Get Your Mojo Risin'!
By Helen Marketti
Jim Morrison was known as the front man of The Doors whose reputation was that of being a mysterious rebel who went against the grain of what was proper and considered normal. When someone like him stretches "out of the box" society is often quick to judge and label so "they" can feel comfortable from that which is different. The Doors were a band that responded to society's turmoil and unrest which was as unpredictable as rock and roll itself.
Jim Morrison's poetry verse set to music was his way of expressing himself. It was his inner reflection to seek refuge in his words and make sense of the world on his terms.
"The Doors music is still solid. There are themes in their songs that are relevant even today. Their song, "Unknown Soldier" for example, was relevant to the Vietnam war then and can still apply today with what is going on now." These are the thoughts shared by Dexter Zirkle who is the "front man" for Doors tribute band, Mojo Risin'. Dexter understands the depth and appreciation of Jim Morrison which lead him to pay homage to the man in the best way he knows how.
"Listening to The Doors music was something you didn't hear anywhere else. Its the messages in their songs that come across. Jim Morrison's music is his conveyed poetry," Dexter explains as we chat before their gig at The Winchester in Lakewood, Ohio.
Mojo Risin' has been around since 1995. Band members include Mark (keyboard), Steve (drums), Justin (guitar) and Dexter (vocals). They pride themselves on delivering a performance much like fans would have experienced from The Doors during the late 60s.
Their stage equipment is reminiscent of what was used by The Doors. Scouring flea markets, e-bay and the like for their authentic equipment and props, Mojo Risin' is able to capture the sound, look and atmosphere of what a Doors performance was like.
Close your eyes as Dexter sings "L.A. Woman" or "Light My Fire" and you may think for a moment that Jim Morrison has been channeled in by a medium. The band delivers the music in Ray Manzarek, John Densmore and Robby Krieger fashion as they keep it as true to form as possible.
Their performance at The Winchester brought in a packed house that danced through two rock stomping sets, screaming fans and standing room crowds. Mojo Risin' definitely has a supportive following. What's a key ingredient that keeps such camaraderie going? "It's the synergy among us," Dexter explains. "Our band members click together. We rehearse to keep things fresh but it comes natural with what we do. We incorporate "new" Doors songs so each set we do is different at each venue."
To gear up for a performance Dexter does not really have a set ritual to get "into character."
"I may have an internal ritual in my mind. I tell myself that its time to use a different part of my brain. Its a mind set. I really don't do anything else." His performance as portraying a Jim Morrison like character is very convincing as well as entertaining. "We give a real tribute to The Doors music," said Dexter.
If you are a fan of The Doors and enjoy music from the psychedelic era then come see Mojo Risin'. Its as close to the original Doors as you're going to get.
For more information on Mojo Risin' including tour dates and sound clips check out:
www.doorstribute.com