Sunday, May 26, 2013

Ray Manzarek of the Doors

Founding member of the Doors.  His obit in Rolling Stone .

One of the best ways to appreciate his work is to just LISTEN to his incredibly long & luscious keyboard solo on the 7 minute version of "Light My Fire".  Just start there, and then I dare you to listen to any other Doors' song and not get lost in the keyboards.  He formed the band on Venice Beach when he ran into Morrison; they became the house band for London Fog and then Whisky a Go Go.  Their first week, they shared a bill with the outgoing band, Them, which was fronted by Van Morrison.  Them was founded (sic) in 1964 in Belfast, Van quit in 1966.  They even played together.  IMAGINE them jamming together on "Gloria"!

Henry Diltz's gallery is named after a Doors' album: Morrison Hotel.  The band asked if they could photograph the actual hotel, and when the owners said no, they did it anyway.  The first side of the album is named after the Hard Rock Cafe (ages before the legendary commercial chain appeared).

John Sebastian plays harmonica on the album, note that it is credited to G. Puglese (due to contract issues). Peter includes a mention of him in his one man show, they were all friends.  The crossbreeding and evolution continues.

Micky lived down the road from Jim Morrison in Laurel Canyon.  The Laurel Canyon Country Store has a fascinating history unto itself.WFUV had John Platt doing his "Sunday Morning Breakfast" Program, where he had Lauren Fox performing.  A young woman who does a "Canyon Folkies" tribute, which alternates with her Joni Mitchell/Leonard Cohen tribute show.


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