Funky16Corners Christmas – The Gems – Love For Christmas
Minnie Riperton
Greetings all.
Our soulful Christmas grooves continue today with a very nice piece of Chicago soul.
The Gems recorded a handful of 45s for the Chess label between 1963 and 1965.
Asa group, they are of particular interest for including in their midst the mighty Minnie Riperton.
The group started out (and initially signed to Chess) as the Lovettes, changing their name to the Gems in 1963.
They recorded one 45 before original lead singer Vandine Harris left the group and was replaced by Riperton.
‘Love For Christmas’ is a particularly groovy tune, and 45, since the flipside ‘All Of It’ is basically a non-holiday recasting of the same song.
Featuring a very nice lead by Minnie, and great harmonies by the group, ‘Love For Christmas’ manages to tread the line between straight soul and holiday novelty (jingle bells and whatnot) quite nicely.
After leaving the Gems, Riperton recorded two 45s for Chess under the name Andrea Davis, before moving on to join Charles Stepney’s progressive experiment, the Rotary Connection, alongside Sidney Barnes, and recording a half-dozen albums between 1967 and 1971 (and then on to her own solo career).
It is a groovy 45, and not at all expensive, so go out and grab one for your own record box.
I’ll see you on Friday.
Keep the faith
Larry
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Also, the brand new Funky16Corners ‘Keep Calm and Stay Funky’ stickers have arrived! The stickers are 4″ x 3″ and printed on high quality, glossy stock. They are $2.00 each, with free shipping in the US ($2.00 per order shipping outside of the US). Click here to go to the ordering page.
Also, make sure that you check out the links below to the Be The Match Foundation and POAC (click on the logos for more info).
Chicago Soul, Christmas, Funky16Corners, Soul, Soul 45
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Chicago Soul, Christmas, Funky16Corners, Soul
Themocracy
You remain The Man. Thanks very much.
Thanks JB!