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Step into the kaleidoscopic world of Francisco Mora Catlett with "Mora! I&II," a masterful double album that captures the essence of Latin jazz and Afro-Cuban rhythms. Originally released as a private press in 1987, this reissue by Far Out Recordings finally brings the sequel, recorded shortly after, into the spotlight. Mora, a former member of the Sun Ra Arkestra, blends hypnotic percussion, frenetic batucadas, and fiery sambas into a cohesive and dynamic musical journey.
Francisco Mora Catlett was born in Washington DC in 1947, the son of prominent Mexican artists Francisco Mora Sr and Elizabeth Catlett. Growing up in Mexico City, Mora was immersed in a creative and progressive environment that shaped his artistic path. His journey took him to Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he honed his skills before joining the legendary Sun Ra Arkestra. After years of touring, Mora settled in Detroit and began crafting his debut album, drawing on a rich tapestry of African, Haitian, and Native American musical motifs.
"Mora! I&II" is a testament to Mora's visionary approach to music. The album opens with "Afra Jum," a melody that sets the tone for the entire project, featuring the soulful excellence of Detroit veterans like Kenny Cox on piano and Rodney Whitaker on contrabass. The sequel, "Mora II," recorded with an expanded lineup including trumpet legend Marcus Belgrave, dives deeper into South American rhythms with tracks like "Amazona" and "Samba 'Conga Do Amor'," led by the rich vocals of Mora's wife, Teresa Mora.
This reissue not only revives a hidden gem of Latin jazz but also showcases the enduring influence of Francisco Mora Catlett's music. With meticulous restoration and high-quality mastering, "Mora! I&II" invites listeners to experience the vibrant and diverse sounds of Latin jazz, infused with the spirit of Afro-Cuban traditions.
Tracklist:
00:00 - 1. Prelude "Welcome"
01:33 - 2. Afra Jum
13:27 - 3. Rumba Morena
18:18 - 4. Five AM
23:52 - 5. Samba De Amor
30:56 - 6. Cultural Warrior
40:24 - 7. Epilogue-Conga "Hasta La Vista"
41:59 - 8. Afra Jum Pt. 2
48:26 - 9. Amazona Prelude "Dawn"
55:21 - 10. Amazona
59:22 - 11. Samba "Conga Do Amor"
01:04:40 - 12. El Moro
01:10:35 - 13. Old Man Joe
01:15:24 - 14. Por Que Paro
01:16:12 - 15. Afra Jum Pt. 3
Members:
Francisco Mora - Drums and Percussion
Emile Borde - Steel Drums and Percussion
Vincent Bowens - Soprano/Tenor Saxophones & Flute
Ken Cox - Piano
Jerome Le Duff - Berimbau and Percussion
Teresa Mora - Vocal and Percussion
Alberto Nacif - Quinto, Congas and Percussion
Rodney Whitaker - Contrabass
Additional Musicians on Mora II:
Sherman Mitchell - Trombone
Marcus Belgrave - Trumpet
John Douglass - Trumpet and Flugel Horn
Alex Harding - Baritone Sax and Bass Clarinet
‘Amazona Prelude’ String Quartet:
Michele May - 1st Violin
Pat Moore - 2nd Violin
Nina White - Viola
Tanya Bennett - Cello
Additional Credits:
Produced by Francisco Mora
Recorded at Studio A, Dearborn Heights, Michigan
Engineer: John Jaszcz
Mixed: John Jaszcz and Francisco Mora
Cover Design, Logo and Photograph by Mary Luevanos
Additional Design by Alessandro Renaldin
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