francisco mora catlett: mora! I & II
Francisco Espregueira
The Mexican-American percussionist and former member of the legendary Sun Ra Arkestra, Francisco Mora Catlett originally recorded and released his debut solo LP as a private press in 1987. Its sequel was shelved for decades, after being recorded in the late 1980’s with an expanded Detroit jazz brass section. Lost in archives Mora! I and Mora! II, are now reissued by the brilliant Far Out Recordings, compiling the two records in a brand new vinyl release. A pan-American melting pot of hypnotic afro-cuban rhythms, frenetic batucadas and fiery sambas, Mora I & II are holy grails of latin jazz, masterminded by an unsung hero of the genre.
Born in a family of highly prominent Mexican artists, Mora’s bohemian heritage provided him with what he called a “creative, progressive, and healthy arts environment”, building the foundations for his fascinating musical career. After growing up with music in Mexico, studying music in Boston, Francisco Mora Catlett ‘ran’ away with Sun Ra Arkestra when the collective came to Mexico City to perform. He toured with the band for the next seven years, exposed to the ‘madness’ of its act and its constantly evolving line up of musicians.
The band eventually settled in Detroit. Mora settled with them and began to work on his self-titled debut, gathering an ensemble of musicians that included keyboardist Kenny Cox, esteemed bassist Rodney Whitaker and percussionists Jerome Le Duff, Alberto Nacif, and Emile Borde. Mora! openly embraces and unites the broad spectrum of improvisation, rhythm, and jazz that has thrived throughout the American continents for centuries. It includes melodies based on Haitian, African and Native American motifs, which are expanded by the soulful excellence of his band-mates.
The sequel, Mora! II, was recorded shortly after with an expanded line up that included trumpet legend Marcus Belgrave, famed for his work with Ray Charles or Charles Mingus. Continuing the concept of the first album, the follow up moves deeper into South America with samba jazz influences and interpertations of Sun Ra’s rumbling free improvisations. This follow up album remained hidden until 2005, when Mora put it out as a now obscure CD titled River Drum. Finally this album has been given the high quality vinyl treatment it deserves, presented as the sequel to Mora!, as originally intended. Dropping next friday, with the help of the invaluable work of Far Out Recordings, Mora! I & II is an incredible journey. Long enough to be enjoyed slowly. Vinyl’s available.
“The album intended to manifest the African heritage presence in the American continent.”