Classical Jazz Quartet

Classical Jazz Quartet: The Complete Recordings

by Hrayr Attarian
November 5, 2006

The names of Johann Sebastian Bach, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Sergei Rachmaninoff do not necessarily conjure images and sounds of jazz in one's mind, that is until one has listened to recordings by the Classical Jazz Quartet. Although these musicians utilize the same instruments as the Modern Jazz Quartet, they are in no way clones or copycats of that groundbreaking group. They have very much their own sound and style.

This is not surprising given the huge talent of the ...

Classical Jazz Quartet: Plays Bach

by Terrell Kent Holmes
February 4, 2003

The Modern Jazz Quartet epitomized what some observers labeled, perhaps derisively, “chamber jazz." The recently formed Classical Jazz Quartet (CJQ), featuring bassist Ron Carter, pianist Kenny Barron, drummer Lewis Nash, and vibraphonist Stefon Harris have revived that elegant tradition. The group has followed up last year's The Nutcracker with Plays Bach.

As I listened to the opening theme of "Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring", and its all too faithful replication of the original opus, I dreaded the worst. Fortunately, though, ...

The Classical Jazz Quartet: Plays Bach

by C. Michael Bailey
October 2, 2002

The New Modern Jazz Quartet...

It is hard to not compare this Classical Jazz Quartet to the Modern Jazz Quartet. They both have the same format of outstanding individual superstars, they both have a major leaning toward classical music. Most listeners might not even be surprised or offended if the CJQ popped out “The Cylinder" or “Django." But, alas, while comparable, they are not cut from the same cloth. And, this is good for the listener, for we now have ...

Classical Jazz Quartet: Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker"

by Jim Santella
December 1, 2001

Like the Modern Jazz Quartet, the foursome on this new release folds visions of great classical music into a mainstream jazz setting. Tchaikovsky's 1892 ballet has always provided special holiday vibes for the holidays. This year, Bob Belden's musical arrangements have put a new spin on it; still leaving a lot of space for veteran improvisation. The quartet swings. Stefon Harris, 28, received his master's degree in jazz performance from the Manhattan School of Music in 1997. Strongly ...

Jazz This Week: Reggie Thomas, Lamar Harris, Denise Thimes, Classical Jazz Quartet, and More

Source: St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman
October 28, 2010

If you can evade the ghosts, ghouls, zombies, vampires, werewolves and assorted other creatures of the night that no doubt will be stalking the streets of St. Louis this Halloween weekend, there's plenty of jazz and creative music to be heard around town over the next few days. Let's go to the highlights... Tonight, singer Denise Thimes performs at the Sheldon Concert Hall in her annual benefit for the Mildred Thimes Foundation, named after her late mother. Thimes' special guest ...
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Classical Jazz Quartet at the Iridium Jazz Club Jan. 14-19

Source: All About Jazz
January 14, 2003

Classical Jazz Quartet (CJQ) Kenny Barron, Stefon Harris, Rufus Reid, Lewis Nash

Nobody swings like Johann Sebastian Bach. At least that's what the Classical Jazz Quartet (CJQ) all-star lineup of pianist Kenny Barron, vibraphonist Stefon Harris, bassist Rufus Reid (sitting in for Ron Carter on this date) and drummer Lewis Nash presupposes on Plays Bach, their new album on Vertical Jazz Records. Using a half-dozen of the 17th century baroque composer's eminent creations as a springboard for jazz ...
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The Classical Jazz Quartet, Featuring Ron Carter And Kenny Barron, Presents "Plays Bach" On Vertical Jazz Records

Source: All About Jazz
October 10, 2002

Nobody swings like Johann Sebastian Bach.

At least that's what the Classical Jazz Quartet and arranger-producer Bob Belden presupposes on Plays Bach, a new album on Vertical Jazz Records. Using a half-dozen of the 17th century baroque composer's eminent creations as a springboard for jazz invention and improvisation, the musical artists here transcend genre and context in these performances and together forge an aesthetic experience that is both entertaining and sublime.

With a moniker like the Classical Jazz Quartet and ...
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THE CLASSICAL JAZZ QUARTET SWINGS TCHAIKOVSKY ON DEBUT RELEASE

Source: All About Jazz

Extraordinary line-up of Stefon Harris (vibes & marimba), Kenny Barron (piano), Ron Carter (bass), and Lewis Nash (drums) improvises on classic Tchaikovsky themes for the perfect holiday season CD.

On October 23, 2001, the new East Coast-based Vertical Jazz Records will release the debut recording by a phenomenal new ensemble, THE CLASSICAL JAZZ QUARTET (CJQ), comprising four of the most accomplished jazz musicians of the day. Titled “The Classical Jazz Quartet: Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker," the recording features the CJQ creating ...
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