Vinyl plays with some crackles and a few light-clicks (play-graded). Gate-fold cover looks great; a few creases near edges; moderate scuffing, tiny surface abrasions, and surface impressions (front/back/inner-gate). Inner-sleeve is original (poly-lined paper with Marlin logo). Spine is mostly easy-to-read with wear. Shelf-wear along top-edge and corners; heavier wear along bottom-edge. Opening is crisp with signs of light use and divots. (Not a cut-out.)
With an all-star cast that rivals if not surpasses his Sound of a Drum solo debut, Ralph MacDonald's sophomore effort, The Path, remains his most ambitious and successful solo record. The 18-minute title cut is a mind-boggling journey charting the progression of African-American music from its roots in tribal drumming through evolutions from blues to jazz to funk -- aided by drummers Idris Muhammad, Steve Gadd, and Rick Marotta as well as soloists including Michael Brecker, David Sanborn, and Bob James, MacDonald creates a virtual primer in percussion, navigating the twists and turns of his musical narrative with stunning precision.