"Pourquoi" is a captivating jazz album by the renowned Belgian guitarist Philip Catherine, released on February 11, 2022, via Yellowbird Records. This album is a testament to Catherine's enduring influence on the European jazz scene, a career that spans over five decades and includes collaborations with legends like Dexter Gordon and Chet Baker.
The album features a trio format with Philip Catherine on guitar, Paulo Morello on drums, and Sven Faller on bass. This ensemble brings together two generations of European jazz talent, deeply rooted in the transatlantic tradition yet fresh and vibrant. The record showcases Catherine's signature style, blending melodic sensitivity with virtuosic technique.
"Pourquoi" spans 51 minutes and includes 11 tracks, each offering a unique perspective on the jazz idiom. From the evocative title track "Pourquoi" to the nostalgic "Robert's Waltz" and the lively "La Valse du Flipper," the album is a journey through various moods and tempos. The compositions are a mix of originals and reimagined standards, all filtered through the trio's distinctive lens.
The album's production is crisp and intimate, allowing the interplay between the three musicians to shine. Catherine's guitar work is as expressive as ever, while Morello and Faller provide a solid and dynamic rhythmic foundation. "Pourquoi" is a celebration of jazz tradition and innovation, a record that will appeal to both longtime fans of Philip Catherine and newcomers to his music.
Vinylscout