A Purple Musical Appreciation #thread on Joni Mitchell @JoniMitchellcom (JM) & the enormous & lifelong influence she had on Prince.
"Mind if I turn on the radio?"
"Oh, my favorite song" she said
And it was Joni singing "Help me I think I'm falling"
"Mind if I turn on the radio?"
"Oh, my favorite song" she said
And it was Joni singing "Help me I think I'm falling"
The influence that Joni had on Prince cannot be understated or underplayed, it was MASSIVE.
More than any other artist, she perhaps had the greatest influence on him.
Prince held a lifelong love affair with her music & he wasn’t coy about publicising it time & time again.
More than any other artist, she perhaps had the greatest influence on him.
Prince held a lifelong love affair with her music & he wasn’t coy about publicising it time & time again.
On this thread, I am going to take you through:
1. - What he said about Joni
2 - How Joni influenced his work
3 - What Joni said about him
4 - Some of my favourite Joni songs spanning the course of her 50 year career.
1. - What he said about Joni
2 - How Joni influenced his work
3 - What Joni said about him
4 - Some of my favourite Joni songs spanning the course of her 50 year career.
A week before he passed he walked into Electric Fetus (his fave wrecka stow) & he purchased a number of CD’s, one of which was JM’s seminal album “Hejira”.
An album that he was no stranger to, having studied, dissected & breathed every note of that album many years over.
An album that he was no stranger to, having studied, dissected & breathed every note of that album many years over.
But “Hejira” was not his favourite JM album, it was one called “The Hissing of Summer Lawns” (THOSK) released in 75’ which he praised in many interviews, constantly vocalising his love for it.
“The last album I loved all the way through was The Hissing of Summer Lawns” (RS 85’)
“The last album I loved all the way through was The Hissing of Summer Lawns” (RS 85’)
In 2015 in an interview with EW Magazine Joni was in his current favourite 10 artists, a position she must have occupied in his list for over 40 years.
ew.com/article/2015/0…
ew.com/article/2015/0…
PRINCE ON JM
“Joni Mitchell taught me a lot about colour & sound, and to her, I’m very grateful” (MTV 1985)
“I love all Joni’s music..I do her songs just to keep her name out there. Joni’s music should be taught in school, if just from a literature standpoint.”- (2004)
“Joni Mitchell taught me a lot about colour & sound, and to her, I’m very grateful” (MTV 1985)
“I love all Joni’s music..I do her songs just to keep her name out there. Joni’s music should be taught in school, if just from a literature standpoint.”- (2004)
Here’s Wendy recounting the time Prince introduced her to JM on her 20th birthday & a further time when they went to JM’s Malibu home for dinner & Prince played his version of “A Case of U” - read the Vulture snapshots below for Joni’s reaction
Joni’s seminal album “Hejira” appeared as a co-star/extra in the movie “Under The Cherry Moon”.
One has been circled (Prince.Org)
See if you can spot the other.
One has been circled (Prince.Org)
See if you can spot the other.
Andre Cymone also said JM was probably his favourite artist from a lyrical standpoint.
The “Hejira” album reminded him of the “whole time period when we were working on Prince’s first album”.
He further added “Refuge of the Roads” (Hejira album) was one of my favorites.
The “Hejira” album reminded him of the “whole time period when we were working on Prince’s first album”.
He further added “Refuge of the Roads” (Hejira album) was one of my favorites.
About “Refuge” he said:
“That song reminds me of being in San Francisco. It was the soundtrack to our reality back then.
Owen Husney was Prince’s manager at the time. He was a very knowledgeable dude about a lot of stuff. I think he and his wife, Brit, turned us on to Joni”
“That song reminds me of being in San Francisco. It was the soundtrack to our reality back then.
Owen Husney was Prince’s manager at the time. He was a very knowledgeable dude about a lot of stuff. I think he and his wife, Brit, turned us on to Joni”
Prince on Lisa & JM:
"Lisa [Coleman] is like my sister...she'll play what the average person won't. She'll press two notes with one finger, so the chord is a lot larger, things like that. She's more abstract. She's into Joni Mitchell, too." (Rolling Stone 85’)
"Lisa [Coleman] is like my sister...she'll play what the average person won't. She'll press two notes with one finger, so the chord is a lot larger, things like that. She's more abstract. She's into Joni Mitchell, too." (Rolling Stone 85’)
During the ATWIAD release in early February 1985 Joni was amongst the special guests for the WB listening party.
