OREGON (ft. Ralph Towner, Collin Walcott, Paul McCandless, Glenn Moore) Berliner Jazztage 1980 (1980) VIDEO | VHS (MPG)

Tracklist :
1- Cloud Dance (Walcott) / (improvisation) (Oregon)
2- Waterwheel (Towner)
3- Beneath An Evening Sky (Towner)
4- Vessel (Towner)
Credits :
Ralph Towner - Classical and 12-String Guitars, Piano
Collin Walcott - Percussion, Sitar
Paul McCandless - Reeds
Glenn Moore - Double Bass

RALPH TOWNER — My Foolish Heart (2017) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Having focused on small groups in the 2010s and even collaborated with Argentine ensemble Aires Tango for 2016's Duende, Ralph Towner returns to a solo guitar format on his 2017 ECM effort, the warmly ruminative My Foolish Heart. Entirely consisting of Towner's classically inflected original pieces save for a gorgeously measured rendition of the Victor Young/Ned Washington title track composition, My Foolish Heart is a virtuoso session, intimately delivered. On past solo albums, like 1973's Diary and 1982's evocative Blue Sun, Towner deftly exploited the use of overdubbing various instruments to achieve his atmospheric layers of harmony. Here, with producer Manfred Eicher at the helm, he favors the minimalism of simply playing his woody, acoustic classical and 12-string guitars into a microphone. Even so, there are moments here, like the foreboding "Clarion Call," in which Towner improbably sounds like two musicians combined in duet, his bass figures interwoven with his crystalline, moon-like, high-end phrases. Similarly, the 12-string feature "Biding Time," spills forth like sun on water and brings to mind something along the lines of a classical reworking of a Yes song. Elsewhere, Towner displays his ability to deftly bridge styles on the opening "Pilgrim," which combines Elizabethan-sounding melodies and moody jazz inflection. No less compelling, the sad-eyed "I'll Sing to You" is a bittersweet ballad in which Towner sobs and sighs across his fretboard until landing on a repeated Spanish-flavored phrase that has the feel of someone staring into the dark horizon as they think on a lost love. Ultimately, it's Towner's immense gift for portraying that kind of romantic drama that makes My Foolish Heart such an evocative listening experience. Scott Yanow

Tracklist :

1. Pilgrim – 4:32 

2. I’ll Sing To You – 4:33 

3. Saunter – 5:01 

4. My Foolish Heart – 3:51

5. Dolomiti Dance – 4:24 

6. Clarion Call – 4:40

7. Two Poets – 2:05 

8. Shard – 0:54 

9. Ubi Sunt – 1:21

10. Biding Time – 1:29 

11. Blue As In Bley – 3:54 

12. Rewind – 3:43 

Duration: 0:40:22

Ralph Towner, Guitar (12 String, Classical)

TRILOK GURTU - The Trilok Gurtu Collection (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Trilok Gurtu's percussion work has powered a number of great albums that effectively fuse world music with jazz, allowing for both tight performance and free improvisation. This collection is therefore a gem, selecting ten cuts from six albums. Both an excellent overview and a wonderful place to begin acquainting yourself with Gurtu's music, and thus an essential addition to any jazz or world music collection. by Steven McDonald
Tracklist :
1     Once I Wished a Tree Upside Down 8'03
Jan Garbarek
2     Cherry Town 5'14
Trilok Gurtu
3     Watapa 7'49
Trilok Gurtu
4     Bad Boys 8'39
Andy Emler
5     Believe 6'25
Trilok Gurtu
6     Ballad for 2 Musicians 6'08
Joe Zawinul
7     Manini 7'06
Daniel Goyone / Trilok Gurtu
8     Baba 8'31
Trilok Gurtu
9     Shobharock 7'37
Trilok Gurtu
10     Om 7'13
Traditional
Credits :
Drums, Tabla, Percussion, Voice – Trilok Gurtu
Guitar – Pat Metheny, Ralph Towner
Keyboards, Piano – Joe Zawinul
Percussion – Nana Vasconcelos
Soprano Saxophone – Bill Evans
Trumpet – Don Cherry
Violin – Mark Feldman, L. Shankar
Voice – Shobha Gurtu

