Minnie Riperton Come To My Garden CD

1969's COME TO MY GARDEN is Minnie Riperton's debut solo album, recorded after her tenure with the psychedelic soul outfit Rotary Connection but still produced and co-written by that group's leader, Charles Stephney. The heavy rock aspect of that band is absent here, replaced by lush orchestrations and a jazzy soft-pop feel that complements Riperton's magnificently expressive, multi-octave voice beautifully. The songs, mostly by Riperton and husband Richard Rudolph, are mostly minor-key ballads, with alternately sorrowful and poetic lyrics. The singer/songwritery results recall early albums by Roberta Flack as well as the contemporary work by Riperton's future employer/mentor Stevie Wonder, but the album was a couple of years ahead of its time and so was not a commercial success. Regardless, it's a quiet gem.

Minnie Riperton's solo debut is in many respects her finest hour -- devoid of the overly syrupy production that hampers her later work, Come to My Garden instead couches her miraculous voice in the elegant arrangements of the great Charles Stepney, striking a perfect balance between romantic melodrama and sensual nuance. Call Stepney's singular approach "chamber soul" -- the nimble melodies and insistent grooves swell with orchestral flourishes, while the jazz-inspired rhythms (courtesy of Ramsey Lewis' group) at times evoke Van Morrison's masterpiece Astral Weeks. Stepney creates the ideal backdrop for Riperton's soaring vocals, which reveal a subtlety and restraint absent from the glass-shattering bombast of her subsequent performances -- the opening "Les Fleurs" (covered decades later by 4Hero) crystallizes the entire record, embracing both intimacy and majesty to haunting effect. [The Aim reissue, released in 2005, contains the bonus track "Whenever, Wherever," though it is listed as "Wherever We Are." The content of this disc is similar to what can be found on the Varese and Castle reissues from 2002.] ~ Jason Ankeny

Reissue of her 1969 debut album. Beautifully re-packaged. This 10 track collection is the record she made before her chart topping 1975 smash 'Lovin' You'. Tracks include, 'Les Fleurs', 'Completeness', 'Come To My Garden', 'Memory Band', 'Rainy Day In Centerville', 'Only When I'm Dreaming' & more. Standard jewelcase.

All tracks have been digitally remastered.

Recorded at Ter Mar Studios, Chicago, Illinois on November 24-26, 1969. Originally released on GRT (30001). Includes liner notes by Bill Dahl.

Personnel: Minnie Riperton (vocals); Phil Upchurch (guitar); Ramsey Lewis (piano, keyboards); Maurice White (drums, percussion).

Liner Note Author: Peter Noble.

Recording information: 11/24/1969-11/26/1969.

Arranger: Charles Stepney.

Personnel includes: Minnie Riperton (vocals); Phil Upchurch (guitar); Ramsey Lewis (piano); Cleaveland Eaton (bass); Maurice White (drums); Kitty Hayward, Elsa Harris (background vocals).

Q (12/02, p.130) - 4 out of 5 - "...It's as close to the introspective folk of Nick Drake's Bryter Layter as to any soul siblings....Song after song of unremitting, almost claustrophobic beauty..."
Q (12/02, p.130) - 4 out of 5 - "...It's as close to the introspective folk of Nick Drake's Bryter Layter as to any soul siblings....Song after song of unremitting, almost claustrophobic beauty..."
Uncut (11/02, pp.140-41) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...Pure, fragile and precious..."
Uncut (11/02, pp.140-41) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...Pure, fragile and precious..."
Mojo (Publisher) (12/02, p.130) - "...Minnie delivers 10 effusive spirituals that mix emotive gospel with rock guitar..."
Mojo (Publisher) (12/02, p.130) - "...Minnie delivers 10 effusive spirituals that mix emotive gospel with rock guitar..."