It has been recounted:
“..as the high pitched flute that begins "Around the World in A Day"
lilted from the speakers,
Prince & Lisa walked in holding flowers”
It has been recounted:
“..as the high pitched flute that begins "Around the World in A Day"
lilted from the speakers,
Prince & Lisa walked in holding flowers”
When Beyonce inducted Prince in the U.K. Music Hall of Fame in 2004 which he attended, he said:
“These days when I meet young artists I try to hip them to the words of Joni Mitchell, and the tightness of Tower of Power, and the arrangements of Earth, Wind & Fire”.
“These days when I meet young artists I try to hip them to the words of Joni Mitchell, and the tightness of Tower of Power, and the arrangements of Earth, Wind & Fire”.
A Case of U
He has had a long love affair with this song & has said:
"...one of my favorite songs 2 sing because the melody is so heartbreaking. The lyrics read as tho the writer is extremely enamored with the subject and yet the melody sounds as if they are about to break up”
He has had a long love affair with this song & has said:
"...one of my favorite songs 2 sing because the melody is so heartbreaking. The lyrics read as tho the writer is extremely enamored with the subject and yet the melody sounds as if they are about to break up”
He added:
“[the record] has such a haunting feel that it would make the hardest thug shed tears"
(L.A .Times 2005)
His first live performance of this song was in August 1983 at a benefit show in Minneapolis & he started with the second verse
"I am a lonely painter..."
“[the record] has such a haunting feel that it would make the hardest thug shed tears"
(L.A .Times 2005)
His first live performance of this song was in August 1983 at a benefit show in Minneapolis & he started with the second verse
"I am a lonely painter..."
Prince continued to play this song live throughout his career up to the final Piano & Microphone Tour in 2016.
He last played it at The Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, USA on 14th April 2016.
He last played it at The Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, USA on 14th April 2016.
Not only did he play “A Case of U” live, he also recorded it many times.
In 2002 he included it on the ONA Piano album.
He also gave Joni “special thanks” in the liner notes too.
A piano rehearsal also featured on the Piano & Mic 83’ album posthumously released in 2018.
In 2002 he included it on the ONA Piano album.
He also gave Joni “special thanks” in the liner notes too.
A piano rehearsal also featured on the Piano & Mic 83’ album posthumously released in 2018.
In 2007, he contributed his cover of the track on a compilation in tribute to JM which also included Bjork, Annie Lennox & KD Lang amongst others.
His slightly edited version (removing the final coda) was given the original title - A Case Of You (as opposed to U).
His slightly edited version (removing the final coda) was given the original title - A Case Of You (as opposed to U).
JM INFLUENCES
The earliest clue of the influence JM had can be traced back to Prince’s sophomore album & the song “When we’re dancing close & slow”.
On a verse of “Coyote” from the Hejira album JM sings:
“He drags me out on the dance floor
And we’re dancing close and slow”
The earliest clue of the influence JM had can be traced back to Prince’s sophomore album & the song “When we’re dancing close & slow”.
On a verse of “Coyote” from the Hejira album JM sings:
“He drags me out on the dance floor
And we’re dancing close and slow”
The earliest public acknowledgement he gave to JM was a thank u in the Dirty Mind liner notes.
Then on Controversy her name appears on the back cover.
Then on Controversy her name appears on the back cover.
The 82’ unreleased “Lust U Always” paraphrases JM’s cover of a track called “Twisted” which appeared on her “Court & Spark” album which also featured “Help Me” which we’ll come on to later.
If you look at the whole lyrics of both songs you willl find discernible similarities:
If you look at the whole lyrics of both songs you willl find discernible similarities:
Lust u always:
My analyst assured me that U were just a phase
Twisted:
My analyst told me
That I was right out of my head
At 1:49 on “Twisted” there’s that old man/Bob George/Cloreen Bacon Skin voice too.
