Oracle

The problem with this record seems twofold: firstly, the six Peacock compositions are possibly not complex enough harmonically to attract neither the seriously classical nor jazz-inclined audience. Towner helps the situation a lot by bringing his own invention [=chordal sense] into them. Secondly, Peacock's playing as well is a bit too simple [=harmonically unconscious], which it is even more today, e.g. in the 2013 record with Marilyn Crispell. The question is not as much in the lacking of technical capacity - except in the absence of fast "runs" - or problems with the general aesthetics, but in the overall resigned feeling. You could like that, though!There is variety of technical style - from riff-oriented [in one piece] to walking bass [in another] - as well as variation of mood between the pieces, but thankfully a general feeling of unity, too. One Towner composition ['Hat and Cane'] combines beautifully classical and jazz, the solos in that song played mostly in the jazz vein. In this piece Peacock suddenly comes to life, playing more like would've been wished for the whole record. The other Towner track, a classically inclined treat ['Tramonto'] as well as the title piece, presumably a collective improvisation, also contain more lively invention. There is also an exception to the 'Peacock-rule', which is his 'Burly Hello' - a piece full of strongest possible rhythm, harmonic and melodic content - mostly of the bass!Despite the ascetism, this _is_ a rather good disc, but Towner has definitely played in a more developed context. But, also Gary Peacock with e.g. K. Jarrett has unquestionably been far better than this.To sum: friends of calm, peaceful, slow-moving and [mostly] rather simple (compared to the more complex parts of classical music or jazz) yet highly emotional and expressive music would like this much.

These two fit together like white on rice... absolutely magisterial playing, listening, and songwriting from two masters who rarely play together (I think there's only one other duo recording of them....). Buy it, yesterday.

One of my favorite guitarist whose compositions on classical guitar are marvelous. If you play classical guitar or bass, this is definitely compulsory listening. If you are just a listener, this is relaxing and interesting music.

I like to listen strings, and the mix between Guitar and Bass it's a very comfortable and relaxed music to me.This Cd is wonderful.

Although I was afraid that a bass/guitar duo album by these two might be too ethereal or abstract to be really enjoyable, I was in for a pleasant surprise when I loaded Oracle into the CD player. This is a tuneful CD, full of joy and rife with melody. Covering a variety of styles yet never sounding pointlessly eclectic, the music on Oracle brings joy and pleasure. For those who enjoy acoustic instruments, this is a must-hear recording, for Gary Peacock and Ralph Towner are both masters of nuance, and they seem to bring out the best in each other in this session.

I am a huge Gary Peacock fan. I believe he is one of the most versatile bassists on the scene today, and his work in all types of ensembles shows remarkable musicality and adaptability. That said, this is actually my personal favorite Peacock recording to date. His compositions are the best since "Tales of Another" and his melodic phrasing on both his and Towner's compositions leave the listener wanting more to say the least. Towner's performance is equally soulful, and the two musicians play with such unity that the difficulty of playing in a duo of this instrumentation is never brought out in this performance. What really catches the listener is how well Towner's guitar and Peacock's bass blend together, the bended notes and string noise actually seem to add to the greatness of the music, as is only possible in a string duo. Every track is excellent and I wish these two would tour together so I could experience this group in a small recital hall, as I would imagine that type of venue would be best for this ensemble.