Philip Catherine Mp3

1985 was perhaps the best year of the last phase of Baker's career and his recordings with Philip Catherine and Jean-Louis Rassinfosse are clear proof of this. These, in general, are of great artistic standing and show that the trio, born almost extemporaneously, had turned into a real group, in which the musicians conversed with each other, but also had ample spaces to express themselves as soloists. A trio without piano and drums in which the lyricism of Baker's trumpet, Catherine's nervous guitar phrasing, as well as the solidity of Rassinfosse's constant rhythmic drive, ensured the music a surprising balance based on contrasts.

Guitarist Philip Catherine has been at the forefront of the European jazz scene since the 1960's. Born in England, but raised in Belgium, he is one of the most versatile performers on his instrument and has played and recorded with artists as different as Chet Baker, Stéphane Grappelli, Charles Mingus and the rock band Focus.

Philip Catherine is one of those musicians who, throughout a prolific career, has developed a unique and authentic sound. He only needs to play a single note to be instantly recognized. He is certainly one of the greats of Belgian and European jazz. The relationship between Philip and Flagey began almost twenty years ago. It was therefore only natural that the institution should organize a concert to celebrate his seventy-fifth birthday. Given carte blanche, he decided to propose a surprising line-up: two pianists, two drummers, a trumpet player, and of course a guitar, played by himself. The selection of pieces is just as original: he revisits the numbers that appeared on his very first recording, as well as more recent works and some cover versions. Listening to the album, one is struck by the youthful spirit that immediately makes us forget the generation to which he belongs. Here is Philip Catherine in all his authenticity, endearing, unpretentious, generous, witty and inspiring. A past master in the art of refined emotion.

This hard-to-find CD gives us Chet in good shape, in good spirits, and with excellent sidemen. You know you're in for a treat, when you hear the opening lines of "Crystal Bells" with Baker's sweet lines floating above Catherine's ringing guitar. After swinging pretty on "Strollin'", Chet delivers one of his best performances of the J.J. Johnson standard, "Lament". Chet turns this sad tune into one of hope and happiness as his horn flutters through the melody, but still keeping the same traditional slow tempo…

"Leaving" is usually a tune that leaves me cold, it doesn't have a memorable melody. However, Chet punches it up here, with a strong, staccato opening, eventually moving to long, brisk solos. He wraps up this set with a soft and fast "Cherokee" and ending with "Estate". This last tune is a great fit for Chet. I wish he had included it in his repertoire more often. Those long, low notes that open the tune just seem to be meant for him. ~ Chetbakertribute.com