Search - Mort Garson :: Wozard of Iz

Dorothy Drops Out and Goes on a Wild Trip

J. B Brent | Oak Ridge, Tennessee USA | 06/29/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Dorothy leaves behind "a hypnotized Aunt and mesmerized Uncle who've turned life off and turned the television on, and on, and on" in Canvas City to search for the Wozard. On the way she meets the Scared Crow, who is possessed by his own possessions, the In-Man, a computer head with no feelings, the Lyin' Coward, a talker who does nothing, and a Bad Witch, who tries to recruit her into a cult.

Mort Garson's synthesizer compositions, Jacques Wilson's words and the outstanding voice of Suzi Jane Hokum enhance the story, particulary on "I've Been Over the Rainbow" and "Big Sur."

The flower power narratives in "Leave the Driving to Us" date the story slightly, and there's some incoherence in "Blue Poppy" and "Killing of the Witch." Overall, though, the music and story remain timely and still sound innovative after many years.

WOZARD originally was released on vinyl as A&M SP 4156 in 1968. Garson, a prolific producer and co-writer of Ruby and the Romantics' hit "Our Day Will Come," also released ELECTRONIC HAIR PIECES on A&M, along with a twelve-album SIGNS OF THE ZODIAC series.

The rediscovery and reissue of his works are a fitting tribute to Garson, who died in January 2008.

WOZARD is a must-have for all who appreciate the pioneering recordings of electronic music."