Like A Ripple On A Pond
Modern Harmonic, 2021
8/10
Listen to Like A Ripple On A Pond
Originally released in 1973, Like A Ripple On A Pond brings the New York Community Choir and arranger/producer Benny Diggs back for a bold, forthright and timeless performance from Nikki Giovanni.
“Conversation/How I Got Over” opens the listen with a lively gospel feel that welcomes Giovanni’s expressive spoken word, and “Communication/Sing A Song” follows with an equally spiritual energy that displays soulful male vocals alongside playful keys
Approaching the middle, the graceful piano of “Africa II/He’s Sweet I Know” align with the harmonic and emotive choir, while “My House” benefits from frisky drumming and cultured percussion as the many voices complement the busy, melodic instrumentation and firm poetry from Giovanni.
Near to the end, the a cappella “Mothers” transitions into Giovanni’s descriptive prose, and “Straight Talk” exits the listen rowdy, festive and full of R&B leanings that are easy to enjoy and difficult to forget.
Reissued for the first time ever on LP, this sophomore album only further cements Giovanni’s place as one of the most admired African American poets of the 20th century, and is indeed a bright spot in a very strong body of work.
Travels well with: Jaki Shelton Green- The River Speaks Of Thirst; Nikki Giovanni- The Way I Feel