In Concert (Oregon album)
In Concert is a live album by the jazz quartet Oregon, released in 1979 on the Elektra label. It captures a performance recorded in performance at the Theater am Kornmarkt, Bregenz, Austria on May 13, 1979. The album showcases Oregon's signature blend of jazz, world music, and classical influences.
The album features the core members of Oregon: Ralph Towner (guitar, piano, synthesizer), Paul McCandless (oboe, English horn, soprano saxophone), Glen Moore (bass), and Collin Walcott (tabla, percussion). The compositions included on In Concert are primarily original works by Towner and McCandless, known for their intricate melodies, improvisational passages, and evocative soundscapes.
The tracks highlight the band's instrumental virtuosity and interplay. The arrangements often incorporate elements of chamber music, reflecting the members' diverse musical backgrounds. Common elements include Towner's complex guitar harmonies, McCandless's soaring oboe melodies, Moore's resonant bass lines, and Walcott's nuanced percussion rhythms. The interplay between these elements creates a unique and recognizable sound.
In Concert is considered a key recording in Oregon's discography, and is often cited as a strong example of their live performance capabilities. It demonstrates their ability to recreate the complexity of their studio recordings while embracing spontaneity and improvisation on stage.