5 FAMOUS DEATHS ON THE ROAD TO "STRANGE DAYS" (PART 5)

 

This is the final episode in our series of articles about the mysterious deaths that occurred during the recording of The Doors' second LP, "Strange Days", released in September 1967.

The band's time in the studio comes to an end in late August, with the ten songs ready to be mixed.

Stuff Smith died on the same day that this wonderful record was released: 25 September 1967.

This is a sad but significant coincidence. It reminds us of the fruitful connection between the Californian group and jazz. This connection can be heard in some of the instrumental parts of famous tunes by The Doors and would last throughout their career.

Moreover, several of the quartet members have stated in interviews that they attended jazz concerts and tried to incorporate elements of the genre into their music.

Smith lived through the most important and impressive period in jazz history, becoming one of its leading figures. His career spanned from the late 1920s to the mid-1960s, and he was known for playing the violin, which was unusual for jazz musicians at the time.

Smith's relentless practice and natural talent soon enabled him to perform with renowned musicians of the 1930s, as well as with his own band. He primarily established himself in the swing style.

Later, in the 1940s and 1950s, he also participated in concerts and studio recordings with renowned musicians such as Dizzy Gillespie and Coleman Hawkins.

His fiddle playing was characterized by a driving rhythm and dynamic attack, resulting in a clear, full sound that could easily engage and entertain anyone.

We recommend listening to the Swing song "Upstairs" from the second half of the 1930s: Smith's solo starts at min. 2:00 (link here). To gain a fuller understanding of his artistic evolution, we also suggest listening to the tune 'Undecided' (link here) from the 1959 LP "Cat on a Hot Fiddle" (hard bop jazz).

This musician's legacy runs through the history of jazz, a history that resonates in the music of The Doors, particularly during their live performances.

P.S.: My book "The Doors Through Strange Days"- The most comprehensive journey ever made through The Doors' second LP, is available on Amazon.com, .uk, .mx, .it, etc.

Here’s a link:

Amazon – “The Doors Through Strange Days”