Ah, Joni. Thanks for this. My entry was with Tom Rush and The Circle Game LP, which I still have. And there's the memory of waiting for Joni for something like three hours during a snowstorm while sitting on the gymnasium floor at Boston University (c. 1968). This, I think, was shortly before the release of the first album. She finally arrived and, of course, her path was set as was my faithful discipleship. I've enjoyed spending time with the recently released archive recordings. That run of early albums (Blue, Court and Spark, etc.) was almost unparalleled by anyone, but I've got to agree with Kim below, at least about Hejira, which because of road trips and constant listening, remains top-tier Joni for me. That "Coyote" with Dylan and McGuinn was a highlight, for me, of Scorsese's Rolling Thunder film. I could go on, and I've intended to for a long time. One of these days I'll write something.
I've been a fan of Tom Rush's ever since. Saw and spoke with him at the Folk Alliance conference in New Orleans a year ago and have subscribed to a little weekly video he puts out (via Patreon) of songs and excerpts from a memoir he's pulling together.
Appreciated your Joni retrospective Greg but two comments: 1) can't agree with you on Hissing and Hejira. Both are 10 out of 10 masterpieces IMO, in the pantheon of the all-time greats. 2) No mention of the criminally under-rated Don Juan's Reckless Daughter, as much a showcase for Jaco Pastorius, commercial sucide though it was.
Could not fit in everything. Probably should have included "Little Green" for obvious reasons. And her slow, mournful, piano "Woodstock." But for me the more jazzy she got the more derivative, just my taste. And that "Don Juan" cover!
Yes the cover. So embarrassing when viewed through the lens of today. Back in '78 my marketing plan for that album which included an oversized poster blowup of the front and back cover art, got me hired as Atlantic/Elektra marketing manager for what is now Warner Music Canada! That's completely aside from my love of Joni and this album. Here's a question: if Joni is the number #1 female singer songwriter of all time, which is generally the view, who is number 2? A tough call. Carole King for her 60s co-writes + Tapestry? Maybe, though there isn't a lot of longterm solo resonance other than Tapestry IMO. For me it might be Laura Nyro. Those four consecutive albums, Eli through Miracle, '68- '71 are pretty awesome. But I'm open to other thoughts!
Of course can't dismiss Carole. For me: Sandy Denny. Great songwriter but gets extra boost by being greatest singer. As Linda Thompson, no slouch, just told me: Sandy topped everyone, including Joni, on her two '60s covers, "Eastern Rain" and "I Don't Know Where I Stand."
Great suggestions both. I adore Sandy Denny. Those two sensational Fairport albums in 1969, Unhalfbricking and Liege and Lief. And the three Island Richard and Linda records. Cornerstone vinyl in my collection!
Please write about Linda Ronstadt. I am so grateful she is finally getting the accolades and acclaim she deserves. Linda sings an incredible River on her 2000 Christmas album A Merry Little Christmas.
Are you freaking serious? I can’t wait. For some reason I remember a lot of the renditions of Joni Mitchell songs from the live Miles of Aisles album. An incredible album. Some guy yelled out something like Joni, you’re cooler than Richard Nixon and Mick Jagger for Miles of Aisles. That was on the original vinyl but didn’t get transferred to other formats.
I just got around to listening to Amelia with Pat Methany. That was really outstanding! I think the first time I saw her was at one of the Schaefer Music Festival concerts in Central Park. It might have been 1969. The tickets were $1.00!
Ah, Joni. Thanks for this. My entry was with Tom Rush and The Circle Game LP, which I still have. And there's the memory of waiting for Joni for something like three hours during a snowstorm while sitting on the gymnasium floor at Boston University (c. 1968). This, I think, was shortly before the release of the first album. She finally arrived and, of course, her path was set as was my faithful discipleship. I've enjoyed spending time with the recently released archive recordings. That run of early albums (Blue, Court and Spark, etc.) was almost unparalleled by anyone, but I've got to agree with Kim below, at least about Hejira, which because of road trips and constant listening, remains top-tier Joni for me. That "Coyote" with Dylan and McGuinn was a highlight, for me, of Scorsese's Rolling Thunder film. I could go on, and I've intended to for a long time. One of these days I'll write something.
That Tom Rush album is a stone classic for sure. "No Regrets" - killer!
I've been a fan of Tom Rush's ever since. Saw and spoke with him at the Folk Alliance conference in New Orleans a year ago and have subscribed to a little weekly video he puts out (via Patreon) of songs and excerpts from a memoir he's pulling together.
Appreciated your Joni retrospective Greg but two comments: 1) can't agree with you on Hissing and Hejira. Both are 10 out of 10 masterpieces IMO, in the pantheon of the all-time greats. 2) No mention of the criminally under-rated Don Juan's Reckless Daughter, as much a showcase for Jaco Pastorius, commercial sucide though it was.
Could not fit in everything. Probably should have included "Little Green" for obvious reasons. And her slow, mournful, piano "Woodstock." But for me the more jazzy she got the more derivative, just my taste. And that "Don Juan" cover!
Yes the cover. So embarrassing when viewed through the lens of today. Back in '78 my marketing plan for that album which included an oversized poster blowup of the front and back cover art, got me hired as Atlantic/Elektra marketing manager for what is now Warner Music Canada! That's completely aside from my love of Joni and this album. Here's a question: if Joni is the number #1 female singer songwriter of all time, which is generally the view, who is number 2? A tough call. Carole King for her 60s co-writes + Tapestry? Maybe, though there isn't a lot of longterm solo resonance other than Tapestry IMO. For me it might be Laura Nyro. Those four consecutive albums, Eli through Miracle, '68- '71 are pretty awesome. But I'm open to other thoughts!
Of course can't dismiss Carole. For me: Sandy Denny. Great songwriter but gets extra boost by being greatest singer. As Linda Thompson, no slouch, just told me: Sandy topped everyone, including Joni, on her two '60s covers, "Eastern Rain" and "I Don't Know Where I Stand."
Great suggestions both. I adore Sandy Denny. Those two sensational Fairport albums in 1969, Unhalfbricking and Liege and Lief. And the three Island Richard and Linda records. Cornerstone vinyl in my collection!
nothing tops this, tho RT played guitar on album....https://youtu.be/zLQjGv-px-A
Please write about Linda Ronstadt. I am so grateful she is finally getting the accolades and acclaim she deserves. Linda sings an incredible River on her 2000 Christmas album A Merry Little Christmas.
see tomorrow....
Are you freaking serious? I can’t wait. For some reason I remember a lot of the renditions of Joni Mitchell songs from the live Miles of Aisles album. An incredible album. Some guy yelled out something like Joni, you’re cooler than Richard Nixon and Mick Jagger for Miles of Aisles. That was on the original vinyl but didn’t get transferred to other formats.
Love this profile! Remember her 70s work on the radio in BC. My Springsteen addiction didn’t kick in till the Darkness era. Both great artists.
I just got around to listening to Amelia with Pat Methany. That was really outstanding! I think the first time I saw her was at one of the Schaefer Music Festival concerts in Central Park. It might have been 1969. The tickets were $1.00!