Minnie Riperton is perhaps most widely remembered for the 1975 hit “Lovin’ You” and her soaring five-octave vocal range, but prior to her smoothed-out soft focus “AM Gold” notoriety Riperton had released Come To My Garden—a musical masterpiece swimming in 60s psychedelic imagery surrounded by grand arrangements with a tight R&B rhythm section at its center. Come To My Garden sounds as if Burt Bacharach had come out of a profound psychedelic experience, somehow finding himself in a Chess Records recording studio with top-notch Chicago session musicians at his whim and Minnie Riperton at the mic; It sounds fantastic.
The Bacharach-esque qualities found here are more so stylistic nods to the composer rather than direct lifts or carbon copies—they become entirely their own amongst the bouquet of sounds that is Come To My Garden. This album’s unique blend of styles and aural qualities owes much to the writing, arranging, and production of Charles Stepney whose band, Rotary Connection, Riperton had long been a member. Stepney’s songwriting and arranging for this record are complex and grand, yet catchy and memorable—a difficult balance to strike and one that is reminiscent in ways of Jimmy Webb’s writing/arranging style; think “MacArthur Park” or “Wichita Lineman.” It is Riperton’s voice, though, which is both delicate and powerful, operatic yet soulful and personal, that contains the most disparate qualities within itself and manages to tame them into something successfully symbiotic and naturally pleasing to the ear. It is this voice that truly defines the album and ties everything together into the cohesive musical statement that is Come To My Garden. Prior to her stint in Rotary Connection, Riperton had cut her teeth singing backing vocals for a number of notable Chess Records acts, and as a child, she’d studied operatic vocal technique. This assortment of experiences and gigs no doubt gave shape to the iconic voice that would go on to influence singers for generations to come. It is here on her 1970 debut solo album that Riperton’s voice comes into clear focus and steps out on its own.
Come To My Garden leaps forward from the get-go with Riperton’s vocals leading the charge, propelled by tight grooves and flanked by lush strings and an intertwining lattice of backing vocals, taking no prisoners and leaving in its wake a trail of blooming technicolor flowers twinkling in the sunshine. This is elegant psychedelic Soul. Take a listen for yourself and find out why this album is now considered a classic among critics, collectors, and DJs alike.
Come To My Garden is available on Freegal and hoopla
