Jazz Articles

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 ...

Various Artists: Swing Gitan: The Django Reinhardt NY Festival, Live at Birdland 2002

by Brian P. Lonergan
August 18, 2005

From the moment Swing Gitan begins, one wonders how this music, forged in the Hot Club of France seventy years ago, has ever cooled in popularity for even a moment. Recorded at the now-annual Django Reinhardt Festival, live at Birdland in 2002, the music--jangling guitars, pumping accordion, swinging violins, and wailing reeds--is so energetic, exuberant, and just plain fun that it's hard to believe a revival was ever needed. It helps, of course, when bringing the music ...

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 ...

Various Artists: Jazzy Christmas

by Jim Santella
December 1, 2001

Straight-ahead jazz for Christmas. Three veteran Los Angeles-based piano trios and two other, rather unique, ensembles interpret traditional holiday music tastefully. ‘Tis the season. Each ensemble performs two carols. Patrice Rushen, Stanley Clarke and Ngudu Chancler bring an exotic flavor to “We Three Kings." The pianist’s art leaves classic tinges of dissonance in several places for effect. David Benoit, Brian Bromberg and Gregg Bissonette bring a little joy through “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” Light and festive, their straight-ahead ...