An oxymoron is a concept formed by words that logically contradict one another; yet, the paradox formed yields new, deeper meaning. Likewise, Oxymora melds diverse backgrounds and experiences to create a new dimension of sound: a hybrid resulting from the union of their Classical training with interests in Traditional music and Jazz. As majors in Performance, Composition, Education and Music Therapy, they met at Shenandoah Conservatory in the early 80s and discovered a mutual desire to explore improvisation and the capabilities of their individual instruments beyond the usual boundaries.

In 1982 Oxymora released its debut recording Thundering Silence on Philo/Fretless Records to great acclaim and enthusiastic audiences. Before anyone had heard the term "World Music", the quartet that National Public Radio's Tom Cole called "the cutting edge of New Acoustic Music" had created a unique and immediately identifiable signature sound.

Comprised of Craig Matovich on oboe, Marcus Sims on mandolin, Jim Baird on bass and Michael DeLalla on guitar, Oxymora weaved their skills as classically trained performers and composers with their intricate take on improvisational interplay that bordered on intuitive, and the critical acclaim reinforced those sentiments.

25 years later, we are delighted to not only reissue Thundering Silence, but also to include two new pieces recorded this summer by the original quartet joined by new member, renowned world beat percussionist N. Scott Robinson

"...Groups of an experimental nature proliferated during the 1960's, but none was as eclectic as today's Oxymora...this is a group to watch..."
- The Washington Post

"makes airy, honest music showcasing the players' classical music tidiness and their slightly unkempt enthusiasm for folk and jazz"
- Down Beat

"Their work crosses boundaries, finds new textures, makes daring departures, often with startlingly fine results.....the innovation of this group deserves wide recognition"
- Clarke Times-Courier

The original release has been remastered and augmented with two new pieces, "Beltane Fires" and "Wild is My Heart", recorded in June 2006 with new member, world beat percussionist N. Scott Robinson. Thundering Silence is an unparalleled sonic journey, underscored by the rich timbres, textures and rhythms of the group's instrumentation, framed in expansive composition and improvisation, and informed by their classical training and their passion for jazz and traditions worldwide. From the melodic interplay of oboe and mandolin on "St. Gery Storm", to the fiery dual guitar work on the Flamenco-inspired "Siguiriya", to the Brazilian strains of "Carnival", to the many worlds of music evoked by the tablas, strings, winds and congas in "Beltane Fires" and "Wild Is My Heart", Thundering Silence is a timeless wealth of musical places.