Label M has reissued the classic 1972 Les McCann album Invitation to Openness on CD with the majority of the tunes receiving the benefit of advanced technology. On this recording, the 26-minute "The Lovers" is more illustrative, freer in its essence and translation of the predominant free love theme of the '60s and '70s. Every nuance of McCann's stream of consciousness comes through loud and clear, as do the excellent solos by Yusef Lateef on a wide array of reeds, flutes, and percussion. David Spinozza's electric guitar chops and Alphonse Mouzon's drum and percussion feelings on McCann's completely improvised composition are an auditory delight for fusion fans. McCann adds a couple of piano melody lines and a couple of basslines, but other than that this composition is freely improvised by the musicians. Two other compositions, "Beaux J. Poo Boo" and "Poo Pye McGoochie (And His Friends)" round out the set with both adding different sonorous characters and musical back stories.

(by Paula Edelstein, All Music Guide)