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

PHILIP CATHERINE – Summer Night (2002) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Guitarist Philip Catherine, once dubbed "Young Django" by Charles Mingus, shows several facets of his playing on this studio recording. Alternating between trio numbers with bassist Philippe Aerts and drummer Joost van Schaik and a quartet adding trumpeter and flügehornist Bert Joris, Catherine divides his set between standards and originals. His somewhat subdued interpretation of "'Round Midnight" sparkles with inspired runs inserted at key points; "Laura" adds a disguised introduction to a very upbeat arrangement. Catherine's writing style is diverse; "Tiger Groove" emphasizes a rock flavor that pales only slightly during his unison lines with Joris; while the ballad "Letter From My Mother" is considerably more subdued and lyrical. "Francis' Delight" is a swirling post-bop line, though the waltz "Le Jardin de Madi" (written in honor of his wife) may be the most accessible of his compositions to new listeners. This enjoyable effort is heartily recommended. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    Tiger Groove 5:00
Written-By – Philip Catherine
2    Letter From My Mother 4:46
Written-By – Philip Catherine
3    Summer Night 2:40
Written-By – Al Dubin, Harry Warren
4    Francis' Delight 4:53
Written-By – Philip Catherine
5    Birth Of Janet 3:44
Written-By – Philip Catherine
6    Janet 7:44
Written-By – Philip Catherine
7    Time After Time 3:06
Written-By – Sammy Cahn / Jule Styne
8    Laura 4:17
Written-By – David Raskin, John Mercer
9    If I Should Lose You 3:43
Written-By – Leo Robin, Ralf Rainger
10    'Round About Midnight 4:37
Written-By – Bernard Hanighen, Charles Williams, Thelonious Monk
11    All Through The Day 3:04
Written-By – Oscar Hammerstein / Jerome Kern
12    Le Jardin De Madi 3:19
Written-By – Philip Catherine
13    Gilles Et Mirona 4:32
Written-By – Philip Catherine
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute – Dieter Limbourg
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Flute – Frank Vaganée
Baritone Saxophone, Bass Clarinet – Bo Van Der Werf
Bass – Philippe Aerts
Drums – Joost van Schaik
Guitar – Philip Catherine
Producer – Francis Dreyfus
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Bert Joris (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 11, 12)

PHILIP CATHERINE | BERT JORIS | BRUSSELS JAZZ ORCHESTRA – Meeting Colours (2007) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Philip Catherine is an eclectic guitarist, comfortable within tradition, but just as comfortable fusing tradition with newer elements. On Meeting Colours, he's joined by quite a large orchestra to interpret ten of his pieces (two compositions receive more than one treatment) and Duke Ellington's "In a Sentimental Mood." The multiple flutes and saxophones create a big sound that ranges from grand to silky smooth, working in tandem with Catherine and trumpeter Bert Joris' leads. The large assembly also leaves ample room for subtly complex arrangements with trombones, trumpets, and clarinets. Catherine's compositions also offer intriguing nuances, as with the opening of "Happy Tears," allowing for changes in tempo and mood. The performance of compositions like "Pink Circus" and "On the Ground" are tastefully subdued, and Catherine's lead work weaves smoothly into the overall structure. The only complaint a fan might have is that the album, especially through the first half, is very mellow and, though well conceived, not too surprising. A second version of "December 26th (In Tempo)" pinpoints the problem, when it allows -- as few other pieces on the album do -- Catherine a chance to really cut loose on his guitar. Other pieces, like "The Hostage," are interesting in places, but leave one wishing for more fireworks. Overall, Meeting Colours is stylishly conceived and executed, but perhaps too low-key, relaxed, and safe for its own good. Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.
Tracklist :
1    On The Ground    5:35
 Philip Catherine
2    Pink Circus    7:10
 Philip Catherine
3    Happy Tears    5:15
 Philip Catherine
4    Letter From My Mother    5:58
 Philip Catherine
5    Piano Groove    5:35
 Philip Catherine
6    December 26th (Rubato)    2:42
 Philip Catherine
7    December 26th (In Tempo)    4:09
 Philip Catherine
8    The Hostage    5:42
 Philip Catherine
9    In A Sentimental Mood    6:48
 Duke Ellington / Manny Kurtz / Irving Mills
10    Francis' Delight    6:00
 Philip Catherine
11    Yellow Landscape    4:45
 Philip Catherine
12    Dance For Victor (Rubato)    2:13
 Philip Catherine
13    Dance For Victor (In Tempo)    4:20
 Philip Catherine
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute – Dieter Limbourg
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Flute – Frank Vaganée
Baritone Saxophone, Bass Clarinet – Bo Van Der Werf
Bass Trombone, Tuba – Laurent Hendrick
Double Bass – Jos Machtel
Drums – Joost van Schaik
Guitar – Philip Catherine
Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Bart Defoort
Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet, Alto Flute – Kurt van Herck
Trombone – Ben Fleerakkers, Lode Mertens
Trombone [Lead] – Marc Godfroid
Trumpet [Lead], Flugelhorn – Serge Plume
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Gino Lattuca, Nico Schepers, Pierre Drevet
Trumpet, Producer, Arranged By – Bert Joris