OREGON – Always, Never and Forever
As a remaster, this “Master Series” release by Oregon is likely a newly polished version of an earlier recording, with improved clarity and sound depth. As a tribute to Ralph Towner, it’s less about new material and more about honoring his legacy by presenting the music in its best possible form.
In memoriam of Ralph Towner († January 2026)
Experience the music like never before. Available on vinyl and on July 10th, 2026!
Label: Intuition
Katalog Nr. CIA 20731
Release: 10. July 2026
EAN: 750447207318
Format: LP
Distribution: edel Kultur
LC: 08399
SIDE A
1. Beppo 5:39
- Balahto 6:22
- Renewal 5:24
- Oleander 2:53
- When The Fire Burns Iow 3.37
SIDE B
- Rapid Transit 6:45
- Aurora 5:31
- Guitarra Picante 4:36
- Always, Never, And Forever 7:29
Oregon
Always, Never and Forever
Following the tragic death of band member Collin Walcott in 1984, who was killed in a road accident near Magdeburg,
Germany whilst on tour, the surviving members – Ralph Towner, Paul McCandless and Glen Moore – withdrew from
the public eye. At first, music was the last thing on their minds. It was only after half a year that they came together
again to give a memorial concert in New York for their late bandmate. Also taking part was Trilok Gurtu, who had
travelled specially from Hamburg and of whom Walcott had once said that Trilok could stand in for him should he ever
be unable to attend. The musical chemistry between the remaining trio and Gurtu clicked straight away, and so he
was first invited on tour and later became a permanent member of the band. Trilok Gurtu had breathed new life into
the remaining trio with his enthusiasm for playing; the joy of making music returned. In total, this line-up recorded
three albums: ‘Ecotopia’ (1987), ‘45th Parallel’ (1989) and finally ‘Always, Never and Forever’ from 1991, which was
released on INTUITION Records.
The album is one of the best the band has ever released, a dazzling display of dynamism and musical ideas. Musically,
Oregon were at the height of their powers, even though Gurtu left the band again after this album. Whilst many jazz
musicians in the 1970s were discovering the electric sound, Oregon, as pioneers of their time, created something
entirely new: a unique fusion of jazz, world music, classical and improvised chamber music. Their distinctive style
helped shape what came to be known as ‘world jazz’.
‘Always, Never and Forever’ is a prime example of this unique band’s masterful style. The album, dedicated to the
recently deceased guitarist Ralph Towner, is now being remastered and released in a slightly abridged form on 180-
gram vinyl as part of the INTUITION MASTER SERIES.
New LP Release – 10 / 07 / 2026
As a remaster, this “Master Series” release by Oregon is likely a newly polished version of an earlier recording, with improved clarity and sound depth. As a tribute to Ralph Towner, it’s less about new material and more about honoring his legacy by presenting the music in its best possible form.
With players like Paul McCandless, Glen Moore, and Trilok Gurtu, even a subtle remaster can really enhance the detail and atmosphere—perfect for Oregon’s nuanced sound.
OREGON
The formation OREGON has surely been well-known to most jazz and classical music enthusiasts. During the past 50+ years of band history, Oregon has become a synonym for genre-crossing music of the finest.
Ralph Towner -guitar, Paul McCandless – soprano sax, bass clarinet, Glen Moore – acoustic bass, Mark Walker – drums & percussion
