Sun Ra Orchestra alum Francisco Mora Catlett is a highly talented drummer and composer, and his AfroHorn project is where he explores his creativity, painting a musical canvas that turns listeners into thinkers. Every track brings a surprise, and even after repeated listens sounds still pop up at you unexpectedly. The tunes on “Rare Metal” are permeated with Yoruba chants which not only frame the music but seem to be a source of inspiration for each composition. This should not be considered a simple contemporary jazz disc, as the music is too adventurous to be cleanly labeled. The tune “Sauna Ago,” appears first as a basic chant, slowly enveloped by the rest of the band, featuring Sam Newsome, Roman Diaz, Aruan Ortiz, Rashaan Carter, and Alex Harding, who seize the opportunity to work their magic and stretch out the possibilities of jazz. This is an album that requires attentive listening, as one spin will not be enough to appreciate the subtlety of its genius. (Ernest Barteldes)
“AfroHORN Rare Metal” Francisco Mora Catlett AACE
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