Search - Oregon :: Beyond Words

Startlingly Fresh

06/12/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have seen Oregon a half-dozen times over the last 25 years. One of those was a trio concert. Frankly, it may have been the best I've ever heard them play. Yes, of course Oregon fans miss Colin Walcott. Yes, of course the rhythms and (perhaps in Oregon's case, even more importantly) the textures are profoundly changed when they play as a trio without a percussionist. But to claim that this music is somehow without rhythmic intensity or without propulsion is absurd. This is one of their very best records. I saw their last tune-up concert, 1 day prior to their doing this recording. On hearing this recording, I was astonished at how accurately the recording captured the qualities of their playing. It has a freshness and a bouyancy that few of their other recordings do. If I could give it 6 stars, I would. If you don't own it, for heaven's sake buy it before it goes out of print (like you wish you had done with 45th Parallel!)."

Not within ECM standards

Hitters | Buenos Aires, Argentina | 08/30/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I am a huge fan of Oregon, I love the old recordings before ECM. This one, I'm afraid, is not Oregon at its best. I find Manfred Eicher's insightful guidance missing here. The sound is good, but it is not enough for me. There is no sense of exploration, of discovery or magic. Just a little matter of fact. Sorry. Just an opinion, but I would get Out of the woods or Crossing for a good Oregon recording."