Customer Reviews

Oregon Outback

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
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I ran across this new CD when searching Amazon.com in hopes of finding a CD version of a favorite older Cam Newton album, The Motive Behind the Smile (no luck there). Some artists change enough with time that I like one period, but not later (or earlier) works. I took a gamble and bought Oregon Outback.

Cam Newton has not lost the artistry, compelling and resonant open harmonies, and melodic bent that I recall from decades ago; he has also not stagnated. This is a wonderful CD, full of music that hits a fine point of both relaxation and enjoyable, interesting listening. In Cam's playing and composition, I can hear the influence of the Oregon outback's spaciousness and stark intrigue. Even if you've never experienced the privilege of being captivated by the high desert country of Oregon, it's unlikely that you would not enjoy this inspired CD. Two thumbs up, and I'm buying a couple more copies, one for the vehicle and a backup in case something happens to the original and it's not available at some point in the future ... it's that good.

In Oregon Outback, Cam Newton takes you with him, away into the vast, little-known, untouristed spaces of the Pacific Northwest. Yet the hugeness of scale contrasts paradoxically with the intimacy of his sophisticated, trans-folk guitar... It's a trip into the overwhelming vistas of that still-wild country east of the Cascade Mountains, but with the intimate companionship of a unique guide who knows his own country, as only a passionate native can. But then, as you listen to his stories, it turns out this guy has been a lot of other places as well. One moment, you seem to be hearing a thunderstorm in the awesome desert country near Steens Mountain, and suddenly you're gazing at a melancholy, mist-shrouded lake in ancient Ireland. Then he seems to be telling you about a jazz club in Bulgaria, a samba party in New York ... but none of these skillful digressions last long enough to disturb the smooth narrative flow, which returns us, again and again, to the Oregon back-country, with its mind-stilling vastness beautifully focused through the lens of a unique guitar...

I am afraid I had to take my copy of "Oregon Outback" by Cam Newton home. No work was done. I would sit back at work with my eyes closed and listen to the play of emotions emitted from the throat of a single guitar. Some were peaceful, some were not; some were relaxing, and some were more exciting. For almost an hour I would experience these emotions with images not only of Oregon country, but also of Northern Canada, where I grew up. There is solitariness in this music that is most pleasing, which takes me away from the daily toils and tribulations of work. I bought a second copy, for work.