Morgan was one of the most active artists in the Los Angeles underground jazz scene, and a member of the late great Horace Tapscott's artist collective Union of God's Musicians and Artists Ascension (UGMAA). He performed alongside Tapscott, and other Nimbus recording artists like Jesse Sharps, who he introduced to Tapscott. He also performed with Arthur Blythe, Gary Bartz, Azar Lawrence, as well as soul icons Willie Hutch (notably on the Foxy Brown soundtrack) and Rufus & Chaka Khan. Most recently he contributed to Carlos Niño's 2016 album Flutes, Echoes, It's All Happening!, and was a part of Niño and vocalist Dwight Trible's soul-jazz group Build An Ark (which also featured Tribe's Phil Ranelin). Journey Into Nigritia was Morgan's debut as a leader, and the first of three recordings he released for Nimbus West. The album has a strong post-Coltrane spiritual feel, with some model-based melodies, and some fiery solos from saxophonist Dadisi Komolafe. The record also features a solid rhythm section featuring bassist Jeff Littleton and drummer Fritz Wise.At the dawn of the Reagan years, LA jazz pianist Nate Morgan recorded his first album for Nimbus West. Journey Into Nigritia portrays an artist marked by the icons of his day and striving for reinvention. Although he came from a solid jazz background, coming up through the Pan Afrikan People's Arkestra, Morgan found more exciting work with pop bands in the seventies, including glory years with Rufus w/Chaka Khan. On Journey into Nigritia, Morgan re-embraces jazz. Included in the band are Jeff Littleton on bass, Fritz Wise on drums, and Dadisi Komolafe on alto sax.The collection opens with the Trane-ish Mrafu. Komolafe blasts off in short order, and while the modal chording recalls Tyner, Morgan shows flashes of the nimble loquacious gift that define him. While Alice Coltrane incense perfumes 'Morning Prayer, Morgan's devotional sincerity and personnel expression triumph. Suitably complex with yearning minors, Mother features the trio performing a memorable composition. Littleton's deep-note sustain contrasts Wise's shimmering cymbals, while Morgan tells heart-wrenching truth. With a somewhat solemn theme, He Left Us a Song regularly bursts through into straight-ahead fast-break sprints up and down the court. The unexpected 'Study in C.T. offers an homage to Cecil Taylor and Morgan's musical roots with free improvisations on a dense and spiky theme. The exhilarating result has Morgan exploring his own way, with a winking slinging of jagged bass chords halfway through. While a quarter century's experience has nurtured Morgan's prodigious gifts beyond this ambitious debut, Journey Into Nigritia offers enjoyable insights into his artistic evolution, while adding another precious title to the discography of one of the most woefully under-recorded greats of our time.
Release date:
August 20, 2021
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Cartridges - Top Picks
A selection of turnatble cartridges that provide great performance and sound quality
-
Technics SL-1500C Turntable
Features a direct-drive motor, a high-precision tonearm, and a premium MM cartridge, delivering exceptional sound quality
-
Edifier R1280DB Powered Speakers
Combining classic design with modern Bluetooth connectivity, built-in amplification and versatile inputs, these speakers deliver rich, balanced sound.
-
Vevor Ultrasonic Cleaner
Thoroughly clean and restore your vinyl records, removing dust, dirt, and grime from every groove without damaging the surface
-
Phono Preamps - Top Picks
A selection of the best phono preamps for your turntable setup
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Nala Sinephro The Smashing Machine Soundtrack
Warp Records
January 23, 2026 -
Ded Resent
Unfd
October 10, 2025 -
Powerwolf Wildlive Live at Olympiahalle [2xLP]
Napalm Records
March 6, 2026 -
Public Opinion Perpetual Motion Machine
Sideonedummy Records
October 10, 2025 -
Cusp What I Want Doesn't Want Me Back (Ice Blue)
Exploding In Sound Records
October 17, 2025 -
Madi Diaz Fatal Optimist
Anti
October 10, 2025 -
Pavement Pavements Soundtrack [2xLP]
Matador
November 14, 2025 -
AVTT/PTTN (The Avett Brothers and Mike Patton) AVTT/PTTN
Ramseur Rec.
November 14, 2025 -
PeelingFlesh PF Radio 2
Unique Leader Orch
November 7, 2025 -
Joe Bonamassa B.B. King's Blues Summit 100 [3xLP]
Ktba Records
February 6, 2026 -
Stella Donnelly Love and Fortune
Dot Dash
November 7, 2025 -
Rhett Miller A lifetime of riding by night
Ato Records
October 10, 2025 -
The Red Chord Clients
Metal Blade
October 17, 2025 -
Miguel CAOS
Rca Records
October 24, 2025