Nate Morgan’s deep spiritual jazz classic, ‘Journey Into Nigritia’ reissued

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Nate Morgan’s deep spiritual jazz classic, ‘Journey Into Nigritia’ reissued

Originally released in 1983 by Nimbus West Records (formally Nimbus Records), Outernational Sounds reissues the deep spiritual jazz gem, titled Journey Into Nigritia from iconic Los Angeles pianist Nate Morgan.

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 modal-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.

Considered one of the most obscure releases from the Nimbus catalog, this is the first time this album has been made available since it’s initial release in 1983. Overall, a very welcomed reissue and an essential spiritual jazz recording to have come out of the early eighties underground Los Angeles scene.