Oregon: Lantern – bright, crystalline melodies from 1970s vets

Lantern
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Artist: Oregon
Genre: Jazz
Label: CamJazz

Names for jazz groups are commonplace nowadays but when Oregon emerged in the early 1970s, it was all the so-and-so trio and the what's-his-name quartet; the idea that a small ensemble might not have a leader was radical. Now on their 30th recording and – a few personnel changes aside – still mining the same collective consciousness, Oregon cover the spectrum from delicate chamber music to full-throated post-bop to funky world grooves. Still at the centre of the group's sound is the interplay between guitarist Ralph Towner and multi-reed player Paul McCandless, with percussionist Mark Walker and bassist Paolino Dalla Porta, making his Oregon debut, holding more than their own on a set of (mostly Towner's) bright, crystalline melodies. camjazz.com

Cormac Larkin

Cormac Larkin

Cormac Larkin, a contributor to The Irish Times, is a musician, writer and director