ARILD ANDERSEN / RALPH TOWNER / NANÁ VASCONCELOS - If You Look Far Enough (1997) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Norwegian bassist Andersen's reputation in Europe over the decades is well established. He has appeared on a number of significant recordings, most notably Jan Garbarek's SAGN, and with his own iconoclastic ensemble Masqualero. IF YOU LOOK FAR ENOUGH distills those past endeavors into a most atmospheric, spacious outing. The more traditional elements of Andersen's heritage meet face-to-face with a profoundly European free-jazz sensibility.
Andersen's guests add noticeable flecks of color and some subtle energy to his nearly minimalist basslines. Ralph Towner's shifting facades of cloudy guitars add a more fluid resonance to the tracks. So does unsung percussionist Nana Vasconcelos, whose legendary stints on countless jazz and world/ethnic albums are all stellar. IF YOU DON'T LOOK FAR ENOUGH is a ruminative album, capable of striking a variety of moods. by AllMusic
Tracklist :
1     If You Look 3:14
Arild Andersen
2     Svev 5:28
Arild Andersen
3     For All We Know 4:02
J. Fred Coots / Sam M. Lewis
4     Backe 5:49
Arild Andersen
5     The Voice 7:47
Arild Andersen / Naná Vasconcelos
6     The Woman 4:40
Traditional
7     The Place 3:09
Traditional
8     The Drink 5:03
Traditional
9     Main Man 5:04
Arild Andersen / Ralph Towner / Naná Vasconcelos
10     A Song I Used to Play 4:08
Arild Andersen
11     Far Enough 6:25
Arild Andersen
12     Jonah 4:03
Paul Simon
Credits :
Bass, Producer – Arild Andersen
Design [Cover Design] – Barbara Wojirsch
Guitar [Guitars] – Ralph Towner
Percussion – Nana Vasconcelos
Snare [Snare Drum] – Audun Kleive 

JOHN ABERCROMBIE / RALPH TOWNER - Sargasso Sea (1976-2008) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

John Abercrombie and Ralph Towner have forever been tied to the ECM roster as leaders and individualists, and initially it was hard to imagine their styles being compatible. As an amplified electric guitarist, Abercrombie's steely, sometime unearthly sound was an uneven puzzle piece alongside the graphic, stoic, classically oriented style of Towner. Yet on Sargasso Sea, there are several instances where they merge together as one, feeling their way through pure improvisations, angular and colorful motifs, or thematic nuances and a certain strata of consciousness that makes a world of common sense. There are selections where they both play acoustic guitars, but it is mostly Abercrombie's hopped up sound through an amp over Towner's bold and beautiful unplugged instrument, tossing in a piano overdubbed on two tracks. Where selections such as "Fable" are folksy and far from overwrought, "Avenue" lopes gracefully and the exceptional "Parasol" is semi-lyrical. Abercrombie's guitar stands in stark contrast on the near macabre title track, and more so during "Elbow Room" with heavier moans, cries, vibrato, echoplex slide incursions, and Towner as an afterthought. The best track "Staircase," with twin acoustic guitars, sports tricky intricate lines and changes only virtuosi can achieve. In laid-back surrender for "Romantic Descension," and in passive voicings on "Over & Gone," Towner need not strain to make his brilliant voice heard clearly. An uneven recording for many listeners and critics, Sargasso Sea deserves a second chance, not as an absolutely flawed, imperfect, or unbalanced effort. Like a tale of two cities, it stands as a unique project, perhaps deserving a more refined approach. Though there was a follow-up album released, a third-time's-the-charm contemporary revisit from these masterful guitar geniuses would be welcome. by Michael G. Nastos  
Tracklist :
1     Fable 8:41
John Abercrombie
2     Avenue 5:19
John Abercrombie
3     Sargasso Sea 4:01
John Abercrombie / Ralph Towner
4     Over and Gone 2:51
John Abercrombie
5     Elbow Room 5:11
John Abercrombie / John Towner / Ralph Towner
6     Staircase 6:25
Ralph Towner
7     Romantic Descension 3:17
John Abercrombie
8     Parasol 5:24
Ralph Towner
Credits :
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – John Abercrombie
Producer [Produced By] – Manfred Eicher
Twelve-String Guitar [12-String], Classical Guitar, Piano – Ralph Towner

DAVID FRIESEN - Waterfall Rainbow (1977-2018) RM / FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

