The Doors
Mr. Mojo Risin’: The Story of L.A. Woman
Eagle Vision DVD
www.eaglerockent.com
By George W. Harris

As keyboardist Ray Manzarek stated, “my vision was to make The Doors
the Modern Jazz Quartet of Rock and Roll.” This documentary which
details the background behind the last album the iconic LA rock band
released is a fascinating overview of the 60s music, political and
social scenes as well as an insightful look into one of rock’s albums
that appeals to fans of every musical style and taste.

All three surviving Doors, Ray Manzarek/key, John Densmore/dr and
Robbie Krieger/g, along with other guests which include engineer Bruce
Botnick, producer Paul Rothschild and Fm deejay Jim Ladd discuss the
influences, inspirations and creative process of each of the songs that
appeared on what is considered the band’s most “live” and organic
record. Footage of various and sundry parts of LA, ranging from the
gorgeous beaches of Malibu, to seedy motels, liquor stores and places
that advertise Girls Girls Girls serve as a backdrop to stories told
about how songs like “Riders On The Storm” were inspired; in this case,
it was the TV Westerns featuring Vaughan Monroe, while the title track
comes out sounding like a chapter from a Ray Chandler novel.

Besides the excellent music, each of the guests on this documentary
capture very accurately the attitude of 60s rock and roll. The
self-indulgence of drugs, sex and political and societal revolution and
self exaltation is all observed here and reflected on, as well as the
innocence of music’s allure for its own sake. Whether you have Manzarek
grooving to a Bach solo, Densmore showing off his Jo Jones influence,
or Krieger stating that Morrison’s death meant that he “lost his
favorite writing partner,” you get the feel that these gents were on a
musical path that got sidetracked by fame and fortune. Intriguing, as
in Ecclesiastes’ warning in the Bible to be glad for the simple things
in life.