Capra Black remains one of the seminal recordings of jazz's black consciousness movement. A profoundly spiritual effort that channels both the intellectual complexity of the avant-garde as well as the emotional potency of gospel, its focus and assurance belie Billy Harper's inexperience as a leader. Backed by an all-star supporting unit including trombonist Julian Priester and drummer Billy Cobham, Harper's tenor summons the brute force and mystical resolve of John Coltrane but transcends its influences to communicate thoughts and feelings both idiosyncratic and universal. This is music of remarkable corporeal substance that somehow expresses the pure language of the soul. ~ by Jason Ankeny, AMG.
Strata-East Records, SES-19739,
1973
Bellaphon International, 660.51.022, 1993
Personnel:
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Billy Harper - Tenor
Saxophone, Voices
Jimmy Owens - Trumpet
Julian Priester - Trombone
Dick Griffin - Trombone
George Cables - Piano
Reggie Workman - Bass
Billy Cobham - Drums
Elvin Jones - Drums
Warren Smith - Drums
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Barbara Grant - Voices
Eugene McDaniels - Voices
Laveda Johnson - Voices
Pat Robinson - Voices
Tracklist:
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Capra:
1. Capra Black (11:22)
2. Sir Galahad (8:08)
3. New Breed (4:34)
Black:
4. Soulfully, I Love You /
Black Spiritual Of Love (9:39)
5. Cry Of Hunger (10:49)
All Compositions by Billy Harper
Total Time: 44:33
Credits:
Producer, Arranger - Billy
Harper
Engineer - Orville I'Brien
Photography - Richard Mayeda
Digital Transfer - Phil Klum
This album is dedicated to Lee Morgan and to Kenny Dorham (who inspired my uncle-who inspired me), and the many other messengers who have passed this road before me. ~ Billy Harper.
Capra Black
