Oregon: Lantern

Rating: ★★★

Record and Artist Details

Musicians:

Paul McCandless (ob, f, eng hn, ss, bcl)
Ralph Towner (g, p, gongs)
Paolino Dalla Porta (b)
Mark Walker (d, perc)

Label:

CAM Jazz

August/2017

Catalogue Number:

CAMJ 7916-2

RecordDate:

28-30 November 2016

The cover may look like a Dignitas brochure – why so dark when the music is so light? – but there's no doubting the vim, vigour and delight that Oregon still bring to their well-tested set up. Which is all the more satisfying as Lantern marks the end of the recording collaboration between Glen Moore and Ralph Towner which, extraordinarily, goes back six decades. Dalla Porta brings his own virtues, of course, not least a lightness of touch to the joyous opener ‘Dolomitti Dance’, with Towner ecstatic on classical guitar. But the bassman also explores more burnished tones as on the darker vibe of ‘Aeolian Tale’, with McAndless sublime on soprano. Walker's hand percussion gives an airy texture to the band's signature ensemble playing, but he can kick in on the full kit too as on the boppish relish of ‘Walk The Walk’. It also features a bluesy chunk of Towner's talents on keys. Passionate delivery is not the reserve of youth alone.

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