THE DOORS’ BOOTLEG AT THE AVALON BALLROOM IN THE SPRING 1967

 

In 1967, The Doors performed numerous live shows across the United States, playing more than 150 concerts in California and on the East Coast.

During this period, the band frequently performed in San Francisco, particularly at the Avalon Ballroom: 3–4 March; 14–15 April; 12–13 May; and 3–4 June.

One of these gigs was recorded and released as a short bootleg featuring three songs (link here) totaling about sixteen minutes (their correct chronological order is uncertain).

The first was "Moonlight Drive", a wonderful composition written by Jim Morrison, which would later be included on their second album, "Strange Days" (released in September 1967).

The second was "Back Door Man", from the band's debut album, "The Doors", released in January 1967.

The third was a cover of the Bo Diddley tune "Who Do You Love", originally released in 1956.

The Avalon Ballroom is also one of the group's best bootlegs both in terms of audio quality and overall artistic value.

Starting with "Back Door Man", Morrison sporadically plays the harmonica and even attempts a couple of brief and restrained solos. This was unusual for the singer, who would soon stop playing the instrument altogether.

The song is noticeably longer than the vinyl version and reaches its peak with Morrison's vocals. His style is aggressive and bold while retaining its incisiveness and expressiveness.

Some improvised verses by the singer fit seamlessly into his performance, adding to its vivid appeal.

Ray Manzarek's brief yet imaginative electric organ solo, absent from the LP version, is also a highlight of this recording.

This solo part is successfully inspired by soul jazz and hard bop jazz, as can be heard in its dynamic conception as well as in the urgent improvised musical figures that run through it.

In "Who Do You Love", The Doors' frontman's voice is simultaneously powerful, harsh, biting and deep. He captivates the listener with his outrageous charm, blending in perfectly with the tight instrumental section.

The arrangement features John Densmore's drums and Manzarek's electric organ at the forefront. These two instruments direct the sonic atmosphere of the piece by alternating between thumping tension and pervasive electric explosions.

Incidentally, this is the version of the Bo Diddley track that remained in the group's setlist for much of their career.

The final track on this bootleg is "Moonlight Drive", in which Morrison is joined by Manzarek on vocals for almost the entire song.

The impetuous, casual, engaging and lively vocal exchanges between the two contribute to the irresistible creative excitement that permeates the song.

Furthermore, the sparkling interplay between Manzarek’s electric organ and Krieger’s electric guitar emerges during this rendition of “Moonlight Drive”.

Krieger's use of the slide technique on his guitar is notable, showcasing considerable creativity in the restless development of sinuously elongated twists and turns.

This rendition of "Moonlight Drive" lasts seven minutes, that is more than twice the length of the version on "Strange Days" LP.

The extended coda of this piece is a testament to the band's compelling spontaneity and disruptive passion, which would propel them to fame just a few months later.

Fueled by immense talent and an intense enthusiasm for their work, the quartet fully highlights the transgressive impact that would come to define their legacy.

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”