Record Reviews

OREGON ~ TROIKA INTUITION 2078 (Barcode: 750447207820) ~ USA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1993 Released: 1995 This is an album by the legendary American ensemble OregonFind albums by this artist, featuring the three founding members: guitarist Ralph TownerFind albums by this artist, oboe / English horn / saxophone / bass clarinet player Paul McCandlessFind albums by this artist and bassist Glen MooreFind albums by this artist. It is the first of the two albums they recorded as a trio (the other is “Beyond WordsFind albums with this title”). Indian drummer / percussionist Trilok GurtuFind albums by this artist, who replaced the original drummer Collin WalcottFind albums by this artist, who died in a car accident in 1984, joined Oregon for a five-year period, and following his departure they continued as a trio, later returning to the quartet format again. The album presents twelve tracks, all original compositions, five by Towner, two each by McCandless and Moore and three co-composed by all three members. The music was recorded during all of 1993 at four different studios, and offers the usual spectacular sound quality. The trio lineup results in a much more intimate / introvert music, and obviously less rhythmic driven, but by no means less complex or innovative. Alongside the usual Jazz-World Fusion motifs, these are also some improvised tracks, and Towner uses more synthesized sounds than earlier on. But of course the general atmosphere and artistic creativity are fully preserved. Oregon were undoubtedly one of the most eclectic, unique and revolutionary cross-genre American ensembles, which managed to combine Jazz improvisations with World Music, strongly influenced by Indian music, Classical Music, Avant-Garde and New Age and even Psychedelic and Space elements. The members of the band were virtuosi on their respective instruments and their collective performances, which I managed to hear in person many times over the years, were simply magical. Not surprisingly, Oregon achieved acclaim and Artistic recognition predominantly in Europe, where they toured extensively and recorded often. Overall, the music on this album is a wonderful document of the artistry of Oregon, and offers a relaxed environment, which inspires the musicians to improvise intensively and extensively on the beautiful themes. For Jazz-World Fusion enthusiasts this is some of the finest and most sophisticated embodiment of the genre.

Updated: 09/11/2026Posted: 09/11/2026

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