David Friesen follows up his excellent debut album Star Dance with a program of original compositions that advances both his spiritual center and his love for the music of the ensemble Oregon. Though never officially a member of Oregon -- that space is always reserved for Glen Moore -- it seems he would fit in naturally, and displays that compatibility by employing Ralph Towner and Paul McCandless for this effort. Percussionist Jim Saporito, drummer Bob Moses, and electric guitarist John Stowell are also included, making for a group that fully understands how Friesen's religious beliefs and love of nature easily factor into his organic, contemporary jazz-influenced sound. Unlike Star Dance, there's no tour de force music here, but the title track is close to being classic in its galloping pace, guitar and English horn unison, with a wonderful flute solo from the usual baritone saxophonist Nick Brignola. Towner and Stowell prove compatible partners on acoustic and electric guitars respectively for the lovely "Spring Wind," a wedding song in beats of four and six that would be perfect for an outdoor nuptial ceremony in the woods. The two plectrists also show up together on "Song of Switzerland" which is neutral between Towner's strummings and the wafting oboe of McCandless. "Dancing Spirits Before the Lord" is memorable in that it echoes the Oregon concept, as the instruments all chime in agreement, a pretty but quick piece. There are several overdubbed solo tracks by Friesen, including the improvised "French Festival," a patient, strummed "The Peace That Passes Understanding," a stereo separated "Flight of the Angels," and the virtuoso display during "Song of the Stars" where the bassist's awesome technique takes on many bowed and plucked stances. Because of the solo pieces, this is a more self-indulgent, but no less impressive effort from Friesen, thankfully once again in print on compact disc. by Michael G. Nastos  
Tracklist :
1     Spring Wind (A Wedding Song for Vincent and Sharon) 7:59
David Friesen
2     French Festival 4:22
David Friesen
3     Waterfall Rainbow 4:30
David Friesen
4     Castles and Flags 3:27
David Friesen
5     The Peace That Passes Understanding (In Memory of Andre Gerand) 3:03
David Friesen
6     Song of Switzerland 5:46
David Friesen
7     Song of the Stars 5:19
David Friesen
8     Dancing Spirits Before the Lord 7:21
David Friesen
9     Flight of the Angels 2:41
David Friesen
Credits :
Acoustic Bass – David Friesen
Classical Guitar, Twelve-String Guitar – Ralph Towner
Composed By, Arranged By – David Friesen
Drums – Bobby Moses
Electric Guitar – John Stowell
Flute – Nick Brignola
Oboe, English Horn, Bass Clarinet – Paul Mc Candless
Percussion – Jim Saporito

OREGON – Our First Record (1970-2004) RM | Serie Oregon Collection Vol.1 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1 Canyon Song 2:47
Ralph Towner
2 Full Circle 4:42
Ralph Towner / Collin Walcott
3 Japan/Charles St. Melancholy 3:35
Oregon / Ralph Towner
4 Collin's Delite 3:42
Collin Walcott
5 Cry of the Peacock/Coral 6:25
Ralph Towner / Collin Walcott
6 Maty's New Bloom 2:17
Glen Moore
7 Aheer 7:06
Collin Walcott
8 Recuerdos 3:40
Francisco Tárrega
Arranged By – Ralph Towner
9 L' Histoire du Farm Suite 3:51
Oregon
10 Jade Visions 3:20
Scott LaFaro
11 Molecular 1:34
Oregon
12 Margueritte 3:09
Collin Walcott
13 Entrez Devotée Compagne 1:01
Traditional
Arranged By – Ralph Towner
Credits :
Classical Guitar, Twelve-String Guitar, Piano, Mellophone – R. Towner (faixas: 8, 13)
Flute, Bass – Glen Moore
Oboe, English Horn – Paul McCandless
Producer – Oregon
Tabla, Sitar, Twelve-String Guitar, Percussion, Esraj, Liner Notes – C. Walcott (faixas: 2, 4, 5, 7, 12)

OREGON – Distant Hills (1973) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

DISTANT HILLS, Oregon's 1973 follow-up to MUSIC FROM ANOTHER PRESENT ERA, is as eclectic, genre-bending, and pleasurable as its predecessor. The unique talents of multi-instrumentalists Collin Walcott, Glen Moore, Ralph Towner, and Paul McCandless work together in a fashion that recalls the collective precision of 20th-century classical chamber music, yet with the range and improvisatory flair of jazz.
Like most of Oregon's output, DISTANT HILLS is marked by forays into trans-global sounds. The sitar-fueled "Dark Spirit," for example, conjures uneasy, snake-charmer dreams, and the bongos-and-violin duet of "Mi Chinita Suite" sounds like an avant-garde recital in the Amazon. The high, reedy keen of "Confession" and the dramatic shape-shifting of "Canyon Song" testify to the fact that although Oregon's music is quite accessible, at its root it is dedicated to vital experimentation. AllMusic
Tracklist :
1     Aurora 7:48
Ralph Towner
2     Dark Spirit 5:55
Ralph Towner
3     Mi Chinita 7:02
Paul McCandless / Glen Moore / Ralph Towner / Collin Walcott
4     Distant Hills 6:34
Ralph Towner
5     Canyon Song 5:04
Ralph Towner
6     Song for a Friend 5:24
Ralph Towner
7     Confession 6:25
Paul McCandless / Glen Moore / Ralph Towner / Collin Walcott
Credits :
Bass – Glen Moore
Guitar – Ralph Towner
Oboe – Paul McCandless
Producer – Oregon
Sitar, Tabla – Collin Walcott

