IN STRIDE

Oregon is a live history of world jazz fusion, and their new album after four decades of activity only confirms they still are capable to play good music. Well known as solo guitarist Ralph Towner is obvious band's leader and main composer. On this album he plays acoustic guitars,guitar synth and piano.

Music during all album is mostly relaxed, a bit melancholic, with strong roots in acoustic jazz. Musicians plays together for years so they sound as real band, not just few collaborators. Plenty world timbers and elements make their music more melodic and easy listening. Never cheesy, this album for sure is between well made pleasant and professional releases, but far not innovative one.

Most controversial moment in album's music for me is Towner's places where he uses guitar synth. Its sound,reminding flute music,modified by sound synthesizer, destroys almost acoustic,natural,warm and well balanced album's atmosphere. I never liked that instrument, even on much more energetic Alan Holdsworth albums. There it sound even more out of place.

Happily, there are enough compositions without guitar synth sound. They are mostly pleasant,a bit too comfortable, contemporary jazz with some world fusion elements. Nice to listen, but energetic level could be more intensive for me. Not sleepy, but not far from lullaby in some moments.

Anyway, band still can play a good music, after all this years. Don't expect surprises there, but compositional and technical level of the band is high enough to record very competent album.