The cynical among us might call this a marketing ploy, the No. 1 instrumental pianist playing the songs of one of rock's most iconic groups, the Doors. But George Winston has been citing the Doors as a major influence for years. This isn't a new age take on the Doors, and many of Winston's treatments are surprising in their direction. "People are Strange" has a stride piano motif, while "Light My Fire" sounds honky-tonk. Winston clings to the melody of the original, including a note-for-note take on Ray Manzarek's long solo, but then takes an avant-garde coda. Winston isn't quite up to guitarist Robbie Krieger's flamenco-influenced style as he stumbles on "Spanish Caravan," nor Manzarek's florid descent on "Riders On the Storm." But some songs are naturals for Winston. He unfolds dark harmonies on "Crystal Ship" and "Can't See Your Face in My Mind," and turns the tribal chant, "My Wild Love," into a solemn meditation. Sometimes cheesy, sometimes haunting, Night Divides the Day is as much a look at the paradox of George Winston, as a tribute to the Doors.

Author: John Diliberto  Issue: October 2002 #220