Yes, I read the article. I don't find the superficial similarity between Christ's methods of teaching and the Pharisees' methods all that surprising. In a way the Pharisees were the liberals of the day, reinterpreting the commandments. Christ freed his followers from the Law altogether, even though he is quoted as saying otherwise, replacing them with the new Covenant, so, no, he was not a Pharisee, he went way beyond.
The Pharisees said everyone has the right to address God directly. Christ said no one comes to God except through him.