Rotary Connection- Black Gold: The Very Best Of

The Rotary Connection may not ring a bell with very many people today but drop the name Minnie Riperton it will more than likely elicit a response. One of the most distinctive vocalist of the latter 20th century, Riperton, in her short time on this plane, was noted for her five octave range. A skill that would later be utilized, in a more brash way, by Mariah Carey. The difference, however, is that Riperton was not only an r&b musician. Her compositions encompassed folk, rock, funk and disco. Her earlier ventures and experimentation began with the Rotary Connection, a group of adventurous Chicago musicians that were a product of the experimental 60’s. Under the guidance of young Chess label head Marshall Chess they drew from all sources of music like many groups of the time. Part 5th Dimension, Jefferson Airplane, Sergio Mendes and Brasil ‘66 and part Beatles, they wholly took advantage of everything they had around them incorporating swirling chamber strings, sitars, vocal harmonies and playing with the output of speaker channels. If the music described sounds very cinematic add to that Minnie’s voice which on the first outing was utilized as more of an instrument. It is believed had they played Woodstock instead of taking a festival in Toronto for more pay they would have broke out of obscurity. Never achieving the iconic status they deserved they disbanded after five albums. Eventually Sidney Barnes would go on to record solo and Minnie would make her Rotary influenced and overlooked classic “Come To My Garden”. After finding success she would eventually succumb to cancer at the early age of thirty one. Their music did not fall on deaf ears as thirty years later Hip Hop and Dance artists would appropriate their music for a new generation. Most notably Nuyorican Soul would remake ‘I am the Black Gold of the Sun’, The Fugees and Tribe Called Quest would sample from ‘Memory Band’ for ‘Killing Me Softly’ and ‘Bonita Applebaum’ respectively. Chaka Khan would remake ‘Love Has Fallen On Me’ and Common would borrow from it for his track 'Driving Me Wild'. Giles Peterson dug out the Riperton classic ‘Les Fleur’ for his INCredible DJ mix and 4Hero would remake the song and expand on it by extending the instrumentation and bringing in Carina Andersson to channel Riperton vocally. With no less than thirty three reasons to convince you why this group was more than deserving of success, this collection takes a pretty in-depth look at their eclecticism. The opening track ‘Magical World’ relates their mantra. As Riperton’s vocal rides rousing strings and harp, a hi-hat and horns keep time while Minnie chronicles her vision of nature, peace and acceptance. Its a utopian place where she declares “anyone I want to love I love and no-one cares”. No doubt a reference to Minnie’s love for band mate and future husband Richard Rudolph who was caucasian. The band’s racially diverse line-up was quite unique and ahead of its time as the Civil Rights Movement was in full swing. Another stand out is the remake of Otis Redding’s ‘Respect’ which is so mellow and smooth it’s practically unrecognizable until the chorus comes in. There are other band members taking lead and Sydney Barns turns in a great performance on ‘Didn’t Want To Have To Do It’ and ‘The Sea And She’ with a voice akin to a soulful Brendan Perry from Dead Can Dance. Vocalist Judy Hauff is brilliant on ‘Love has Fallen On Me’. They do a great cover of Cream’s ‘Tale of Brave Ulyses’. Going on and on about the songs is a mute argument if you see this double disc set it’s worth every penny*. Just listen. There is some of the best pop/psych/rock/folk/soul music has to offer...shaken not stirred. * Order at www.dustygroove.com