OREGON - Winter Light (1974-1990) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

If there was a "second best" recording from Oregon in their early years, this would be it. The concept of "Winter Light" certainly reflects the visage of the Pacific Northwest in the fourth season, yet it is a music, and time of year, filled with hope for the future while pondering a somewhat bleak present. Winter can be pleasant, bearable and filled with its own snowy delights. The first three pieces on their own are worth the price of this entire project, and are definitive works from the quartet. "Tide Pool" while accented with bizarre twists, is anchored by Walcott's energetic tabla and Towner's pure bred energy on acoustic guitar. Of course Jim Pepper's "Witchi-Tai-To" is classic, made moreso by the group's personal collective serenity and peace injected into the flavor of the composition. "Ghost Beads" is really the one for Towner and oboist Paul McCandless to dig in and fully express their vitruosity. These are three great examples of early world music. While the rest of the recording is not as provocative, it is still well played and conceived. "Winter Light" is heartily recommended as your follow-up Oregon purchase after "Music Of Another Present Era," with "Distant Hills" a close third. by Ron Wynn  
Tracklist :
1     Tide Pool 8:34
Ralph Towner
2     Witchi-Tai-To 3:26
Jim Pepper
3     Ghost Beads 6:38
Ralph Towner
4     Deer Path 2:47
Glen Moore
5     Fond Libré 5:04
Paul McCandless
6     Street Dance 2:08
Oregon
7     Rainmaker 4:27
Ralph Towner
8     Poesia 5:25
Oregon
9     Margueritte 4:05
Collin Walcott
Credits :
Double Bass, Electric Bass, Violin, Flute – Glen Moore
Oboe, English Horn, Bass Clarinet – Paul McCandless
Piano – Glen Moore (faixas: 4)
Producer – Oregon
Tabla, Sitar, Percussion [Pakhawaj], Congas, Percussion, Dulcimer, Clarinet, Photography By [Cover] – Collin Walcott
Twelve-String Guitar, Body Percussion [Hands], Percussion [Clay Drums], French Horn, Piano, Classical Guitar – Ralph Towner

OREGON – In Concert (1975-2001) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

A textbook live recording by Oregon, a premier acoustic band. It contains their usual classical, African, and jazz elements and shows that they're more aggressive and animated in performance than in the studio. The recording is excellent and fully displays the broad range of colors, rhythms, and textures that they present. Ron Wynn
Tracklist :
1     Introduction 0:42
George Schutz
2     Become, Seem, Appear 6:39
Oregon
3     Summer Solstice 9:43
Ralph Towner
4     Undertow 3:43
Paul McCandless
5     The Silence of a Candle 9:50
Ralph Towner
6     Tryton's Horn 5:04
Oregon
7     Yet to Be 6:56
Ralph Towner
Credits :
Bass, Flute, Violin – Glen Moore
Ensemble – Oregon
Oboe, English Horn, Bass Clarinet, Flute [Wooden] – Paul McCandless
Piano – Glen Moore (faixas: 6), Ralph Towner (faixas: 7)
Producer – Oregon
Sitar, Tabla, Clarinet, Percussion, Congas – Collin Walcott
Twelve-string Guitar, Classical Guitar, Mellophone, French Horn, Trumpet – Ralph Towner