Is is possible Prince got it from this?
My analyst assured me that U were just a phase
Twisted:
My analyst told me
That I was right out of my head
At 1:49 on “Twisted” there’s that old man/Bob George/Cloreen Bacon Skin voice too.
Is is possible Prince got it from this?
Joni's 74’ live album Miles of Aisles credits her band (L.A. Express) only in the album art. This album also includes a track "Love or Money."
Prince did the same thing with crediting The Revolution only on the 1999 cover art.
And he released a track 💜OR $ in 86’.
Prince did the same thing with crediting The Revolution only on the 1999 cover art.
And he released a track 💜OR $ in 86’.
🕊 🕊 🕊
Joni appears on the cover of Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter wearing a dress with pictures of doves 🕊on it
Did this inspire Prince’s fascination with Doves 🕊on When Doves Cry, 7 & Arboretum.
On Arboretum, “Majesty & Divinity” were even credited 4 “ambient singing”.
Joni appears on the cover of Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter wearing a dress with pictures of doves 🕊on it
Did this inspire Prince’s fascination with Doves 🕊on When Doves Cry, 7 & Arboretum.
On Arboretum, “Majesty & Divinity” were even credited 4 “ambient singing”.
On JM’s “For the Roses” album we find her nude on the inside sleeve.
Prince also appears nude on a number of covers:
*back of “Prince” on a horse
*on 1999 he is bare bottomed in that space pod
*on Lovesexy he appears nude too
Prince also appears nude on a number of covers:
*back of “Prince” on a horse
*on 1999 he is bare bottomed in that space pod
*on Lovesexy he appears nude too
JM said she accidentally became a musician as she always wanted to be a painter. She has created the artwork for many of her album covers.
Prince has done so too for 1999 & Get Off
Prince has done so too for 1999 & Get Off
The lyrical flow & subject matter of Apollonia 6’s “Blue Limousine” is similar to Joni’s “Car on the Hill” from her Court & Spark album.
On both tracks they are waiting for their lover to show up in his car/limousine but he doesn’t show.
On both tracks they are waiting for their lover to show up in his car/limousine but he doesn’t show.
The Time’s third album is called “Ice Cream Castle” as was the opening song with “Castles” becoming a plural.
JM did a song called “Both Sides Now” which is on her album “Clouds” and the opening lines go:
“Rows and flows of angel hair / And ice cream castles in the air.”
JM did a song called “Both Sides Now” which is on her album “Clouds” and the opening lines go:
“Rows and flows of angel hair / And ice cream castles in the air.”
On the Parade Part 2 thread I said Sometimes it Snows in April is one of Prince’s most Joniesque moments.
The rubato intro mimicks her song “Cotton Avenue” from Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter. Interestingly, staying on the album cover.
The rubato intro mimicks her song “Cotton Avenue” from Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter. Interestingly, staying on the album cover.
She appears in blackface on the cover as her reputed alter ego, a black hipster named “Art Nouveau”.
Did Prince take cues from this for his many alter egos -Jamie Starr, Alexander Nevermind, Joey Coco, Camille, Symbol, Tora Tora, Christopher & Gemini.
Did Prince take cues from this for his many alter egos -Jamie Starr, Alexander Nevermind, Joey Coco, Camille, Symbol, Tora Tora, Christopher & Gemini.
Tudahl says “Kiss” & the spooky Parade outtake “Others here with us” include elements influenced by JM but doesn’t say how.
Kiss is sonically comparable to Big Yellow Taxi & the latter could be comparable to “Roses Blue” (Clouds album) as both discuss the misuse of the occult.
Kiss is sonically comparable to Big Yellow Taxi & the latter could be comparable to “Roses Blue” (Clouds album) as both discuss the misuse of the occult.
In "The Ballad of Dorothy Parker, " from SOTT, whilst having his bubble bath, Prince name-checks Joni & her song "Help Me" from Court & Spark.
“And it was Joni singing "Help me I think I'm falling"
Brrring the phone rang and she said
"Whoever's calling can't be as cute as you"
“And it was Joni singing "Help me I think I'm falling"
Brrring the phone rang and she said
"Whoever's calling can't be as cute as you"
JM name checked a song on her 82’ album “Wild Things Run Fast” on “Chinese Cafe” where she interpolated “Unchained Melody” within the song. This was 5 years before Prince did it.
