical assistant and contributor here – classic number penned in 1968, literally a cornerstone for contemporary hip-hop and r&b being sampled by the likes of Jurassic 5 feat. Nelly Furtado, Damu the Fudgemunk, Dr. Octagon and Cut Chemist among others. Produced by Charles Stepney (already in with Rotary Connection and subsequently behind the desk with Earth, Wind & Fire), the album benefits from its lushy orchestral arrangements, pushing the vocal duties of Minnie even forward (her five-octave vocal range enabled her to sing in ‘whistle register’ nevertheless). The jazzy soft-pop feel overall will mark comparison with Stevie Wonder, Riperton’s future employer/mentor.
Tracklist:
A1 Les Fleurs
A2 Completeness
A3 Come To My Garden
A4 Memory Band
A5 Rainy Day In Centreville
B1 Close Your Eyes & Remember
B2 Oh, By The Way
B3 Expecting
B4 Only When I'm Dreaming
B5 Whenever, Wherever