The debut album from Ripperton, a vocalist possessed of an astonishing voice with a four-octave range, was produced and arranged by legendary soul-jazz producer Charles Stepney. It’s a collection of highly orchestrated, epic soul ballads similar in style to Burt Bacharach, featuring layers of lush extravagant musical textures, shifts in dynamics and mood and of course, Riperton’s unmistakable voice at the centre of it all. It’s a highly original album, its idiosyncratic blend of classical, pop and soul exemplified by its best-known track, the opulent, mystical psychedelic soul of ‘Les Fleurs’. 

After spending a few years as a core member of the Rotary Connection, Minnie Riperton made a sensational solo debut on Come To My Garden. The pairing of Riperton with Chicago producer Charles Stepney brings out the best in both as Stepney provides her with lavish orchestration and dramatic passages for Riperton to flex her soon-to-be-famous four octave range, including on excellent versions of “Les Fleur” (Ramsey Lewis) and “Memory Band” (Rotary Connection).