In 87’, Prince offered Joni a song called "Emotional Pump" but she did not record it.
In 87’, Prince offered Joni a song called "Emotional Pump" but she did not record it.
Joni could hear her influence in the song “Purple Rain” & said:
“I can hear my influence in Purple Rain, in the harmony but I don’t know if that’s coming from him or Wendy & Lisa because they have also assimilated the modality of the open tunings” (Dutch TV interview in 88’)
“I can hear my influence in Purple Rain, in the harmony but I don’t know if that’s coming from him or Wendy & Lisa because they have also assimilated the modality of the open tunings” (Dutch TV interview in 88’)
Interestingly it was at the same time in 88’ Wendy & Lisa worked on her song “The Tea Leaf Prophecy” from her Chalk Mark in the Rain album & “perhaps” they influenced her to believe this.
Recording sessions took place between 86-87 after Prince had disbanded The Revolution.
Recording sessions took place between 86-87 after Prince had disbanded The Revolution.
So it was a time when Wendy & Lisa were not on the best terms with him.
Maybe they used open tunings during these sessions which led to JM making the statement.
Alternatively, perhaps JM took her cues from the movie PR where PR (song) is presented as a tune penned by W&L.
Maybe they used open tunings during these sessions which led to JM making the statement.
Alternatively, perhaps JM took her cues from the movie PR where PR (song) is presented as a tune penned by W&L.
Prince’s “7” from Love Symbol shares sonic similarities to Joni’s Shadow & Light from Prince’s favourite Joni album The Hissing of Summer Lawns.
Some say the "Amen" at the end of "The Sacrifice of Victor" sounds similar to the Amen at the end of Joni's "Rainy Night House." 🤷🏽♂️
Prince also covered JM’s "Blue Motel Room" on a few occasions during The Nude Tour & also in 2010 when it was sung by Elise Fiorillo.
Prince also covered JM’s "Blue Motel Room" on a few occasions during The Nude Tour & also in 2010 when it was sung by Elise Fiorillo.
Her Mingus album contains segues titled rap which might have given Prince the idea to use segues on Symbol, TGE, NPG albums & on Art Official Age.
Duane Tudahl also mentions JM’s influence in the song “Circle of Amour”.
I can hear it on that & on many others in his catalogue.
Duane Tudahl also mentions JM’s influence in the song “Circle of Amour”.
I can hear it on that & on many others in his catalogue.
Back to the “Twisted” song, not only does Lust U Always paraphrase it but Prince actually recorded a cover of it in 98’ for the unfinished album Beautiful Strange.
“Twisted” was also included in a lyric book carried by Prince on the One Nite Alone Tour.
It remains unreleased.
“Twisted” was also included in a lyric book carried by Prince on the One Nite Alone Tour.
It remains unreleased.
“Twisted” was also slated for inclusion as part of the set for the ONA Tour in 2002.
It was rehearsed but only played a few times during soundchecks for NPGCM
It was rehearsed but only played a few times during soundchecks for NPGCM
The "Oh, say can you see..." background vox at 4:09 on "United States of Division" sounds like the same phrasing at 2:56 on JM’s song "Don Juan's Reckless Daughter."
(Steve Hoffman Forum)
USD was released on Independence Day in the USA, as a digital b-side to Cinnamon Girl.
(Steve Hoffman Forum)
USD was released on Independence Day in the USA, as a digital b-side to Cinnamon Girl.
WHAT JONI SAID ABOUT PRINCE
“I saw him in the audience...He was in Minneapolis. I believe it was him. Front row to the left. Quite conspicuous because he's got those eyes like a puffin, those Egyptian eyes, those big, exotic eyes. “
(Morrisey interview 96’)
“I saw him in the audience...He was in Minneapolis. I believe it was him. Front row to the left. Quite conspicuous because he's got those eyes like a puffin, those Egyptian eyes, those big, exotic eyes. “
(Morrisey interview 96’)
"Prince used to write me fan mail with all of the U's and hearts that way that he writes. And the office took it as mail from the lunatic fringe and just tossed it.”
