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.