by Ken DrydenThe Classical Jazz Quartet -- with pianist Kenny Barron, Stefon Harris (vibes and marimba), bassist Ron Carter, and drummer Lewis Nash -- interpret the music of Johann Sebastian Bach as arranged by Bob Belden. One of the strengths of this date is the wealth of solo opportunities for each musician, instead of focusing the spotlight excessively on any one or two musicians. Beginning with the brisk treatment of the normally legato choral prelude Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, it's clear that the quartet is ready to swing. Less familiar to the casual fan of Baroque music is Bach's Oboe Concerto in A major, 2nd Movement, a piece recast by Belden with a samba-like flavor. The group turns on the afterburners in a boppish romp through the normally laid-back Brandenburg Concerto #2 in F Major, 2nd Movement, as Harris literally wails along with his vibes. It's not surprising that these four superb musicians finished their work on this CD during just one session; it's obvious that they enjoyed themselves immensely.