OREGON - 45th Parallel (1989) APE (image+.cue), lossless

Oregon bothers jazz people because a) they're difficult to categorize, and b) they radiate endlessly cheerful vibes bordering on vacuous new age while maintaining a sharp improvisational edge. So goes this high-profile appearance on Columbia's spinoff label, which sometimes stays within the bounds of post-bop jazz yet is more likely to go veering off in contemplative folk-like, Asiatic, Spanish, or even neo-classical directions. Ralph Towner handles both the piano and various guitars and synthesizers with equal facility, while Paul McCandless' reed work evokes the pure white light of Paul Winter; Glen Moore continues to man the bass; Trilok Gurtu alternates between tabla and traps; and Nancy King checks in with a bout of eccentric scatting on "Chihuahua Dreams." This is intriguing, free-thinking stuff, always intelligent, evidently durable, yet the music misses the spark of true inspiration that could have made it memorable. by Richard S. Ginell
Tracklist :
1     Pageant 6:26
Ralph Towner
2     Hand in Hand 6:00
Ralph Towner
3     King Font 5:29
Ralph Towner
4     Riding on the "D" Train 2:29
Trilok Gurtu / Ralph Towner
5     Beneath an Evening Sky 5:02
Ralph Towner
6     Chihuahua Dreams 5:04
Lyrics By – S. Moore
Music By – G. Moore
Vocals – Nancy King
7     Urumchi 4:16
Paul McCandless
8     Les Douzilles 7:25
Ralph Towner
9     Bombay Vice 4:51
Trilok Gurtu
10     Pageant (Epilogue) 1:52
Ralph Towner
Credits :
Bass – Glen Moore
Piano, Synthesizer [Synthesizers], Twelve-String Guitar, Classical Guitar – Ralph Towner
Producer – Oregon
Saxophone [Piccolo], Soprano Saxophone, Oboe, English Horn, Bass Clarinet – Paul McCandless
Tabla, Drums, Percussion, Voice – Trilok Gurtu