Search - Scott Morgan :: Scott Morgan

The first official solo release

Dean Kuschell | Traverse City, MI USA | 06/11/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I would guess if you are reading this review you know who Scott Morgan is. No? Well here is a crash course. The Rationals, Sonic's Rendezvous Band, Scott Morgan Band, Scots Pirates and Powertrane...Detroit Rock n Roll and R&B. Not to mention a pair of European outfits called The Hydromatics and The Solution. This is Scott's first official solo album since his career took off with The Rationals in the mid sixties. It is the offspring of all that came before it all rolled into 11 songs with some well known and not so well know covers and yes some originals too. You'll hear some great rock and R&B hybrids like Holland, Dozier & Holland's, "Something About You," from the Four Tops. Sam Cooke's "Bring It On Home To Me," is so well known but this version smokes with the obvious R&B flavor peppered with some great lead guitar work throughout. Plus Bobbie Gentry's "Mississippi Delta" (delta rock n roll)and a very cool bluesy version of Nina Simone's "Do I Move You?" (interesting choice, yet performed with passion) as well as a faithfull rendition of The Temptations classic, "Since I Lost My Baby." The originals are just as good if not better. "Lucy May" is my favorite track on the album with a great lyrics and a nice rocking groove as only Morgan can do without even trying. If you remember the Scots Pirate bonus track "Detroit" which name checked just about every important musical heavy weight from the Motor City than you'll find the same theme in "Memphis Time" which name checks all the famous native musical giants from Memphis from B.B. King and Elvis to Booker T's MG's. My only complaint is Scott only plays keyboards on the album. No guitar this time around...I think Morgan is one of the best rhythm guitarists around and he can pick a mean lead when he wants to but like I said just piano and organ on this disc. Powertrane's Chris Taylor is one of the 3 guitarists heard on the disc. However it's Scott's singing talent that has always been out front and it is very out front on this album. The production as mentioned in other reviews is very lo-fi but only adds to the smokey R&B vibe of the album. One more thing...if you love Morgan's heavy Detroit rock and roll sound, it pokes it's head up throughout the album especially on the last track "Highway." It is the Scott Morgan album I expected and then some. Very refreshing and organic and most of all a very good album. I hope it is a huge hit for Mr. Morgan. He deserves to be heard. He has paid his dues. He has more talent than anyone on the charts today. If not, than it is with some satisfaction that Scott Morgan remains Detroit's best musical secret."