Record Reviews

PHILIP CATHERINE ~ 75 LIVE AT FLAGEY OUT NOTE 5400439006362 (Barcode: 5400439006362) ~ BELGIUM ~ Jazz Recorded: 2017 Released: 2022 This is a live album by Belgian Jazz guitarist / composer Philip CatherineFind albums by this artist, recorded during a concert celebrating his 75th Birthday Anniversary, with many local and international musicians, who played and recorded with him over time, including American drummer Gerry BrownFind albums by this artist, Italian pianist Nicola AndrioliFind albums by this artist, Belgian trumpeter Bert JorisFind albums by this artist and bass guitarist Nicolas FiszmanFind albums by this artist and others. The album presents fourteen tracks, seven of which are original compositions by Catherine, two are by American bassist / composer John LeeFind albums by this artist, who often recorded with Catherine, one is by Andrioli and the rest are standards. Catherine has been one of my all-time most beloved guitarists since the early 1970s, when he started his career, playing first a splendid and sophisticated Fusion and later on when he returned to his Jazz roots. He recorded about thirty albums as a leader and countless others with many top artists, especially his brilliant duo albums with Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist. I have tried for many years to collect his entire discography, but alas this is not yet fully accomplished. For some strange reasons, which are completely beyond me, he never achieved the recognition he truly deserves. He 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 overview of his career spanning half a Century, and sadly seems to be one of his last recordings. For Jazz lovers, and especially Guitar Jazz lovers, this album is an absolute revelation!

Updated: 31/08/2026Posted: 31/08/2026

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PHILIP CATHERINE ~ THE STRING PROJECT – LIVE IN BRUSSELS ACT 9594 (Barcode: 614427959423) ~ BELGIUM ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2015 Released: 2015 This is a live recording by Belgian Jazz guitarist Philip CatherineFind albums by this artist with his ensemble comprising of pianist Nicola AndrioliFind albums by this artist, guitarist / bass guitarist Nicolas FiszmanFind albums by this artist, bassist Philippe AertsFind albums by this artist and drummer Hans Van OosterhoutFind albums by this artist, and the Orchestre Royal de Chambre de WallonieFind albums by this artist, conducted by Frank BraleyFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve pieces, eleven of which are original compositions by Catherine and one is by the French composer Jean-Claude PetitFind albums by this artist. Catherine, who has been one of my favorite guitar Maestros since many decades, decided to perform some of his compositions arranged for a large string orchestra, inviting some of his colleagues from the Jazz and Classical Music fields to write string arrangements for these compositions. The resulting music is a brilliant marriage of Jazz and Classical Music idioms, which is one of the finest of its kind. Catherine´s compositions were always characterized by profound lyricism and reflected his European Classical Music roots, even when presented in a strict Jazz environment. Therefore this project is a completely natural and aesthetically harmonizing idea, which is executed here with perfection and delicate flair. Each of these pieces tells a complete musical story and showcases Catharine´s superb virtuosity, which combines shades of Gypsy Jazz, contemporary European Jazz and even Fusion, all the above visited and conquered during his impressive career. Overall this is a perfect piece of Jazz-Classical Fusion, which should delight all music connoisseurs, guitar enthusiasts and guitar Jazz fanatics. It is an absolute marvel from start to finish!

Updated: 05/09/2020Posted: 05/09/2020

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PHILIP CATHERINE & NICOLAS FISZMAN ~ LIVE AT THE BERLIN JAZZBUHNE FESTIVAL 1982 THE LOST RECORDINGS 3770020964022 (Barcode: 3770020964022) ~ BELGIUM ~ Jazz Recorded: 1982 Released: 2022 This is an archival live album by the Belgian duo comprising of guitarist / composer Philip CatherineFind albums by this artist and guitarist / bass guitarist Nicolas FiszmanFind albums by this artist (aged just seventeen at the time of the recording), recorded on June 13, 1982 in Berlin, which was still the gloomy capital of the DDR at the time. The album presents eight tracks, all composed by Catherine, except one track by Charlie MarianoFind albums by this artist. The remastered sound quality is absolutely marvelous! Catherine spotted Fiszman’s talent when he was just eleven years old and took him under his wing to introduce him to the music world. He also invited him to record together several times. This live performance was recorded when Fiszman recorded the album “End Of AugustFind albums with this title” as part of Catherine’s group. The music on this album is an incredible example of the “Art of the Duo” phenomenon and for guitar connoisseurs is nothing short of phenomenal. It is great to see it released finally after so many years by the interesting French label The Lost RecordingsFind albums on this label. Catherine has been one of my all-time most beloved guitarists since the early 1970s, when he started his career, playing first a splendid and sophisticated Fusion and later on when he returned to his Jazz roots. He recorded about thirty albums as a leader and countless others with many top artists, especially his brilliant duo albums with Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist. I have tried for many years to collect his entire discography, but alas this is not yet fully accomplished. Overall, this is beautiful guitar (and bass / guitar) duo album, brilliantly performed and excellently recorded, making it an instant “must have” for all guitar connoisseurs. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 03/10/2026Posted: 03/10/2026

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