Oregon In Moscow

Ambitious project, beautifully realized

     

Ralph, Glen and Paul are all prolific composers, adn not just for the quartet Oregon. They write for a variety of ensembles including full orchestra. The liner notes explain all this, that they'd wanted to record with a symphony orchestra for years, and finally got the chance. The orchestra is fully integrated into the arrangements; that is, this is NOT the far too common post-production pasting of strings atop the named ensemble. Most readily is this integration witnessed in the session specific compositions "Acis and Galatea", "The Templars" and "Free-form piece for Orchestra and Improvisors". Long-time fans of Oregon will see this also in old favorites "Beneath an Evening Sky", "Along the Way", "Arianna", Icarus", "Waterwheel" and "Zephyr", and comparing arrangements here with earlier recordings of these pieces. Towner's "Anthem" provides interesting contrast to the solo recording on the ECM release of the same name (why are Ralph's ECMs not available on iTunes?) I don't wish to neglect praising Mark Walker's contributions to the band and this project in particular. He is a welcome addition to the three remaining founding members, and exhibits great skill in integrating percussion with the band and with the orchestra. I find this the most satisfying Oregon release in the post-Walcott era.