It was produced and recorded at International Anthem Studios in Chicago between March and June of 2021. Across sixteen tracks Gay fluently interweaves jazz, blues, ballads, R&B, raga, new music, nursery rhyme, tropicalia, two-step, hip-hop and beyond in a beaming expression of his signature omni-genre “Pan-Americana†brew. Alongside his own sizable toolkit of instruments (cornet, keyboards, synthesizers, flutes, percussions), Gay surrounds himself with steady bandmates (including Tommaso Moretti on drums, Matthew Davis on tuba, and Rob Frye on woodwinds), while also shining the spotlight on female artists from his cast of regular collaborators. Featured artists on the album include: OHMME singers Sima Cunningham and Macie Stewart, bassist/vocalist/arranger Ayanna Woods, multi-disciplinary Rwandan artist Dorothée Munyaneza, poet A.Martinez, cellist Tomeka Reid, and vocalists Onye Ozuzu, Gira Dahnee, and Angel Bat Dawid. Gay says the album’s title is “a suggestion of a body movement that is used in many spiritual practices and is also a gesture that represents a type of understanding that leads to touch or a hug.†He also says, “Open Arms to Open Us deals with rhythm as an inheritance of information – sort of like DNA or RNA. Coping with the present-day bombardment of data and recycled ideologies from sources essentially fed by the creed ‘Destroy Them. Own the Earth,’ often leaves me with only one thing to look forward to: Rhythm.â€
Release date:
November 19, 2021
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Turntables - Top Picks
A selection of reliable record players you can buy today, for every budget
-
Edifier R1280DB Powered Speakers
Combining classic design with modern Bluetooth connectivity, built-in amplification and versatile inputs, these speakers deliver rich, balanced sound.
-
Denon DP-400
Featuring a high-precision, belt-driven mechanism and an adjustable tonearm that ensures optimal tracking and minimal resonance
-
Phono Preamps - Top Picks
A selection of the best phono preamps for your turntable setup
-
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
Featuring a one-piece carbon fiber tonearm, precision-tuned motor, and a heavy steel platter with TPE damping, it ensures superior stability and sound quality.
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Ludwig Göransson Sinners Score [2xLP]
Mutant
September 26, 2025 -
R.J.F. Cleaning Out the Empty Administration Building
Dais
August 15, 2025 -
Alison Goldfrapp Flux (Yellow)
A.G. Records Ltd.
August 15, 2025 -
OASIS COMPLETE STUDIO ALBUM COLLECTION [8xLP]
Big Brother Recordings Limited
August 22, 2025 -
Conan Gray Wishbone (Black Cat Edition)
Republic Records
August 15, 2025 -
Flatwaves Tell Me Secrets
Abandon Everything Records
August 29, 2025 -
Panic Shack Panic Shack (Red)
Brace Yourself
August 1, 2025 -
Hayes Carll We're Only Human
Hwy 87 Records
August 8, 2025 -
Burning Witches Inquisition
Napalm Records
August 22, 2025 -
Knosis Genknosis (Translucent Crystal)
Sharptone Records
August 1, 2025 -
Skinhead It's a Beautiful Day, What a Beautiful Day
Closed Casket Activities
September 26, 2025 -
Sunniva Hypostasis
Svart Records
September 26, 2025 -
Shabason, Krgovich, Tenniscoats Wao
Western Vinyl
August 29, 2025 -
Vicious Rumors The Devil's Asylum
Steamhammer
August 29, 2025