About Product Images
This image is a general representation of the item and the actual product may differ slightly in terms of color shading, logo placement, borders, or other small details. Used items may have various cosmetic differences as well.![Enlarge](javascript:show_product_image("https://cdn1.dustygroove.org/images/products/g/gay_benlama_openarmst_101b.jpg"); "View larger image")
Open Arms To Open Us
LP (Item 132323) International Anthem/Nonesuch, 2021 — Condition: Near Mint-
Ben LaMar Gay might well be one of the most creatively intense artists on the International Anthem label – and that's saying a lot, given all of the groundbreaking talents who've come to record for the company in recent years! And while Ben's previous record was completely mindblowing, this set really pushes things over the top – and has the artist at the helm of a large assemblage of musicians who provide all these different sonic elements to augment the intensity of his vision – as the leader handles cornet, organ, and a host of other instruments – while singing on most cuts, but in a way that's majestic and very much his own – neither soul, nor jazz – at least in familiar ways. The lineup features voices of many others – and instrumentation that includes Tomeka Reid on cello, Matthew Davis on trombone, Johanna Brock on viola, and Rob Frye on flute – mixed with spoken and sung passages from a number of others, including Angel Bat Dawid. Incredibly beautiful throughout – with titles that include "Hood Rich Happy", "I Once Carried A Blossom", "Slightly Before The Dawn", "Be Loving Me Some Of You", "We Gon Win", "S'Phisticated Lady", "In Tongues & Droves", and "Touch Don't Scroll". © 1996-2023, Dusty Groove, Inc.
(Indie exclusive "dawn cherry" colored vinyl pressing. Includes the insert, but without obi.)
(Indie exclusive "dawn cherry" colored vinyl pressing. Includes the insert, but without obi.)
Near Mint - (minus)
- Black vinyl that may show a slight amount of dust or dirt.
- Should still be very shiny under a light, even with slight amount of dust on surface.
- One or two small marks that would make an otherwise near perfect record slightly less so. These marks cannot be too deep, and should only be surface marks that won't affect play, but might detract from the looks.
- May have some flaws and discoloration in the vinyl, but only those that would be intrinsic to the pressing. These should disappear when the record is tilted under the light, and will only show up when looking straight at the record. (Buddah and ABC pressings from the 70's are a good example of this.)
- May have some slight marks from aging of the paper sleeve on the vinyl.
- Possible minor surface noise when played.
Additional Marks & Notes
If something is noteworthy, we try to note it in the comments — especially if it is an oddity that is the only wrong thing about the record. This might include, but isn't limited to, warped records, tracks that skip, cover damage or wear as noted above, or strictly cosmetic flaws.
You might be interested
World Saxophone Quartet
Plays Duke EllingtonNonesuch, 1986. Near Mint-
One of their best ones, and a tight set of Ellington tracks that works perfectly with their multi-horn style. Oliver Lake, Julius Hemphill, Bamiet Bluiett, and David Murray split up the arrangements, and the tracks include "Lush Life", "Come Sunday", "Prelude To A ... LP, Vinyl record album
Jamire Williams
But Only After You Have SufferedInternational Anthem, 2021. Near Mint-
The first time we heard Jamire Williams, he was serving up an album of solo work on drums – but here, he's a completely different artist entirely – working at the helm of a large ensemble, and with the sort of jazz futurist spin and righteous vibe that makes this album a perfect fit for ... LP, Vinyl record album
Brian Auger's Oblivion Express
ReinforcementsRCA, 1975. Very Good+ Gatefold
A great later sleeper from Brian Auger – a record that's much deeper and more soulful than some of his earlier work – and done in a soaring style that's really great! Alex Lighterwood sings as much as Auger plays the keys here, but that's ok with us – because he fuses his voice ... LP, Vinyl record album
Charles Earland
Living BlackPrestige, 1970. Very Good
A stone cold live date from Charles Earland – recorded in Newark, at just the sort of club where he got his start! The tracks are quite long and openly grooving – even more so than Charles' killer studio sets from the time – and there's a bit of a harder edge here too, thanks ... LP, Vinyl record album
Ray Bryant
Slow FreightCadet, 1966. Very Good+
A killer album by soul jazz pianist Ray Bryant! The title track, "Slow Freight", is an amazing 10 minute groover that moves at a very slow pace (just like a freight train), and which features some very cool ad-lib talking by Paul Serrano – a pretty groovy touch that really adds a ... LP, Vinyl record album
Crusaders
Southern ComfortBlue Thumb, 1974. Very Good+ 2LP Gatefold
A landmark album from The Crusaders – and a set that really has them sweetening up their groove with lots of tasty R&B touches! The guitar's a bit more pronounced in the mix on this one – setting up some tightly funky rhythms that almost seem to free up the horns even more for solo ... LP, Vinyl record album
Miles Davis
ESPColumbia, 1965. Very Good+
An album of dark and subtle beauty – and still one of our favorite Miles Davis albums of all time! The set's not as earth-shattering as some of Davis' other work of the 60s, but that's why we like it so much – because the emerging genius of the group with Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, ... LP, Vinyl record album
Ahmad Jamal
Genetic Walk20th Century, 1975. Very Good+
A nice range of tracks from Ahmad, and one that really illustrates the diversity of styles he was using in the 70s. Some cuts feature acoustic piano, and others electric – but the best moments are those when the groove gets nice and funky, with that spacey expanded tip that was used to push ... LP, Vinyl record album
Brainstorm
Stormin'Tabu, 1977. Very Good
A set that definitely lives up to its title – a stone stormer from Brainstorm – one of the tightest funky ensembles of their generation, and one of the few who could go deep while still laying down a groove! The set's got a perfect balance of modes – enough of the appeal of ... LP, Vinyl record album
Marvin Gaye
I Want YouTamla, 1976. Very Good+
An incredible record – quite possibly our favorite ever by Marvin Gaye! The album is quite unique – written by Leon Ware, and recorded in collaboration with him – done as a "suite" of tracks based on themes of passion, joy, and new love – all of which were very ... LP, Vinyl record album
Gene Chandler
Gene Chandler SituationMercury, 1970. Very Good+
Killer stuff from Gene! After recording a few sadly overlooked albums for Brunwsick, Gene hit big big big with this killer record on Mercury! The record virtually defines the Chicago soul sound of the late 60s – with arrangements by Tom Tom, production by Gene, and a great loping soul ... LP, Vinyl record album
Sade
PromisePortrait, 1985. Very Good+
Sade's second album, and while it's not totally sublime as the first, it's still a damn great set with a smooth jazzy vibe that will have you coming back again and again! Includes the lovely "The Sweetest Taboo", plus "Is It A Crime", "War Of The Hearts", "Mr ... LP, Vinyl record album