OREGON - Friends (1977-1992) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Interstate 8:44
Bass – Glen Moore
Congas, Timbales – David Earl Johnson
Oboe – Paul McCandless
Piano – Ralph Towner
Tabla – Collin Walcott
Written-By – Ralph Towner
2    Gospel Song 2:28
Bass – Glen Moore
Bass Clarinet – Paul McCandless
Tenor Saxophone – Bennie Lee Wallace
Written-By – Paul McCandless
3    Grazing Dreams 3:34
Bass – Glen Moore
Classical Guitar – Ralph Towner
Congas – David Earl Johnson
English Horn – Paul McCandless
Sitar – Collin Walcott
Written-By – Collin Walcott
4    Slumber Song 5:54
Bass Clarinet – Paul McCandless
Flute [Bass Flute] – Glen Moore
Percussion – Collin Walcott
Piano – Larry Karush
Twelve-string Guitar – Ralph Towner
Written-By – Paul McCandless
5    Time Remembered 4:43
Bass – Glen Moore
Congas, Hihat – Collin Walcott
English Horn – Paul McCandless
Piano, Percussion – Ralph Towner
Written-By – Bill Evans
6    First Thing In The Morning 3:19
Tabla – Collin Walcott
Tenor Saxophone – Bennie Lee Wallace
Written-By – Bennie Wallace, Collin Walcott
7    Love Over Time 3:46
Piano [Lower Piano] – Glen Moore
Piano [Upper Piano] – Larry Karush
Written-By – Glen Moore
8    Timeless 8:20
Bass – Glen Moore
English Horn – Paul McCandless
Sitar, Tabla – Collin Walcott
Twelve-string Guitar, French Horn – Ralph Towner
Written-By – John Abercrombie

OREGON - Violin (1978) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Fine late '70s material from the acoustic band Oregon. Despite the title, it's not violin-dominated material, but their standard blend of Asian, European, African, and American elements and influences. by Ron Wynn
Tracklist :
1     Violin (Group Improvisations) 15:34
Oregon
2     Serenade 2:11
Ralph Towner
3     Raven's Wood 9:37
Ralph Towner
4     Flagolet 5:15
Glen Moore
5     Friend of the Family
Ralph Towner
Credits :
Bass – Glen Moore
Ensemble – Oregon
Oboe, Bass Clarinet – Paul McCandless
Piano – Collin Walcott (faixas: 4), Ralph Towner (faixas: 3)
Producer – Oregon
Tabla, Percussion – Collin Walcott
Twelve-String Guitar, Classical Guitar – Ralph Towner
Violin [Guest Artist] – Zbigniew Seifert

OREGON – Out of the Woods (1978-1992) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Long before "New Age" and "World Music" became part of the musical-term language, Oregon was making music that would influence (directly or indirectly) those genres. During the early 1970s, the much-maligned fusion movement in jazz was building up steam, and Oregon, in their quiet, understated way, contributed greatly. The band played acoustically--all the players had jazz backgrounds as well as a strong interest in ethnic musics from around the globe. They all played multiple instruments as well.
Oregon's music might be described as elegant folk melodies and "Third World" rhythms played by a jazz band with the precision and grace of a classical chamber ensemble. OUT OF THE WOODS was originally released in 1978, but it sounds like it came from a time all its own. "Witchi-Tai-To" (composed by the late Jim Pepper) has a captivating, dreamlike feel, and "Reprise" shows the respect they have for the blues. Once you take a stroll in these WOODS, you'll want to lose yourself in them. AllMusic
Tracklist :    
1     Yellow Bell 7:02
Ralph Towner
2     Fall 4:26
Glen Moore
3     Reprise 1:02
Ralph Towner
4     Cane Fields 4:35
Paul McCandless
5     Dance to the Morning Star 5:36
Collin Walcott
6     Vision of a Dancer 4:03
Ralph Towner
7     Story Telling 1:03
Collin Walcott
8     Waterwheel 6:26
Ralph Towner
9     Witchi-Tai-To 8:24
Jim Pepper
Credits :
Artwork – David Wilcox
Bass – Glen Moore
Guitar [Classical], Guitar [Twelve String], Piano, Flugelhorn, Percussion – Ralph Towner
Oboe, Cor Anglais, Bass Clarinet – Paul McCandless
Percussion, Guitar, Sitar, Tabla – Collin Walcott
Producer – Oregon

OREGON - Roots in the Sky (1979-1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

