Joni Mitchell's 1970s and '80s forays into jazzier territory may have distressed her folkie faithful, but they also resulted in some uncompromising, challenging, and, yes, entertaining music. Witness this 73-minute document from her '79 tour, which finds her backed by her greatest band ever. Mitchell's The Hissing of Summer Lawns-Hejira-Mingus period is heavily favored; there are two tunes from Court and Spark, but nothing earlier. It's not perfect--the film clips edited into the live tracks (at Mitchell's direction) are an annoying distraction (Rebel Without a Cause? Huh?). But by the time Mitchell, Mays, and vocal group the Persuasions finish a spine-tingling version of the title song, you'll have witnessed something special--and historic, as this was the only time this stellar crew toured together. --Sam Graham
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Reviews
Pretty Good
If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.
By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.
The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful
The music icon surrounded by as talented a group of performers you can find including Pat Metheny, Jaco Pastorius and The Persuasions. The sound and video quality complete the 'live' experience for those of us unfortunate for not having been there. Joni Mitchell's music is as evocative as ever with the blending of jazz and soul augmenting a special experience. This is a slice in musical time, well directed and produced with an enjoyable mix of of montage complimenting certain tracks. The selections will satisfy the palate of all Joni Mitchell fans as she spans the breath of her work to that point. Obviously, I enjoy this very much.
This is the most inspirational pop bass playing I have ever heard. Everybody thinks of Jaco as the king of jazz bass, but I don't think that's accurate. He was a better funk player than jazz player, and used both skills to be the most innovative bassist in pop (if that's what you want to call Joni Mitchell). Jaco was in peak form, without the crazed look in his eyes that is unsettling in the live laserdisc show from the early eighties, and without the pasty complexion, short hair, and extra 20 lbs. from the instructional video.If anyone wants to learn to play bass the right way, try transcribing his lines on "In France They Kiss On Main St." It's worth the work.Also, has Pat Metheny played any better than on this video? His tone was never better... Ditch the Ibanez!
Joni Mitchell's Shadows and Light performance is one of my favorite recordings. The Dry Cleaner from DeMoines sax solo is mind-blowingly great and much of the album is also at that level. I was visiting a friend recently and learned that he had a video of the performance. Seeing her and the band perform was a treat.
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