(New York Magazine 2005)
RS interview 91”:
Who would you consider innovators?
Prince?
(New York Magazine 2005)
RS interview 91”:
Who would you consider innovators?
Prince?
“No. An innovator must change what went before. Charlie Parker was an innovator. Jimi Hendrix was an innovator. Miles Davis was a sound innovator. I don’t think Prince is an innovator. He’s a great hybrid.”
Was it gratifying to have Prince publicly acknowledge his love of your experimental work?
“Yeah. To me that was a case of the open mind of youth.”
“Yeah. To me that was a case of the open mind of youth.”
“The most amazing performer I have ever witnessed. He gave the best parties in Hollywood, probably in the world and I know I'm missing a great one tonight. I wish I was there. I just think its splendid that they're honoring u in England. Congratulations”
“He wrote me a song called Emotional Pump
“U are my emotional pump, you make my body jump”
strange little duck”
“U are my emotional pump, you make my body jump”
strange little duck”
Dutch interview (12:18-13:40) a must watch.
Just to see the surprise on her face when she sees the Lovesexy cover for the first time.
You can feel the joy in her heart & the pure love in her expression, it’s an incredibly touching & endearing moment.
Just to see the surprise on her face when she sees the Lovesexy cover for the first time.
You can feel the joy in her heart & the pure love in her expression, it’s an incredibly touching & endearing moment.
MY FAVOURITE JONI SONGS
The above demonstrates the huge influence JM had on Prince thru his career.
So now, let’s delve a little deeper into the music of JM.
So now the focus is on Joni & her breathtaking discography & I hope this will serve as a great intro to her music.
The above demonstrates the huge influence JM had on Prince thru his career.
So now, let’s delve a little deeper into the music of JM.
So now the focus is on Joni & her breathtaking discography & I hope this will serve as a great intro to her music.
I will cover 20+ of my favourite tracks thru her career in decade order.
But before that a little information on her catalogue.
Joni has been nominated 16 times & won 10 Grammy awards.
Since her debut in 68’ she has released 19 studio albums, 2 live albums & 6 compilations.
But before that a little information on her catalogue.
Joni has been nominated 16 times & won 10 Grammy awards.
Since her debut in 68’ she has released 19 studio albums, 2 live albums & 6 compilations.
On her albums alone the following have appeared either as her musicians or guests: Dave Crosby, Wendy & Lisa, C Mingus, Jaco Pastorius, M Badrena, A Acuña, Wayne Shorter (almost all of Weather Report), H Hancock Billie Preston, Chaka K, Pat Metheny, Lionel Ritchie, Peter Gabriel
Billy Idol, Benjamin Orr (Cars), Don Henley (Eagles), Thomas Dolby, Willie Nelson Steve Lukather(Toto), Robbie Robertson (The Band), Graham Nash & Neil Young (CSNY) amongst some others
Ironically during an interview with the now disgraced Morrisey from The Smiths, she said that one of her favorite compliments was from a black blind piano player who said:
"Joni, you know, you make genderless, raceless music."
She explained that she didn’t set out to do this.
"Joni, you know, you make genderless, raceless music."
She explained that she didn’t set out to do this.
But that she wanted to make music that crossed racial & social lines as she despised these boundaries that society tried to impose upon her when she was a child.
She continued:
..”...they tried to teach me as a child. "Don't go there." "Why not?" "Well, because they're not like us."..I ignored them and proceeded without thinking that I was male or female or anything, just that I knew these people that wrote songs and I was one of them”
..”...they tried to teach me as a child. "Don't go there." "Why not?" "Well, because they're not like us."..I ignored them and proceeded without thinking that I was male or female or anything, just that I knew these people that wrote songs and I was one of them”
For me, her career can be defined in 3 eras:
Introspective Folk/Rock/Pop - 68-74
Experimental phase, Free Jazz, Jazz Fusion & World 74-79
80’s & beyond - 80-07
Introspective Folk/Rock/Pop - 68-74
Experimental phase, Free Jazz, Jazz Fusion & World 74-79
80’s & beyond - 80-07
*Introspective Folk/Rock*
This covers the following albums:
Song to a Seagull - 68’
Clouds - 69’
Ladies of the Canyon - 70’
Blue - 71’
For the Roses - 72’
Court & Spark - 74’ (this is in the next category too as it’s a hybrid).
