Billy Harper - Carpa Black album cover

Billy Harper

Capra Black

Billy Harper’s Capra Black is a cornerstone of spiritual jazz, marking a monumental achievement as his debut album as a bandleader. Released in 1973 on the iconic Strata-East label, it established Harper as a distinctive voice and set the stage for his future work. Featuring drummer Elvin Jones, trumpeter Virgil Jones, and pianist George Cables, among others, Capra Black showcases Harper’s bold artistic vision with compositions that weave themes of resilience, cultural identity, and spirituality, capturing both the charged energy of the era and a profound emotional depth.

A seminal work in his acclaimed discography, Capra Black solidified Billy Harper’s place among the leading innovators of his generation. Now remastered and available for the first time in digital format, this landmark album offers a new audience the opportunity to experience its timeless power and relevance.

1. Capra Black

2. Sir Galahad

3. New Breed

4. Soulfully, I Love You/Black Spiritual of Love

5. Cry of Hunger