For the first time, European guitar legend Philip Catherine has recorded songs that were close to his heart in his youth and formative years. The album „Manoir de mes Rêves“ - named after his favorite composition by jazz pioneer Django Reinhardt - introduces a new all-star trio with fellow guitar great Paulo Morello and renowned bassist Sven Faller.
Most of the fondly selected tunes originated in Paris in the 1950’s and 60’s, including compositions by Georges Brassens, Henri Salvador, Eddy Louiss and Django Reinhardt. Along with the famous Bossa Nova „Recado“ and unusual arrangements of “Insensiblement” and “I’ll see you in my dreams” (both associated with Django’s mastery), this material proves to be perfect vehicle for the trio’s classy interplay that displays an intimate sense of groove paired with witty ideas and sophisticated melodic counterpoint.
Newer compositions include Paulo Morello’s upbeat Gypsy-Swing “Claudia’s Delight” and Nicola Andrioli’s ingenious “To Philip”. Also for the first time, Philip has recorded two songs associated with his departed friend, Belgian vocal star Maurane.
The Trio of „Manoir de mes Rêves“ is an encounter of two generations of European jazz, deeply rooted in the transatlantic tradition yet fresh and full of youthful esprit.
Philip Catherine has been on the forefront of the European jazz scene since the sixties. His work with artists like Dexter Gordon, Chet Baker, NHOP, Stéphane Grappelli and Charles Mingus and his unique approach and sound have been highly influential. He has played in the most prestigious concert halls, from the Berlin Philharmonic to Carnegie Hall, from the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam to the Olympia in Paris, but still loves the direct communication with the audience in jazz clubs.
Paulo Morello enjoys an excellent standing as one of Europe’s most versatile guitarists. He got internationally known with his project “Bossa Nova Legends” with Grammy winner Leny Andrade and Johnny Alf, performing at the most prestigious European and South American Festivals. His Trio “Hammond Eggs” is currently working with Randy Brecker and Bob Mintzer. He has also performed with Jimmy Smith, Paul Kuhn, Ivan Lins, Airto Moreira, Larry Coryell and Ulf Wakenius.
Sven Faller is internationally acclaimed for his unique style on the acoustic bass. Between 1994 and 2000 he lived in New York City where he also made a name for himself as a prolific composer and arranger. He has performed in the US, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Turkey, Romania, Greece, Singapore, Mexico and Brazil with a variety of artists including Ulf Wakenius, Larry Coryell, Chico Freeman, Trio Elf, Scott Hamilton, Robbie Ameen, Charlie Mariano and Bobby Watson.
Philip Catherine
Paulo Morello
Sven Faller