PHILIP CATHERINE – Blue Prince (2000) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Philip Catherine has had a distinguished career, and Blue Prince captures him in fine form. Stylistically, the album covers a lot of ground, and Catherine seems equally comfortable playing the fusion-oriented "Coffee Groove" or the more swinging "With a Song in My Heart." He is joined by a talented supporting cast, including trumpeter Bert Joris, bassist Hein Van de Geyn, and drummer Hans Van Oosterhout. Things get started with "Coffee Groove," featuring dazzling guitar runs and a driving rhythm that may remind some of the early work of King Crimson. Joris makes his presence known quickly, with carefully chosen, though rapidly delivered, notes. His tone is similar to that of Miles Davis, though his style is all his own. "Global Warming" slows the pace while continuing in a fusion vein. These instrumentals, along with others like "More Bells," have a wonderful sound that is open and atmospheric. Other tunes like "The Postman" and "The Creeper" find Catherine in a much more bopish mood. He never overplays, and doesn't have the need to prove himself by completing lightning runs. Instead, he tastefully diversifies each solo and leaves plenty of room for the supporting players. Joris' trumpet is a perfect counterpoint to Catherine's guitar, and the rhythm section always holds up its end. Catherine has written a number of diverse tunes for Blue Prince, and it's refreshing that he doesn't feel the need to keep everything stylistically the same. For his fans, and for those who love great jazz guitar, Blue Prince shouldn't be missed. Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.
Tracklist :
1    Coffee Groove    3:41
 Philip Catherine
2    Global Warming    5:03
 Philip Catherine
3    With A Song In My Heart 3:49
 Richard Rodgers / Lorenz Hart
4    The Creeper    7:42
 Philip Catherine
5    The Postman    5:39
 Philip Catherine
6    More Bells    6:35
 Philip Catherine
7    Memories Of You 4:21
 Eubie Blake / Lyrics By – Andy Razaf
8    Kwa Heri    6:02
 Philip Catherine
9    Blue Prince    4:09
 Philip Catherine
10    Arthur Rainbow    6:32
 Philip Catherine
11    Magic Box 6:17
 Bert Joris
12    Sweet Lorraine 4:38
 Clifford Burwell / Lyrics By – Mitchell Parish
Credits :
Double Bass – Hein Van De Geyn
Drums – Hans Van Oosterhout
Guitar – Philip Catherine
Producer [Produced By] – Francis Dreyfus
Trumpet, Bugle – Bert Joris