Joni Mitchell, Royal Queen of Songwriting, an honest to God, LEGEND.
Canadian born Joni Mitchell found her artistic roots early in life. Growing up in western Canada she quickly became interested in art, jazz and later, the guitar. Among her early influences were French torch singer Edith Piaf and avant garde jazz musician Miles Davis. The jazz would surface in the mid seventies with such records as Don Juan's Reckless Daughter, The Hissing of Summer Lawns, and the classic Hejira (cover photo above) when she teamed up with such jazz greats as Pat Metheny, Jaco Pastorius, Wayne Shorter and other members of Weather Report.
Backtracking a bit, Joni started with the folk circuit in Detroit, where she met Eric Andersen. From Detroit she moved to Greenwich Village and made connections with then popular folk singer Tom Rush, who was the first one to cover one her songs, "Urge For Going". This was soon followed by others covering her songs such as Buffy Sainte-Marie and ultimately Judy Collins doing "Both Sides Now", which became Judy's signature tune.
Throughout her career, she had the knack for amazing lyrics and melodies, often using unconventional alternate tunings on the guitar, giving many of the songs a rhythmic haunting vide.
Her songs have been covered by literally dozens of great artists. Early hits included the insightful observations of life in "The Circle Game", the ecologically themed "Big Yellow Taxi" (Covered, and a hit, for Counting Crows), the joyful "Chelsea Morning" (covered by Neil Diamond), and the simple, but yet beautifully complex "Both Sides Now". And of course we can't forget the mega hit for Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, "Woodstock". The breakthrough album during this early period was the starkly beautiful and poignant "Blue" (pictured below), with such songs as " A Case Of You", "Carey", and "The Last Time I Saw Richard".
She became a superstar with the release of the Grammy Award winning "Court And Spark" in 1974, which peaked at number 2 on the Billboard charts. This is one of those rare albums where every song is insanely great. There were a number of hits on the record including the title track, the infectious "Help Me", and the escapist "Free Man in Paris". A debate still goes on as to whom "Free Man in Paris" was written about, as it could have been any number of people at the time. The two leading contenders are Stephen Stills and David Geffen.
Along with both "Blue' and "Court and Spark", I include the masterpiece "Hejira" as a trilogy of her greatest work. All three of these records are on my all time best ever list. As previously mentioned, "Hejira" was done with jazz greats, the result being some of the most addictive music ever heard. Combine that with great story telling and lyrics, and you really do have a masterpiece. Standout songs include a saga/tribute to Amelia Earhart, called, obviously, "Amelia"; The introspective rhythmic "Coyote" and "Black Crow": and the story of a forgotten bluesman in "Furay Sings the Blues".
For any serious songwriter, an in depth study of Joni Mitchell is mandatory. The way she can make lyrical lines weave with melodic lines is nothing short of amazing. Her choice of words and phrases for lyrics is exceptional. And her sense of rhythm is both unconventional, and at the same time, uncanny. In addition, the use of alternate tunings adds depth and character to each song. I could go on and on, and dissect numerous songs to illustrate her brilliance; and perhaps I will at another point. But for now, trust me, investigate and discover for yourself why this lady is a LEGEND.
Unfortunately, she is now in ill health, and I sincerely hope that her remaining days are peaceful and joyful. And I thank her from the bottom of my heart for the influence she has had on my songwriting.
Below is a video clip of an amazing performance of the classic "Both Sides Now", probably the last time we get to witness such simple excellence and artistry in songwriting from such a beautiful lady.
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