Oregon - Always, Never, And Forever

A milestone of modern “World Jazz” returns: Always, Never and Forever by Oregon is being reissued in a newly remastered edition as part of the INTUITION MASTER SERIES on high-quality 180-gram vinyl.

The album marks one of the artistic high points in the band’s remarkable history. Following the tragic death of founding member Collin Walcott, who lost his life in a traffic accident near Magdeburg while on tour, the remaining members Ralph Towner, Paul McCandless, and Glen Moore initially withdrew from musical activities. It was only months later, during a tribute concert in New York for their late bandmate, that they reunited musically — joined by Indian percussion virtuoso Trilok Gurtu.

The chemistry between the trio and Gurtu was immediate and transformative. First joining the band on tour and later as a full member, Gurtu brought renewed energy, spontaneity, and joy to Oregon’s music. Together, this celebrated lineup recorded three outstanding albums: Ecotopia (1987), 45th Parallel (1989), and Always, Never and Forever (1991), originally released on INTUITION Records.

Widely regarded as one of Oregon’s finest recordings, Always, Never and Forever captures the band at the peak of its creative powers. The album is a vibrant showcase of dynamic interplay, rhythmic sophistication, and fearless musical imagination. At a time when many jazz artists were exploring electronic sounds, Oregon forged an entirely different path — pioneering a unique synthesis of jazz, world music, classical traditions, and improvised chamber music. Their unmistakable sound became a defining influence on the genre later known as “World Jazz.”

This new remastered vinyl edition, dedicated to the memory of Ralph Towner, presents the album in slightly shortened form and with renewed sonic depth, offering listeners the opportunity to rediscover one of the most visionary recordings in Oregon’s catalog.