When Joni Mitchell shocked the world last summer with an unexpected short set at the Newport Folk Festival, engineered by Brandi Carlile, I was first (I believe) to post a full array of videos that afternoon and evening. They have since been taken down, of course, but below are bunch of audience shot vids from her long-scheduled first full concert in many years, also courtesy of Brandi, at the Gorge in the state of Washington last night. Apparently it lasted for three hours—with a casual stage setup to echo the now-famous “Joni Jams” in her living room—and included songs in tribute by the likes of Annie Lennox, Marcus Mumford, and Lucius. Allison Russell played clarinet. Joni introduced most of her songs with a story or quip. She again played long electric guitar solo on “Just Like This Train.” This Guardian piece describes it all, and a set list (thanks Nicole) here. Longer piece at Variety. A live album from her Newport gig will be released on July 28. But enjoy the non-professional footage below for now… and subscribe, it’s still free.
And see my previous post on my new PBS film, Memorial Day Massacre: Workers Die, Film Buried, which is now easy to watch by all, online or streaming, at 27 minutes, and also—there’s a companion book. Narrated by Josh Charles, produced by Lyn Goldfarb.
“A Case of You.”
“Summertime,” which was so spectacular at her Gershwin honors this year.
“Carey”
“Both Sides Now”
“Amelia”
Brandi and band’s rocking version of “Woodstock”
I could drink a case of Joni and still be on my knees.
This marks the kickoff of the nursing home concert series...oh what drooling fun. The day long feared has arrived. Why can't they just stay home and work on their spiritual evolution?