Towner Discography of CDs

This is considered a classic encounter, a duet set featuring Ralph Towner on acoustic guitars and vibraphonist Gary Burton. The guitar/vibes blend is both unusual and quite logical, for Burton and Towner always had similarly introverted but exploratory styles. Highlights of the date include "Icarus" (one of six Towner originals), "Some Other Time" and "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat." ~ Scott Yanow Recorded at Studio Bauer, Ludwigsburg, Germany on July 26 & 27, 1974. Personnel: Ralph Towner (12-string & classical guitars); Gary Burton (vibraphone).

11 years after recording Matchbook, guitarist Ralph Towner and vibraphonist Gary Burton (who doubles here on marimba) had a recorded reunion for another duet album. Both of the musicians display unchanged and highly complementary styles on eight of Towner's originals and "Blue In Green." The music is quite subtle, and the blend between the vibes and the guitar is satisfying, both for close listening and as background music. ~ Scott Yanow Personnel: Ralph Towner (guitar); Gary Burton (vibraphone, marimba).

With Arild Andersen and Nana Vasconcelos.

John Abercrombie and Ralph Towner have forever been tied to the ECM roster as leaders and individualists, and initially it was hard to imagine their styles being compatible. As an amplified electric guitarist, Abercrombie's steely, sometime unearthly sound was an uneven puzzle piece alongside the graphic, stoic, classically oriented style of Towner. Yet on Sargasso Sea, there are several instances where they merge together as one, feeling their way through pure improvisations, angular and colorful motifs, or thematic nuances and a certain strata of consciousness that makes a world of common sense. There are selections where they both play acoustic guitars, but it is mostly Abercrombie's hopped up sound through an amp over Towner's bold and beautiful unplugged instrument, tossing in a piano overdubbed on two tracks. Where selections such as "Fable" are folksy and far from overwrought, "Avenue" lopes gracefully and the exceptional "Parasol" is semi-lyrical. Abercrombie's guitar stands in stark contrast on the near macabre title track, and more so during "Elbow Room" with heavier moans, cries, vibrato, echoplex slide incursions, and Towner as an afterthought. The best track "Staircase," with twin acoustic guitars, sports tricky intricate lines and changes only virtuosi can achieve. In laid-back surrender for "Romantic Descension," and in passive voicings on "Over & Gone," Towner need not strain to make his brilliant voice heard clearly. An uneven recording for many listeners and critics, Sargasso Sea deserves a second chance, not as an absolutely flawed, imperfect, or unbalanced effort. Like a tale of two cities, it stands as a unique project, perhaps deserving a more refined approach. Though there was a follow-up album released, a third-time's-the-charm contemporary revisit from these masterful guitar geniuses would be welcome. ~ Michael G. Nastos Recorded at Talent Studios, Oslo, Norway in May 1976. Personnel: John Abercrombie (acoustic & electric guitars); Ralph Towner (12-string & classical guitars, piano).

Towner was, in the 1970s and early '80s, the consummate ECM artist. His classical six-string and 12-string guitar playing lent itself well to Manfred Eicher's aesthetic. This abum is an odd collection of solos and trios, all played with the members of his band, Oregon (which included the late Colin Walcott of Codona). The album features Towner with Glen Moore and Walcott on the opener "Brujo," a driving piece for 12-string and tabla with Moore's bass forging the bridge between rhythm and melody. Towner is still full of verve and ambition here, still trying to prove to himself that it is possible to touch the infinite with music. A number of these tracks are taken from Oregon's Vanguard albums, and some of them are new originals. Also included is a stunningly beautiful cover of ...