“Keyboard player and vocalist John Morgan was a Graham Bond afficianado who turned toward psychedelia as the 1960′s wore on. Billed originally as The Spirit of John Morgan, the band was successful enough to get booked into the Marquee and other top clubs, and cut three albums. Their self-titled debut into 1969 was followed by two more LPs in 1970 and 1972 (credited simply to John Morgan) for the Carnaby label. He also cut a single for British RCA in the early 1970′s.” All Music Guide
Kaleidoscope is an exercise in funky R&B-inspired psychedelic music. Keyboard heavy, it can sometimes fall into the trappings of weird/bad ’70s rock, but the spirit of the ’60s is alive and present in all these tunes. Morgan’s band sounds at times like a heavier Crosby, Stills & Nash, Morgan himself recalls the soulful delivery of Spencer Davis Group-era Steve Winwood. I think this is a great album, sadly under-appreciated by many music blogs across the Internet. Much praise for introducing me to this album goes to the sadly defunct Lost In Tyme blog.
According to one website, John Morgan might still be traveling around Europe playing small clubs, but I haven’t seen any other reports that confirm the rumor.
John Morgan
Kaleidoscope
MegaUpload DL Link
Tracklist:
01. Psychic Wheels
02. Kaleidoscope Of Life
03. Sky Rider
04. Sandy Mouth Bay
05. Evil City
06. Make Ye Merry
07. Cow Cow Boogie
08. Anthole Highlander
09. Entertainer Rag
10. 303
February 11th, 2010
John Morgan appears to be alive and well and gigging in the South of France – see http://www.spirit-of-john-morgan.com/john-morgan.htm. Good for him…
February 24th, 2010
I knew John in the late 60′s & helped with his blues & folk club in our home town – Bideford in N Devon. and travelled a biot with him around the area.
Does anyone know if he is still boogeying along? Last pics from his website show him on stage with a zimmer frame. !!!!
I have 3 JM albums and would like to get copies of: Dark Rider, No Vocals, Live at Durrant House (I sank many pints in DH), JM live one for the Road & JM XXIV hrs in Brittany.
anyone know were I can get them ??
March 4th, 2010
I have john Morgan 24 hours in Brittany
can send you a copy
March 15th, 2010
HI Dan Fantastic. My address is PO Box F44818 Freeport Grand Bahama. How much will I owe you & how can I get it to you? J.
April 22nd, 2011
Stood in for john’s drummer who was on holiday, always remember john with a pint or two and a couple of whiskeys on the piano, used to drop his harmonica in the drink in between numbers, cannot remember why he did that. Saw john morgan quite a bit in North Devon in 70s and early eighties, he lived in appledore and spent a fair bit of time in france and also other places, a great musician and very popular but have not heard about him for a while.
June 8th, 2011
I am searching the album XXIV hrs in Brittany for about 14 years now. Is there anyone who has it (original or copy) and who can make me a copy of it?
August 17th, 2011
Have not heard Kaleidoscope but got a mint (signed copy) of the 74 release Live at Durrant House on the privately pressed SWP label. Quite interesting. Shall have to check Kaliedoscope out.
February 6th, 2012
Sadly John passed away a couple of years ago. I played bass on Kaleidoscope and guitar with the JM band at Durrant House. Did a few gigs with John on one of his periodic UK visits and he certainly hadn’t lost his touch. A sad loss.