Minnie Riperton’s ‘Perfect Angel: Deluxe Edition' Available Now
26th October 2017
In celebration of Minnie Riperton’s 70th birthday, Universal Music Enterprises has released a deluxe edition of Perfect Angel, in standard digital and 96k/24-bit high resolution audio formats on December 1st. Showcasing Riperton’s timeless spirit and signature high-upper vocal range, the remastered collection features eleven bonus tracks - including an alternative version of “Lovin’ You” backed by the Wonderlove band, a duet version of “Take A Little Trip” with Stevie Wonder, and an acoustic version of “Seeing You This Way.”
This release brings to light Stevie Wonder’s true involvement in Perfect Angel, as he co-produced the original release (along with Minnie’s husband Richard Rudolph), arranged tracks, played keyboard, harmonica and drums, in addition to writing two songs - all under the pseudonym ‘El Toro Negro.’
Stevie Wonder shares his sentiments with UMe. “Minnie was my dear friend. She was an extraordinary, vibrant person with an extra-special voice. I was a big fan of hers before we met and it was my honor to produce the album with Minnie and her husband Richard. Minnie had a positive energy that radiated throughout these sessions and throughout the rest of her life. When Minnie lived, she lived. She continues to live through this release.”
“The whole experience was a total surreal experience and a pure joy from start to finish,” Richard Rudolph reflects to UMe. “Working with Stevie Wonder in that intimate setting really was more than just a dream come true. And you can feel the ‘wonder’ throughout the entire album," Rudolph continues. “Minnie would be overjoyed to know that her music continues to touch people’s lives.”
Perfect Angel: Deluxe Edition additionally contains extended songs, a 24-page booklet with rare photos, and extensive liners notes by Richard Rudolph, where he tells the story behind the “ice cream and overalls” cover shot by Barry Feinstein.
Listen below to the newly released duet of “Take A Little Trip” with Stevie Wonder, in addition to this impressive live performance of “Lovin’ You” from 1975, that truly showcases Riperton’s dynamic range and vocal control. Follow the Minnie Riperton Facebook page for reissue announcements.