A 1992 CD reissue of their 1979 album, among their only releases ever issued by a major label. It was characteristically free-wheeling and eclectic, with long stretches of classical, Asian, African, and jazz coming together, and the group mixing structured ensemble work with surging free solos.  by Ron Wynn
Tracklist :
1 June Bug  3:58
Ralph Towner
2 Vessel   7:46
Ralph Towner
3 Sierra Leone  4:04
Collin Walcott
4 Ogden Road  6:30
Ralph Towner
5 House of Wax  4:34
Collin Walcott
6 Hungry Heart  5:31
Paul McCandless
7 Orrington's Escape  0:50
Ralph Towner
8 Roots in the Sky   4:23
Glen Moore
9 Longing, So Long   6:54
Collin Walcott
Credits :
Bass – Glen Moore
Classical Guitar, Twelve-String Guitar, Piano, Flugelhorn, Percussion – Ralph Towner
Oboe, English Horn, Bass Clarinet – Paul McCandless
Percussion, Sitar, Tabla, Guitar – Collin Walcott
Producer – Oregon

OREGON ‎- Moon And Mind (1979-1991) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Person-To-Person 3:11
Dulcimer, Tabla – Collin Walcott
Twelve-String Guitar – Ralph Towner
Written-By – Ralph Towner
2    I Remember Me 4:00
Oboe, Bass Clarinet – Paul McCandless
Piano – Glen Moore
Written-By – Jan Hammer
3    Rejoicing 4:17
Arranged By – Collin Walcott
Bass – Glen Moore
Sitar – Collin Walcott
Written-By – Traditional
4    The Elk 6:02
Bass – Glen Moore
Bass Clarinet – Paul McCandless
Written-By – Paul McCandless
5    Gloria's Step 3:14
Bass – Glen Moore
Classical Guitar – Ralph Towner
Written-By – Scott La Faro
6    Moon And Mind 8:22
Oboe – Paul McCandless
Piano – Ralph Towner
Written-By – Paul McCandless
7    Dust Devil 3:03
Flute – Paul McCandless
Tabla – Collin Walcott
Written-By – Paul McCandless
8    Elevator 3:53
Organ [Hammond], Classical Guitar, Percussion – Ralph Towner
Piano, Congas, Percussion – Collin Walcott
Written-By – Collin Walcott, Ralph Towner
9    Dunvegan 4:23
Bass – Glen Moore
Piano – Ralph Towner
Written-By – Ralph Towner 

OREGON - Oregon (1983-1987) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

In 1983, the ubiquitous composers' collective known as Oregon left its old homestead of Vanguard Records and moved over to Manfred Eicher's ECM. It was also one of the final recordings the band did with multi-instrumentalist Collin Walcott; he was killed in a car accident a year later. Here's the strange thing about this date: Since the early '70s, Oregon had been an acoustic, chamber jazz/improvisational group. ECM had seemed like a proper home to Oregon from the beginning -- especially since Ralph Towner, the group's guitarist and pianist -- had done tons of solo work for the label. So what's the first thing that appears on ECM? Towner playing a Prophet 5 synthesizer on "The Rapids," a track that belongs firmly in the Pat Metheny Group's canon -- even though he composed it. If he were trying for an imitation, he could never have gotten closer. With its crescendos, Paul McCandless' swirling soprano lines lyrically cascading over the top, and the Nana Vasconcelos-like percussion from Walcott, it is identical in compositional structure to anything from Offramp. The group improvisation "Beacon" is more in line with the band's musical aims, featuring Glen Moore on viola and McCandless on oboe, but Towner still holds fast to the synth instead of a guitar or piano. The piece is a study in textures and contrasts, with both Towner and Moore providing tonal drones for McCandless to move through and around. Of the rest, only "Taos" and "There Was No Moon That Night" are reminiscent of Oregon's ingenious musical past. The rest are loosely knit improvisations that seem to go nowhere; they're shoddy studies in dynamics and color with scant traces of microtonal ambiences seeming to be literally thrown in for good measure. If this disc was supposed to signal a new direction in the band's development, somewhere along the line they slipped off track, and despite the use of a Prophet 5, went backwards.
(This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa')
Tracklist :    
1     The Rapids 8:29
Bass – Moore
Composed By – Towner
Percussion – Walcott
Soprano Saxophone – McCandless
Synthesizer [Prophet 5 Synthesizer], Piano – Towner
2     Beacon 2:56
Composed By – Oregon
Oboe – Paul McCandless
Percussion – Collin Walcott
Synthesizer [Prophet 5] – Ralph Towner
Viola – Glen Moore
3     Taos 6:15
Bass – Glen Moore
Classical Guitar, Synthesizer [Prophet 5] – Ralph Towner
Composed By – Oregon
Percussion, Drum [Tongue Drum] – Collin Walcott
Tin Whistle [Tin Flute] – Paul McCandless
4     Beside a Brook 4:26
Bass – Glen Moore
Composed By – McCandless
Oboe, English Horn – Paul McCandless
Piano, Synthesizer [Prophet 5] – Ralph Towner
5     Arianna 6:29
Bass – Glen Moore
Composed By – Moore
Oboe, English Horn – Paul McCandless
Sitar – Collin Walcott
Twelve-String Guitar, Synthesizer [Prophet 5] – Ralph Towner
6     There Was No Moon That Night 7:19
Bass – Glen Moore
Bass Clarinet – Paul McCandless
Classical Guitar, Synthesizer [Prophet 5] – Ralph Towner
Composed By – Oregon
Percussion – Collin Walcott
7     Skyline 1:19
Bass – Glen Moore
Composed By – Oregon
Percussion – Collin Walcott
Synthesizer [Prophet 5] – Ralph Towner
8     Impending Bloom 7:51
Bass Drum, Voice [Voices] – Collin Walcott
Composed By – Moore
English Horn, Musette – Paul McCandless
Piano, Bass – Glen Moore
Synthesizer [Prophet 5] – Ralph Towner

