RIPPLES FROM '73

Ripple’s self-titled debut LP was released in 1973 during a vibrant yet competitive era for funk and soul music. Emerging from Kalamazoo (where someone has a girl, we’re told) Ripple forged a distinctive path, blending raw funk rhythms with elements of soul, jazz, and proto-disco. Their sound captured a spirit of joy, rebellion, and infectious groove that not only won them fans at the time but also ensured the album’s popularity decades later.

The band was founded in the early ’70s with a lineup including Keith Samuels (guitar, vocals), Simon Kenneth Carter (bass), Brian Sherrer (drums, percussion), Wally Carter (congas, percussion), Dave Ferguson (trumpet, flugelhorn), Bill Hull (saxophone, flute), and Curtis Reynolds (organ, piano, vibraphone). Their multiculturalism was notable in a time when many bands remained racially segregated, making Ripple part of a broader social movement toward inclusivity in popular music. The band’s stylistic influences were equally broad, ranging from the tight, rhythmic grooves of Kool & the Gang and the horn-heavy exuberance of Sly and the Family Stone to the melodic sophistication of Stevie Wonder.

Ripple’s music captures a hybrid style where funk forms the backbone, but jazz improvisations and soul melodies flesh out the soundscape. There are plenty of irresistible, repetitive grooves—a hallmark of funk—yet the arrangements are inventive enough to hint at a more expansive vision. The band’s use of horns, prominent percussion, and multi-layered vocals creates a rich, textured sound that sets them apart from more minimalist funk groups of the era. Perhaps most importantly, Ripple managed to convey a sense of unfiltered joy and vitality. Their music is celebratory without being saccharine, complex yet accessible. Managing this tricky balance made their 1973 album stand out.

Talking of standing out, the album’s hit was “I Don’t Know What It Is, But It Sure Is Funky.” The track exemplifies Ripple’s gift for crafting memorable hooks while the simple but addictive “oh-la oh-la ay” chant is an earworm guaranteed to stick in listeners’ aural receptors. Others thought so too: the track has been widely sampled over the decades by artists including Marcia Griffiths (“Electric Boogie”) and Kid ‘n Play (“Rollin’ with Kid ’n Play”).

Other tracks on the album demonstrate Ripple’s range. “Will You Be Mine” slows things down into a deep, romantic soul groove, while “You Were Right on Time” uses tight horn stabs and vocal harmonies to ride a breezy mid-tempo beat. “See the Light” and “A Funky Song” bring heavier rhythms and more playful call-and-response vocal lines, connecting them to broader African-American oral and musical traditions. The instrumentation remains crisp and organic throughout. Brian Sherrer’s drums and timbales provide lively propulsion, while Curtis Reynolds’ organ and vibes bring a melodic warmth that complements the brass section’s sharp, funky punctuation.

Ripple’s debut album remains vital today because it captures a moment when funk was still fluid, experimental, and full of life. Unlike subsequent, more commercialised funk and disco efforts, Ripple feels spontaneous, full of personality and communal energy. The universality of its rhythms, the catchiness of its choruses, and the warmth of its performances mean that it connects just as easily with today’s audiences as it did in 1973. Soul Jazz Records’ decision to reissue Ripple in 2023 was a recognition of its enduring relevance. Thanks to high-quality remastering, a new generation can now enjoy the band’s exuberant sound bursting out of the vinyl grooves. Here’s a record that isn’t just a funky time capsule, it’s a testament to the enduring power of groove, melody, and collective musical joy.

© Bruce Jenkins—May 2025