NATE MORGAN Retribution, Reparation
Description
Pianist Nate Morgan (1964-2013) was a central figure on the Los Angeles jazz undergound. A core member of the circle around the legendary bandleader, pianist and community organiser Horace Tapscott, Morgan had been part of Tapscott’s U.G.M.A.A. (Union Of God’s Musicians and Artists Ascension) since he was just a teenager, and was a key member of the Pan Afrikan People’s Arkestra, known as ‘The Ark’. Through the 1980s and 1990s he kept the PAPA flame alive, organising the Ark’s sprawling songbook, running legendary jam sessions, and keeping LA’s deep jazz roots well watered. By the early 2000s he was bringing hard won knowledge to a new generation as part of the Build The Ark collective. He was a musician’s musician, at the beating heart of the radical, community-minded Los Angeles jazz network that Tapscott and his associates had first put together in the early 1960s.
Retribution, Reparation was the second of the two LPs Morgan recorded for Tom Albach’s storied Nimbus West imprint. His first, Journey Into Nigritia had been a declaration of arrival laced with energies drawn from Cecil Taylor and Coltrane. One year later, with nods to Herbie Hancock (‘One Finger Snap’) and Ellington (‘Come Sunday’), Retribution, Reparation was a confident statement of purpose. Politically charged with pan-Africanist and Black nationalist sentiments inspired by Marcus Garvey, and titled with uncompromising directness, the album focusses the sound world of the Ark into a surging, restless masterpiece of spiritualised modal jazz. With Danny Cortez on trumpet and Ark stalwart Jesse Sharps on saxophones the frontline is explosive (this set is also one of the few places the extraordinary Sharps can be heard in a small group setting), while Fritz Wise and Ark regular Joel Ector hold down the rhythm section. Morgan’s forceful, Tyner-like chords and virtuosic solos and bind the music together. From the poised drama of the opening dedication to Tapscott’s U.G.M.A.A. (‘U.G.M.A.A.GER’) to the propulsive militancy of the title track, Retribution, Reparation spreads the word: ‘Advance to Victory, Let Nigritia Be Free!
- Recorded Los Angeles October 1983
- Engineer – Dennis Moody
- Genre: Jazz
- Format Detail: LP Black
- Internal ID: JIT
- Released: 8/10/21
- Handling Note: **Please allow an additional 5 business days for this item's shipment.**
- Format: Vinyl
Shipping and Returns
Domestic U.S. Standard Shipping: Arrives within 5-7 business days.
International Shipping: We ship to many countries worldwide.
Delivery times and costs depend on the destination and the shipping method selected.
Please note, international customers are responsible for any customs, duties and taxes.
Upgraded Shipping services are available upon request.
Please email mark@musicrecordshop.com for more information.
Order Processing
Orders are ordinarily handled inside 1-2 business days. You will get a confirmation email upon shipment with a tracking number.
Shipping Rates
Shipping charges are based on the weight of your order and the selected shipping method at checkout. We strive to offer competitive shipping rates for the best value.
Free Shipping
We offer free standard shipping on domestic orders on selected packs and vinyl offerings.
Returns and Exchanges
Please contact us with any return or exchange requests.
Email: mark@musicrecordshop.com
Phone: 314.675.8675
Return Policy
Returns are accepted within 7 days of product delivery.
New vinyl must be unopened and unplayed, unless there is concealed damage.
Used vinyl is graded for vinyl and jacket condition. Please contact us directly if there is a problem.
Signed vinyl records cannot be returned unless they are damaged or defective.
Sleeves and LP Mailers can be returned within 7 days.
Please contact us with any return issue.
Email: mark@muscirecordshop.com
Phone: 314.675.8675
Return Process
Contact Us: To initiate a return, email us at mark@musicrecordshop.com or call us at 314.675.8675. Include your order number and product issue.
Ship the Item: Pack the item securely for return.
Refunds: A refund will be issued after we receive and inspect your returned item.
You will receive an email notification of the refund.
Exchanges: If you need to exchange an item, please contact us.
Email: mark@musicrecordshop.com
Phone: 314.675.8675.
Return Shipping
Customers are responsible for return delivery costs except if the item is damaged. Please contact us if you need a return label.
Email: mark@musicrecordshop.com
Phone: 314.675.8675

