In Sunday’s (10/4) Arizona Republic (Phoenix), Larry Rodgers writes, “For a classically trained pianist and stimulating conversationalist, Doors co-founder Ray Manzarek has a disarmingly simple explanation for why he and guitarist Robby Krieger decided to pair with the Phoenix Symphony to perform the music of the legendary band. ‘Why not?’ asks Manzarek, who will team with an orchestra for the first time in his 40-year career in Phoenix on Thursday to present new interpretations of such classics as ‘Light My Fire,’ ‘Riders on the Storm’ and ‘Break on Through.’ … Leading the 45-piece orchestra will be Brent Havens, a Virginia-based conductor and arranger who has staged tours featuring symphonic treatments of the music of Led Zeppelin, the Eagles, Queen and other legendary bands. … Manzarek says some Doors songs, such as 1968’s ‘Touch Me,’ a Krieger-penned track bursting with horns and strings, naturally lend themselves to orchestral treatment. Although the Doors used strings extensively on only one album, 1968’s ‘The Soft Parade,’ Manzarek says he’s excited about how the new arrangements will transform such classics as the rebellious ‘Five to One,’ the bluesy ‘Love Me Two Times’ and the romantic ‘The Crystal Ship.’ ”
Posted October 5, 2009
