This 1975 MPS release continues Pork Pie’s cutting-edge exploration on the outer boundaries of fusion, jazz, and ethno. Keyboardist Van’t Hof, saxophonist Charlie Mariano, and guitarist Philip Catherine are joined by renowned Danish musician Bo Stief on electric bass and English drummer John Marshall of Soft Machine fame.

Jean-Luc Ponty almost single-handedly brought the violin into the modern jazz era. Open Strings, recorded in 1971, presents Ponty at his pre-fusion best: after working together for over a year, this quintet of world-renowned musicians plays on the creative edge, notably German pianist Joachim Kühn who displays his technical mastery, sense of humour and sheer inventiveness.The three parts of Flipping form a triptych of connected pieces with ever-changing tempos, moods and modes, as the musicians exchange places and combinations.

This is an obscure Alphonse Mouzon recording, which, along with Mind Transplant, accounts for Mouzon's best work as a solo artist. The presence of former Weather Report band mate Miroslav Vituous provides for much of the session's excitement ("The Light" being a standout). Fusion vets Philip Catherine, Stu Goldberg, and Joachim Kuhn also turn in fine performances, as does the relatively unknown Bob Malik. There is a great deal of integrity on this session, a quality that was often missing from Mouzon sessions both before and after this. Highly recommended.

Philip Catherine is a Belgian jazz guitarist. He has been on the forefront of the European jazz scene since the sixties. His lond career includes work with many great artists like Chet Baker, Stéphane Grappelli, Charles Mingus, Dexter Gordon, Larry Coryell, Tom Harrell; his unique approach and sound, his dedication to music have been important and influential. "Guitars" is his third studio album, as leader, released in 1975 via Atlantic label.

One of Europe’s most dynamic players, Dutch Keyboardist Jasper Van’t Hof made his name playing with the likes of Jean Luc Ponty, George Gruntz, and Archie Shepp. Formed in 1974, the band boasts a lineup of jazz giants playing cutting-edge fusion. Van’t Hof’s intense brand of fusion reigns on Epoch, with reed maestro Charlie Mariano on alto sax and Jasper on electric piano as the story tellers.

German avant-garde jazz pianist Joachim Kühn relocated to California in the mid-1970s and teamed up with drummer Alphonse Mouzon on this 1977 release of atmospheric West Coast fusion. The two headliners are joined by an international cast of supporting musicians including bassist John Lee, Japanese trumpeter Terumasa Hino, Brazilian percussionist Nana Vasconcelos and British guitarist Philip Catherine.

Philip Catherine is a Belgian jazz guitarist. He has been on the forefront of the European jazz scene since the sixties. His lond career includes work with many great artists like Chet Baker, Stéphane Grappelli, Charles Mingus, Dexter Gordon, Larry Coryell, Tom Harrell; his unique approach and sound, his dedication to music have been important and influential. "September Man" is his second solo album, released in 1974 via Atlantic label.

Belgian jazz guitar legend Philip Catherine and German bassist Martin Wind come from different generations but share a common love for melodic jazz with swing roots. On this album, the two musicians complement each other perfectly: Catherine’s playing is technically unique and never seems to stop revealing new lyrical guitar sounds, but it is not merely his technique and dexterity that set him apart. What makes him unique is his acoustic guitar sound and an improvisational style based not on other guitarists, but on some of the great horn players in jazz. Wind’s bass is always strong yet elegant and lush on this collection of standards and originals.

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 recognised. 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 organise a concert to celebrate his seventy-fifth birthday.