Ripple / Deep Velvet - Be My Friend / Is There Someone Else? Ripple / Deep Velvet

Primarily a funk group, Ripple's 'Be My Friend' was an album-only track in the US on their eponymous GRC LP in 1973.

Four singles were issued from that collection but 'Be My Friend' was only ever a single in Italy − for some unknown reason. That disc is now highly sought after as 'Be My Friend' has picked up many admirers over the years, mainly from album spins by DJs. Though funky enough, the dramatic, up-tempo jazz approach made it a proto-disco number with some classy harmonies; the time is right to make it available on a 7" single.

The flip − 'Is There Someone Else' − is a harmony ballad by Detroit group Deep Velvet who recorded for GRC's sister label, Aware. It wasn't released at the time, but Kent finally issued it on the "Atlanta - Hotbed Of 70s Soul" CD in 2024 and soul fans have asked for a vinyl release of the superbly produced song.