Search - Oregon :: 1000 Kilometers

As good as one can expect......

David J. Ohanlon | Lilyfield, NSW Australia | 10/15/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Over his long, illustrious career Ralph Towner has rarely had a mis-step. Acknowledged as one of the world's leading 6 & 12 string acoustic guitarists his critical involvement in Oregon since its inception 35 (yes, that's right 35!!) years ago is often overlooked. It's not just his adroitness at the keyboard on show here but also his ensemble compositions that beget the wonderfully sensitive & seamless interplay amongst this most esteemed ensemble. Gone are the overly-conscious nods to world music of past albums (not including Prime here as I haven't yet listened to it) & instead we have a group that is clearly relaxed in terms of its own sound & individual abilities. Paul McCandless' tone on his varous reeds is at once delightful, understated & integral to each & every piece. Indeed it's fair to say that it is McCandless who provides Oregon with its unique voice & place in the "Jazz" pantheon. Album highlights are undoubtedly the long, evocative title track, the almost balero-like Bactrian & the delightful Simone, featuring gorgeous interplay between McCandless & Towner on acoustic guitar. But what's perhaps best about the album is there's no showing off here, nor any need to."

Big Shoes to Fill

oregonian | Kingston, NY USA | 09/23/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Well, I'm giving this 4 stars only because their previous release, Prime, was so very good and left shoes too big to fill. Part of this release, the title cut and its reprise, along with "From a Dream", are up to the job. But it falls off somewhat from there. Still, this is Oregon, and half a record of shocking beauty makes it more than worth buying or hearing. If you liked Prime, then you will like this additional "half a Prime"."