OREGON - Crossing (1985) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

One of the earliest and finest exponents of world jazz, Oregon began life in 1970 as an offshoot of the Paul Winter Consort, in which the group's original members had played. From the beginning, the band eschewed most jazz conventions. Percussionist Collin Walcott played tabla, sitar, and dulcimer, among other instruments, but did not use a trap set; bassist Glen Moore doubled on clarinet, viola, and piano, and its front line was formed by a double-reedist (Paul McCandless) and an acoustic guitarist (Ralph Towner). The band's music differed from much of what had heretofore been considered jazz. The concept of blues and swing was given a much-reduced prominence in favor of other, less literal forms of tonal and rhythmic organization. For example, Indian ragas would occasionally replace chord changes, and talas would supplant swing time. The group's dynamic approach was quieter than typical by jazz standards, and their overall aesthetic somewhat introspective. Improvisation was central to the band's work, however, and in this sense their music is most firmly in the jazz tradition. Oregon's music is characterized by a heightened method of ensemble interaction, a rapt attention to timbral contrast, and an openness to any and all cultural influences. After Walcott's death in a car accident in 1984, the group disbanded for a time, before eventually replacing him with percussionist Trilok Gurtu. web
Tracklist :
1    Queen Of Sydney 8:10
Bass, Flute – Moore
Composed By – McCandless
Oboe – McCandless
Synthesizer [Prophet 5 Synthesizer], Piano – Towner
Tabla, Percussion – Walcott
2    Pepé Linque 4:17
Bass – Moore
Bass Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone – McCandless
Composed By – Moore
Synthesizer [Prophet 5], Cornet, Piano – Towner
Tabla, Percussion – Walcott
3    Alpenbridge 6:26
Bass – Moore
Classical Guitar, Synthesizer [Prophet 5] – Towner
Composed By – Towner
Oboe – McCandless
Sitar – Walcott
4    Travel By Day 4:18
Bass – Moore
Composed By – Walcott
Sitar – Walcott
Twelve-String Guitar – Towner
5    Kronach Waltz 3:00
Bass Clarinet – McCandless
Composed By – Moore
Cornet – Towner
Piano – Moore
Snare [Snare Drum], Bass Drum – Walcott
6    The Glide 6:07
Bass – Moore
Composed By – Towner
Piano, Cornet, Synthesizer [Prophet 5] – Towner
Soprano Saxophone – McCandless
Tabla, Percussion – Walcott
7    Amaryllis 8:49
Bass – Moore
Composed By – McCandless
English Horn, Oboe – McCandless
Percussion – Walcott
Twelve-String Guitar, Synthesizer [Prophet 5] – Towner
8    Looking-Glass Man 4:20
Bass – Moore
Composed By – Towner
Piano – Towner
Soprano Saxophone – McCandless
9    Crossing 3:13
Bass – Moore
Classical Guitar, Synthesizer [Prophet 5], Piano, Percussion – Towner
Composed By – Towner
Percussion – Walcott
Soprano Saxophone – McCandless

