Invitation to Openness

Invitation to Openness

The phrase “invitation to openness” could be used to describe Les McCann’s honest, giving attitude toward his own music, but as it applies to his 1972 Atlantic LP, the phrase takes on a second meaning. As the 26-minute opening song confirms, this album is about openness as it pertains to patience, new sounds and abnormal musical ideas. Nothing on this album happens quickly — you are forced to let the album happen to you. Invitation to Openness is not only the apex of the keyboardist’s relationship to the Fender Rhodes piano — one of the most beautiful instruments known to man — it also brings into the fold multitalented reedman Yusef Lateef. The pairing was a dream for Joel Dorn, who was an unabashed fan of both men. It is not hard to picture Dorn reclining behind the console as his two favorite players float through the ether in tandem. Lateef’s major contribution is his oboe playing on “The Lovers.” The strange instrument becomes a mournful cry in a sleeping city. Listeners who allow the hour-long program to wash over them will be rewarded with some of McCann’s deepest musical treats.

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