Francisco Mora Catlett

Bio

Francisco Mora Catlett is a Mexican-American drummer, percussionist, and composer whose work has had a profound impact on the worlds of jazz and Latin music.
 
Born in Mexico in 1948, Catlett moved to the United States in the 1960s, where he became a prominent figure in both Latin jazz and the avant-garde jazz scenes. He is known for his powerful and dynamic drumming, blending Afro-Cuban rhythms with a deep understanding of jazz improvisation. Throughout his career, Catlett has worked with a wide range of influential musicians, including Max Roach, Arturo Sandoval, and Archie Shepp, and has been a key member of the ensembles of figures like Sun Ra and Randy Weston. As a bandleader, Catlett has led his own groups, exploring complex rhythmic structures and the fusion of jazz with traditional Afro-Latin styles. His contributions continue to enrich the global conversation of jazz, bringing a unique cultural perspective to the genre.

boundless

community

improvisation