OREGON - Ecotopia (1987) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Given the death of Colin Walcott, a virtual architect of Oregon's sound, it would natural to assume the band would have to search for a way to fill that void. It would also be quite natural for them to make a record that reflected that void. That said, and allowing for the exception that Oregon was leaning in a somewhat, shall we say, "more accessible" direction before Walcott's untimely demise, there is no excuse for this waste of studio time and Manfred Eicher's energy. It is no wonder that he began the ECM New Series a few years before, given the junk churned out by some of label's stable between 1983 and 1988, and this record is a stellar example. Simply put, this is a trite, new age piece of dreck slopped out by a group of musicians whose combined creativity should always take them to stellar heights. There are no redeeming tracks on this disc, and few redeeming moments (the 12-string and tabla introduction to "Innocente" is one) where one can remember that this was a band that opened a new door in chamber jazz in terms of composition and free improvisation. Worthless.
(This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa')
Tracklist
1     Twice Around the Sun 10:31
Ralph Towner
2     Innocente 6:24
Ralph Towner
3     Wbai 2:02
Trilok Gurtu / Paul McCandless / Glen Moore / Oregon / Ralph Towner
4     Zephyr 5:55
Ralph Towner
5     Ecotopia 5:06
Ralph Towner
6     Leather Cats 7:39
Glen Moore / Samantha Moore
7     Redial  5:59
Ralph Towner
8     Song of the Morrow 5:16
Collin Walcott
Credits :
Bass – Glen Moore
Classical Guitar, Twelve-String Guitar, Piano, Synthesizer [Synthesizers] – Ralph Towner
Design [Cover Design] – Barbara Wojirsch
Drum Machine – Ralph Towner (faixas: 1)
Electronic Wind Instrument [Wind Driven Synthesizers] – Paul McCandless (faixas: 3, 8)
Oboe, English Horn, Soprano Saxophone – Paul McCandless
Producer – Manfred Eicher
Tabla, Percussion – Trilok Gurtu 

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 

OREGON - Always, Never and Forever (1991) APE (image+.cue), lossless

The eclectic blend of Classical, Jazz, and Eastern/World music of the superb music group Oregon, never ceases to captivate those who hear them.
From the very first album that acquired critical attention from this group "Winter Light" in 1974... audiences worldwide have have been enraptured by Oregon's sound... Giving voice as the group does to unexplored vibrant new innovation.. in a varied blend utilizing their signature improvisational effect...and weaving a tapestry of colors and shapes in ther unique stylized sound,
"Always, Never & Forever" continues the rich legacy of Oregon. Featured percussionist, Trilok Gurtu joins the seminal "World Music" ensemble in this wonderful recording (Intuit) 1991...
The selection "Aurora" has come to be considered a definitive recording by the group. No wonder as one hears the beauty, and symmetry of the woodwind intruments, the wonderful reeds of Paul McCandless...... expressing an awakening like a waterfall rushing...
"Beppo" employs a lovely guitar... gently taking you on your own journey within the composition... Ralph Towner at his best here on Classical guitar... Jazz elements are heard on this composition as well.
The concluding cut to this CD, "Always, Never, and Forever is contemporary Jazz at it's zenith... This selection makes sense, considering that Oregon at it's basic foundation is steeped in the discipline of Jazz...
Aurora means "The rise or dawn of something"... a radiant emission from the upper atmosphere that occurs sporadically over the middle and high latitudes of both hemispheres in the form of luminous bands, streamers or the like... according to The Random House College Dictionary, 1984.
The band Oregon is something like this... their music although not merely sporadic, but as one listens, one can hear... the spectrums.. the streams of color and light.. charged.. as it is played.
this Cd "Always, Never, and Forever" then, radiates and illuminates... to hear this Cd then becomes a musical experience. Oregon's Journey

Tracklist :
1     Beppo 5:41
Ralph Towner
2     Balahto 6:25
Trilok Gurtu
3     Renewal 5:26
Ralph Towner
4     Oleander 2:57
Paul McCandless
5     Rapid Transit 6:48
Ralph Towner
6     When the Fire Burns Low 3:40
Ralph Towner
7     Aurora 5:37
Ralph Towner
8     Playground in Nuclear Winter 4:54
Oregon
9     Guitarra Picante 3:38
Ralph Towner
10     Apology Nicaragua 4:37
Glen Moore
11     Big Fat Orange 2:59
Collin Walcott
12     Always, Never, And Forever 7:32
Glen Moore
Credits :
Bass, Piano – Glen Moore
Guitar [Guitars], Piano [Pianos], Synthesizer [Synthesizers] – Ralph Towner
Oboe, Bass Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone, Sopranino Saxophone, Whistle [Whistles] – Paul McCandless
Percussion, Voice – Trilok Gurtu
Producer, Ensemble – Oregon