Oregon

The Profile

Oregon is an American ensemble formed in 1970 by Ralph Towner, Paul McCandless, Glen Moore, and Collin Walcott after their stint with the Paul Winter Consort. Blending jazz with European classical and Indian traditions, they recorded seminal albums for Vanguard, ECM, and Elektra. Percussionist Collin Walcott died in 1984; the group has continued performing and recording.

Formed: 1970, USA; founders: Ralph Towner (guitars, piano), Paul McCandless (oboe and reeds), Glen Moore (double bass), Collin Walcott (sitar, tabla, percussion). Early albums on Vanguard; later releases on ECM and Elektra. Signature pieces and albums highlighted in reviews include Winter Light, Out of the Woods, and Crossing; recurring repertoire includes Jim Pepper’s “Witchi-Tai-To.” Music characterized by acoustic instrumentation and a blend of jazz, classical, and Indian influences. Walcott died in a car accident after the recording of Crossing; the band remained active.

Three ecstatic reviews celebrate Oregon’s blend of jazz, classical and Indian influences. Winter Light is hailed as a pinnacle of acoustic elegance. Out of the Woods marks the Elektra shift with focused, gem-like performances. Crossing crowns the ECM era and serves as a poignant farewell to Collin Walcott.