Oregon - Lantern

The Guardian 80

(CamJazz)

Lantern is the pioneering 47-year-old crossover ensemble Oregon’s 30th album, and features new takes on their soundscape of acoustic guitar and oboe delicacies propelled by firm basslines and dynamic percussion. The classical-jazz reeds player Paul McCandless and acoustic guitarist, pianist and composer Ralph Towner remain, and Italian double-bassist Paolino Dalla Porta now joins exciting percussionist Mark Walker, a member since 1997.

The Oregon signature shines in the bright, darting soprano-sax vehicle Dolomiti Dance, which sounds like a chamber-classical calypso with a bit of a jig in it. Towner’s quiet acoustic-guitar intensity warms the Spanish-inflected Duende, and he uncorks a Keith Jarrett-like piano solo for the jazzy Walkin’ the Walk. The band’s subtle way with poignant and lyrical music is reflected in reveries like Not Forgotten and the misty Figurine, and Towner’s slyly modulating, snappily swinging The Glide (a favourite of UK vocal star Norma Winstone) is a standout. They still sound as if they know how to have some very sophisticated fun.