Miles To Aisles 74’ (Live album)
This covers the following albums:
Song to a Seagull - 68’
Clouds - 69’
Ladies of the Canyon - 70’
Blue - 71’
For the Roses - 72’
Court & Spark - 74’ (this is in the next category too as it’s a hybrid).
Miles To Aisles 74’ (Live album)
Joni was lent a helping hand from David Crosby of CSNY who produced her first album & introduced her to the world.
She made quite an entrance too with what she calls her “Joni’s weird chords”:
Her use of open & alternate tunings on her guitar (estimated to number at least 50).
She made quite an entrance too with what she calls her “Joni’s weird chords”:
Her use of open & alternate tunings on her guitar (estimated to number at least 50).
She is a truly underrated guitarist but in 2003 Rolling Stone named her the 72nd greatest guitarist of all time & she was the highest-ranked woman.
She is also regraded as being:
“highly innovative harmonically..
incorporating modality, chromaticism, & pedal points”
She is also regraded as being:
“highly innovative harmonically..
incorporating modality, chromaticism, & pedal points”
It was not until her 3rd album “Ladies of the Canyon” that she made a real impression with classics like Big Yellow Taxi, Circle Game & Woodstock
LOTC transitioned between her folky earlier work and the more sophisticated, poignant albums that were to follow such as “Blue”.
LOTC transitioned between her folky earlier work and the more sophisticated, poignant albums that were to follow such as “Blue”.
“Blue” is regarded as one of her greatest works & considered by many as her most “confessional” & deeply introspective album.
It is widely recognised as her most famous & influential work (albeit it’s not my personal favourite).
It is widely recognised as her most famous & influential work (albeit it’s not my personal favourite).
Although “Blue” is her most famous album, her 1st time Grammy winner “Court & Spark” is her most successful.
It’s a hybrid - a pop crossover with Jazz inflections.
It’s the album where the infamous ”Help Me” originates from which Prince used so effectively on Dorothy Parker.
It’s a hybrid - a pop crossover with Jazz inflections.
It’s the album where the infamous ”Help Me” originates from which Prince used so effectively on Dorothy Parker.
Sandwiched in between these albums is “For the Roses” which years later in 2007 was 1 of 25 recordings chosen that year by the Library of Congress to be added to the National Recording Registry.
The only JM album to accomplish this feat.
An incredible era & now to the songs.
The only JM album to accomplish this feat.
An incredible era & now to the songs.
“Both Sides Now”
Taken from her sophomore album “Clouds” & containing the lyrics that inspired the title for The Times 3rd album and first song on it.
“Rows and flows of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the air”
Taken from her sophomore album “Clouds” & containing the lyrics that inspired the title for The Times 3rd album and first song on it.
“Rows and flows of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the air”
A Case of You
From “Blue”, her most revered & famous album & Prince’s most beloved Joni song.
A tune that became a standard of confessional songwriting & an enduring anthem for all the singer songwriters.
From “Blue”, her most revered & famous album & Prince’s most beloved Joni song.
A tune that became a standard of confessional songwriting & an enduring anthem for all the singer songwriters.
As Prince said:
“the melody is so heartbreaking... has such a haunting feel that it would make the hardest thug shed tears"
“the melody is so heartbreaking... has such a haunting feel that it would make the hardest thug shed tears"
Next we have 2 tracks from “Ladies of the Canyon”.
“Rainy Night House”
A beautiful tear jerker piano ballad that sees one giving up wealth for adventure.
“Rainy Night House”
A beautiful tear jerker piano ballad that sees one giving up wealth for adventure.
Big Yellow Taxi
Catchy, upbeat environmental song years before anyone seemingly cared about the environment.
Conceptually, years ahead of its time & it still sounds timeless
Janet Jackson sampled it on “Got ‘til it’s Gone which was a huge hit in 97’.
