Record Reviews

PHILIP CATHERINE ~ MOODS VOLUME I CRISS CROSS 1060 (Barcode: 8712474106028) ~ BELGIUM ~ Jazz Recorded: 1992 Released: 1992 This is the first volume of the album by Belgian Jazz guitarist / composer Philip CatherineFind albums by this artist, recorded with a splendid trio including also American trumpeter / flugelhornist / composer Tom HarrellFind albums by this artist and Dutch bassist / composer Hein Van De GeynFind albums by this artist. Belgian keyboardist Michel HerrFind albums by this artist guests on three tracks. The album presents nine tracks, five of which are original compositions by Catherine, one each are by Harrell and Van De Geyn and two are standards. The trio recorded together three albums, including the album “I Remember YouFind albums with this title”, recorded a couple of years earlier, and the two volumes of “Moods”. The intimate trio setting and rather unusual instrumentation makes this beautiful album an immediate favorite, which emphasizes Catherine’s superb melodic sensitivities and brilliant technique. Harrell, who is sadly somehow overlooked on the American scene, truly deserves more respect and his performances here are stellar. Van De Geyn also plays splendidly and considering the drumless setting, he is more than able to keep the rhythm going strong. Catherine is an absolute Master musician in every respect and a true innovator and virtuoso, who combines the guitar artistry of Gypsy Jazz, Fusion and classic Jazz of a unique and unmatched quality. The music on this album presents a splendid chapter in his career spanning half a Century. For Jazz lovers, and especially Guitar Jazz lovers, this album is an absolute revelation!

Updated: 04/09/2026Posted: 04/09/2026

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PHILIP CATHERINE ~ SEPTEMBER MAN EDEL CONTENT 4029759088806 (Barcode: 4029759088806) ~ BELGIUM ~ Jazz Recorded: 1988 Released: 2013 This is a reissue of a beautiful album by Belgian Jazz Guitar virtuoso / composer Philip CatherineFind albums by this artist, recorded with his trio which also includes Dutch bassist Hein Van De GeynFind albums by this artist and Italian (living in France) drummer Aldo RomanoFind albums by this artist. Together they perform ten pieces, three of which are original compositions by Catherine, one is an original composition by Van De Geyn and the remaining six are standards. Catherine recording career goes back to the early 1970s and he has always been one of the greatest European Jazz guitarist and my personal favorite. His unique touch and approach to the instrument, which amalgamates the Genius of Django ReinhardtFind albums by this artist with modern Jazz and Jazz-Rock idioms, has been an inexhaustible source of superb musical achievements. This intimate album is his seventh release as a leader, and is often neglected even by his fans, but in many respects it presents him at his best, playing almost acoustically and supported amicably and skillfully by his partners. The guitar is up front here, which enables us to hear Catherine´s artistry in full, even in the most delicate moments. Clear traces of Reinhardt´s characteristics are of course present, but those are used out of respect and only as a small part of Catherine´s incredible palette. For guitar aficionados this album is a true treasure chest, which is fascinating from the first note to the very last. Catherine´s fans should enjoy the opportunity to get hold of this timeless gem, which was quite difficult to find before the reissue. All Jazz connoisseurs should find this a most welcome and worthy addition to their music library. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 02/04/2016Posted: 02/04/2016

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KENNY WHEELER ~ CALIFORNIA DAYDREAM MUSIDISC 500292 (Barcode: 3229265002926) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1991 Released: 1992 This is a wonderful live album by British Jazz trumpeter / composer Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, recorded in a Paris club in a quartet setting with American pianist Jeff GardnerFind albums by this artist, Dutch bassist Hein Van De GeynFind albums by this artist and French drummer Andre CeccarelliFind albums by this artist. Together they perform seven original compositions; three by Wheeler and two each by Van De Geyn and Gardner. Although seemingly just another live Wheeler recording, this album presents one of the most intimate and focused opportunities to listen to his artistry and his Masterly performances happening right in front of the listener´s ears, completely undisturbed. Wheeler is the primary soloist here and all the seven tracks feature his extended solo performances which can rarely be found on any other recording of this kind with such emphasis and intensity. All three musicians playing alongside Wheeler are veteran performers, with highly developed Jazz sensitivities, who accompany the Master amicably and support him all the way through, sensing quite naturally the rare opportunity to let him express his sublime artistry and staying relatively in the shadows during the proceedings. Van De Geyn and Gardner perform a few splendid solos themselves, but as already stated this is pure unadulterated Kenny Wheeler in the spotlight for us to delight in. Of course this is an absolute must have for Wheeler fans and admirers, and although quite difficult to find these days, it is definitely worth pursuing. Absolutely delightful serving of Wheeler at his very best!

Updated: 22/03/2019Posted: 22/03/2019

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend