Classical Jazz: An Oxymoron? No Way.
February 17, 2008The two most widely studied schools of Western music—classical and jazz—are often regarded as two worlds apart. Last night’s performance by the Classical Jazz Quartet was a successful effort to disprove this common misconception. Playing their own admittedly loose adaptations of such classical masters as Bach, Rachmaninov, and Tchaikovsky, the all-star supergroup delivered a usually laid-back, always gripping set to be remembered. Who could argue with the sheer virtuosity of youngster vibraphonist Stefon Harris, the precision and enthusiasm of drummer Lewis Nash, the sensitivity and lightning-quick licks of pianist Kenny Baron, and of course the incomparable prowess and taste of living legend Ron Carter? What an honor it is to have musicians of this caliber playing here in Portland.
-BN
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