Guitarist and composer Philip Catherine grew up in post-WWII Brussels. After hearing French chansonnier George Brassens, the young artist took to the guitar quickly but soon discovered jazz. Turned pro by the age of 17, he toured Europe with organist Lou Bennett before joining violinist Jean Luc Ponty's formation. Catherine's first solo album, Stream, was released in 1971. The following year, he honed his skills at Boston's Berklee College of Music. A sought-after collaborator, he has worked with Pork Pie and accompanied Stéphane Grappelli, Dextor Gordon, Charles Mingus (who likened him to a young Django Reinhardt), Chet Baker and countless others. European jazz scene stalwart Catherine is one of the most influential guitar players of his generation.