Mora I

Description

Far Out Recordings is pleased to present Mora ! and for the first time on vinyl, Mora ! II. Mexican-American percussionist and former member of the Sun Ra Arkestra, Francisco Mora Catlett recorded and released his first solo LP in 1987 as a private press, but the follow-up he recorded in the following years with an expanded jazz brass section in Detroit was put on hold for decades. A pan-American blend of hypnotic Afro-Cuban rhythms, frenetic batucadas, and fiery sambas, Mora I & II are the holy grails of Latin jazz, led by an unsung hero of the genre.
Settling in Detroit after his years with the Arkestra, Francisco got to work on his eponymous debut, gathering a group of musicians including keyboardist Kenny Cox, founder of the legendary Strata Records, bassist Rodney Whitaker from the Roy Hargrove Quintet, and percussionists Jerome Le Duff, Alberto Nacif, and Emile Borde.
The follow-up Mora II was recorded shortly after with an expanded lineup that includes trumpet legend Marcus Belgrave, known for his work with Ray Charles, Charles Mingus, Hank Crawford, Eddie Russ, and Wendell Harrison.