Search - Oregon :: Prime

If you are an Oregon fan GET THIS CD!

laa dee da | democracydead, USA | 03/20/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have every CD of Oregon's 36 year recording career, all of the Ralph Towner CD's, and although the absence of Colin Walcott was/is a great loss to the band and it's sound and style, I can say without hesitation, that this CD can be heralded as the return to form. This is the CD that gives one the feeling that the more recent addition of Mark Walker on percussion is now an airtight, fully intergrated sound that has the feeling of completeness that has not been felt since the loss of Walcott. The newer material is not quite as abstract as the Walcott era music, but it is charming, invigorating, and full of life force. Do not let the pictures of the "old men" on the cover fool you - these guys got it, have it, and will play circles around any band of twenty somethings without pause or relent. And besides, I'm a sucker for an album full of Towner material."

Oregon's "Prime" is sadly mistitled

Pasquale F. Rocchi | Philadelphia, PA | 07/30/2006

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I have been a fan of Oregon's since they surprised me at the 1974 Newport in New York jazz festival. They walked onto the Avery Fischer Hall stage in saffron gowns, grabbing their tablas, sitars, and other Indian instruments, and all I could say to myself was, "Oh, THIS won't be jazz." Their electrifying performance proved otherwise. It was the best set I heard in the entire festival, and Oregon went on to be a progressive force in jazz for many years afterward. However, I found "Prime" to be much like the homogenized music that populates the "smooth jazz" airways. Though their performances are still of virtuoso quality, the compositions on this CD struck me as formless, generic and unmemorable. I will always appreciate Oregon's body of work, but I cannot recommend this CD as one that is representative of their prodigious gifts."

Oregon Evolves

M-Dub | Beantown, USA | 05/10/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD represents what Oregon sounds like now. Oregon is ever-changing and refuses to be stuck in the past. Collin Walcot was a master, but sadly for all of us, he is no longer with us. Unfortunately, some fans just can't move on...Mark Walker was invited to join the band 10 years ago, and is not attempting to play what Collin or Trilok played. Each new ingredient adds a different taste. Enjoy..."