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This 1974 release by guitarist Ralph Towner only reaffirms his genius-
and versatility as a musician/composer.
Teaming up with bassist Eberhard Weber, drummer Jon Christensen-
and saxophonist Jan Garbarek,Towner took 3 other very highly developed musical-
personalities on a wild ride with him through dark spooky forests ("Visitation"),
vast seas ("Oceanus"), deserts ("Sand") and more. Towner lets forth-
some beautiful Bill Evans-esque piano musings on "Drifting Petals",
and even engages Jan Garbarek in a lively duo on "Winter Solstice".
Things even get funky on "Piscean Dance".
Bassist Eberhard Weber adds not only brilliant electric upright bass lines-
to the proceedings but goes further to add eerie choruses of cellos and bowed bass.
Jan Garbarek proves a more than capable foil for Towner’s full rich guitars-
and piano with his stark, icy, yet oddly soulful tones on tenor, soprano and flute.
One of his best moments is "Nimbus" with its tumbling flutes and stern tenor sax interjections.
"Visitation" gets my vote for spookiest track on an ECM release.
This improv piece is VERY effective in conjuring up vivid images-
of walking through a spooky forest at night, screech owls in full cry-
and something lurking behind the twisted oak trees.
All throughout, drummer Jon Christensen provides very flexible-
and empathetic playing, really listening to what's going on and-
giving his all without overpowering the other musicians.
He shoud definitely get a MVP Award in the ECM stable (as he's appeared on so many ECM discs).