Vanguard Sessions: Best of the Vanguard Years
This 14-track collection represents the definitive 1970s recordings by the group Oregon, which mixed aspects of jazz improvisation, classical composition, and Indian raga into one of the more innovative approaches to the so-called fusion era. Anchored byRalph Towner's introspective acoustic guitar and piano melodies (think post-WoodstockBill Evans), the Oregon sound incorporated Paul McCandless's airy woodwinds,Glen Moore's singing bass, andCollin Walcott's world-beat percussion. What has distinguished Oregon's original concept from the subsequent New Age knockoffs is the musicians' undeniable jazz chops and collective refusal to pander to slick sentimentality and faux spiritualism. To recall Oregon at its elemental best, check out "Aurora," from the 1974Distant Hillsalbum. But it's also interesting to hear what the group can do when pushed by a guest soloist: "Improvisation on Robert de Visee's Menuet II" (withLarry Coryell), "Gospel Song" (withBennie Wallace), and "Charango" (withElvin Jones).--Rick Mitchell