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
