Mind-Blowing Performance: Nathaniel Murphy's Epic 'Riders on the Storm'

Nathaniel opens the doors of perception with this brand new CME Exclusive Oxblood Gibson USA T-Type SG Standard, single-handedly snaking his way through "Riders On The Storm," the closer to The Doors' 1971 album, L.A. Woman.

Riders on the Storm" is a psychedelic rock and jazz rock song, notated in the key of E Minor. According to guitarist Robby Krieger and keyboardist Ray Manzarek, it was inspired by the country song "(Ghost) Riders in the Sky: A Cowboy Legend", written by Stan Jones and popularized by Vaughn Monroe.Portions of the song's lyrics were allegedly inspired by spree killer Billy Cook, whom Morrison referenced in a 1970 interview with The Village Voice, citing Cook as an inspiration for his short film HWY: An American Pastoral. Cook had killed six people, including a young family, while hitchhiking to California.

It is popularly believed that "Riders on the Storm" is the song that longtime Doors producer Paul A. Rothchild disparaged as "cocktail music", precipitating his departure from the L.A. Woman sessions, as corroborated by guitarist Robby Krieger. Rothchild himself denied this claim, stating that he actually applied this epithet to "Love Her Madly". Following Rothchild's departure, longtime engineer Bruce Botnick was selected to take over production duties, alongside the Doors themselves.

"Riders on the Storm" was recorded at the Doors Workshop in December 1970 with the assistance of Botnick. Morrison recorded his main vocals and then whispered the lyrics over them to create an echo effect. It was the last song recorded by all four members of the Doors, as well as Morrison's last recorded song to be released in his lifetime. The single was released in June 1971, entering the Billboard Hot 100 the week ending July 3, 1971, the same week that Morrison died.

Check out more Arrangements by Nathaniel Murphy

Additional Gear:

More Chicago Music Exchange:

Follow Nathaniel -

#RidersOnTheStorm #NathanielMurphy #GuitarCover #ChicagoMusicExchange #TheDoors

[chicagomusicexchange]

SUBSCRIBE & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS TO NEVER MISS NATHANIEL!

[madcat]

Probably my current favorite “how are they not a massive rock star” guitar player.

[dalesevrey]

Over fifty years of playing I had yet to hear a guitar player that made me feel the way this man does. We are all blessed to have him

[cammci]

imagine going to sleep at night knowing you can play a guitar like this.

[ArturBrzozowski]

Now I want this guitar, this amp and this guy so he can play it for me over and over

[jeremydahm]

Killer demo. This guy never disappoints

[nerffyb]

The way this man's mind works when it comes to arrangements is inexplicable, the creativity is off the charts!!

[philsarkol]

There are some good guitarplayers here on YT but Nathaniël got something special. Everything he plays is like a little gem, tastefull arrangements, musicaly 100%, nothing rushed or shredded, all with good clear tone and overall controll. Thanks for your gift!!

[rodpederson]

How refreshing is THAT! A really, really, really good solo without a mess of incomprehensible shredding. Yes!!

[chrismurphyshef]

You can't even say he's a jerk... Because he's a lovely bloke. The Rick Beato interview is absolutely brilliant and testimony to the fact that he is not only obscenely gifted but very humble. 🙏❤

[roisoleilxiv]

SGs sound great clean...an often overlooked strenght

[MRxr]

this guy has exactly what excites me in a guitarist, unlimited amazing feeling in every note. what a legend.

[TheHumbuckerboy]

'Riders on the Storm' has been my favourite Doors song but this particular rendition has given me more admiration for demonstrating the sheer musicality within the song .

[Bob-Whiting]

That was phruckin' awesome. Encore Nathaniel!

[andrewdawson]

To think we started to learn guitar at the same time in high school.. always awesome Nathanial mate. love it.

[sonofdermy]

This guy is the gift that keeps on giving.

[dhalikias]

I gave a thumbs up 30 seconds into it...and listened to the rest, unable to give it a second thumbs up.

[REM]

Everything Nathaniel plays is in the pocket and understatedly other worldly. I've heard few musicians with these chops AND so much style and taste. Watch his video where he plays Kashmir on a vintage Gibson acoustic with a B-bender installed. Crazy good.

[CalamityHillMusic]

You've just blew my doors 🚪 off.
Nice performance.

[tito.tarantula]

Nathaniel is so at one with his guitar, truly inspirational playing.