OREGON “Northwest Passage” Intuition * *

Founded in the early ‘70s by members of the Paul Winter Consort, Oregon succeeded Winter’s ensemble as the leading practitioner of pastoral, chamber jazz. After the death of percussionist Colin Walcott in 1984, the remaining members continued to perform but without the focus and the mystical edge that Walcott added. This latest recording from guitarist Ralph Towner, reed man Paul McCandless and bassist Glen Moore, with percussionists Arto Tuncboyaciyan and Mark Walker, succeeds only here and there in recreating the ambitious, organic direction of the group’s early days. McCandless’ work, especially on oboe, is frequently delightful and Towner skillfully integrates piano and electronic keyboards into a number of the songs. Though a few tunes--Towner’s “Claridade,” Moore’s “L’Assassino Che Suona”--follow the Oregon formula of mixing natural romanticism with a modern, often urban attitudes, most rely too heavily on simplistic, good-natured themes empty of higher-interest. New Age, anyone?

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