The Door's are one of my favoitie 60's rock bands. I can't imagine them without Ray Manzarek's keyboard playing. The man really knew music. It's on my bucket list to learn one of his solos note for note.

Let me tell you, I will NEVER forget the time I first heard "Light My Fire." That... was magical, and I am forever grateful. We were camping out that night, in an old house... I can take you to the exact spot... what a sound... I am a guitar player and that was a keyboard, and it was fabulous. He truly made rock history.

And don't forget Ray was not only the keyboardist for The Doors he was also the bass player. He played all the bass lines on a keyboard with his left hand.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-207_162-57585471/ray-manzarek-remembered-by-doors-bandmates-rockers/

Ray was the master of the hypnotic bassline. He never played anything with the left that you might say was super technical, but it suited the music and the times perfectly.

And he was the poster child for showing that you only need the one hand to be a band's 'keyboard player'..!

how did he pull that stuff off with only one hand? Bass lines, leads, solos, and comping?

Diki was right...nothing fancy, but correct. That early little organ had a "nerdy" sound, but it was distinctive as hell.

Just for fun, set your arranger on left-hand bass and try to play the songs you play now. Interesting!


Russ

Here's some interesting footage of Ray Manzareck tracking at a recording session with "Weird Al". It's funny song about Craigslist.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Ra5x88C0yQY

another interesting clip- Ray talking about the song "Riders of Storm"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoRFAbdmKD4

Ray's left hand was the band's bass player... Only his right was the 'keyboard player'!

Considering Ray Manzarek was one of the most well know keyboardist in rock music and most of the SZ members here came of age during the 60’s, I find it strange that there are so few comments. I guess all we like to discuss around here is new gear and NH gigs.

A GOOD LESSON IN THE POWER OF INTERPRETATION: Loved both Jose's and the Door's versions of "Light My Fire". Completely different vibes...both GREAT!


R.

Still play the Jose version every night. Play the Door's version when the group and venue are right.

I really love both versions too. I'm trying to find an interview that Ray did years ago on NPR in which he discusses how he concieved the organ part and chord changes to "Light My Fire"
Great stuff.

Paul, I'm too old to remember him. In fact, Fran thinks I'm too old to remember anything.

Gary

As long as you don't forget the recipe for kickapoo joy juice, who cares what else you might forget? LOL

Diki, I'm hoping to make another whirlwind tour of the sunny south again this coming winter. If I get to your part of the world, I'll bring you a bottle.

Gary

Always welcome, Gary. Not as warm as South Florida, but maybe worth a side trip on the way down...