Catchy, upbeat environmental song years before anyone seemingly cared about the environment.
Conceptually, years ahead of its time & it still sounds timeless
Janet Jackson sampled it on “Got ‘til it’s Gone which was a huge hit in 97’.
“You Turn Me On, I’m A Radio”
From her 5th album “For The Roses”, this one has a bit of a country folk tinge & sounds Dylanesque.
Sarcastically written when her record company asked for a radio friendly hit & that’s exactly what it became in 72’
From her 5th album “For The Roses”, this one has a bit of a country folk tinge & sounds Dylanesque.
Sarcastically written when her record company asked for a radio friendly hit & that’s exactly what it became in 72’
“Help Me”
From “Court & Spark”, the hybrid album that fused pop/folk/rock with jazz inflections
Help Me is the song that Prince made infamous in The Ballad of Dorothy Parker.
From “Court & Spark”, the hybrid album that fused pop/folk/rock with jazz inflections
Help Me is the song that Prince made infamous in The Ballad of Dorothy Parker.
Prince paid a lot of attention to “Court & Spark”, borne out by the fact that in addition to Help Me, he also took cues from 2 other tracks from it:
Car on the Hill = Blue Limousine
Twisted = Lust U Always & a recorded but unreleased cover version of “Twisted”
👇ATWIAD 🤷🏽♂️
Car on the Hill = Blue Limousine
Twisted = Lust U Always & a recorded but unreleased cover version of “Twisted”
👇ATWIAD 🤷🏽♂️
“Cactus Tree”
A cut from her debut album performed on her first live album “Miles to Aisles” released in 74’ with her then band L.A. Express.
A convenient point to drop a live album as Joni moved on to her next era after this.
A cut from her debut album performed on her first live album “Miles to Aisles” released in 74’ with her then band L.A. Express.
A convenient point to drop a live album as Joni moved on to her next era after this.
*Experimental phase, Jazz, Jazz Fusion & World*
This covers the following albums:
Court & Spark - 74’ (a hybrid hence why it is in this category too)
The Hissing of Summer Lawns - 75’
Hejira - 76’
Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter - 77’
Mingus - 79’
This covers the following albums:
Court & Spark - 74’ (a hybrid hence why it is in this category too)
The Hissing of Summer Lawns - 75’
Hejira - 76’
Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter - 77’
Mingus - 79’
The mid 70’s era is my fave where JM went through a very creative & innovative period pushing the boundaries of music & really defying categorisation.
It’s an era spanning 5 years from 74’ to 79’ which sees her delving into experimental & free form jazz.
It’s an era spanning 5 years from 74’ to 79’ which sees her delving into experimental & free form jazz.
“My jazz background began with one of the early Lambert, Hendricks and Ross albums."
That album, “The Hottest New Group in Jazz”, was hard to find in Canada...so I saved up and bought it at a bootleg price. I considered that album to be my Beatles......"
That album, “The Hottest New Group in Jazz”, was hard to find in Canada...so I saved up and bought it at a bootleg price. I considered that album to be my Beatles......"
“I learned every song off of it, and I don't think there is another album anywhere—including my own—on which I know every note and word of every song.”
“her vocal range began to shift from mezzo-soprano to more of a wide-ranging contralto. Her piano & open-tuned guitar compositions also grew more harmonically & rhythmically complex as she explored jazz, melding it with influences of rock, R&B, classical & non-western beats. “
During this 5 year period she began working with noted jazz musicians, among them J Pastorius, W Shorter, H Hancock, P Metheny, as well as C Mingus.
Mingus collaborated with her on what would become his final recording. Sadly, for me, it was a bit of a disappointment.
Mingus collaborated with her on what would become his final recording. Sadly, for me, it was a bit of a disappointment.
“Twisted”
From Court & Spark & the song Prince paraphrased in Lust U Always & he also recorded an unreleased cover too version too.
However, “Twisted” is not a JM original, it’s a cover of an Annie Ross/Wardell Gray song which Annie Ross first released in 1952.
From Court & Spark & the song Prince paraphrased in Lust U Always & he also recorded an unreleased cover too version too.
However, “Twisted” is not a JM original, it’s a cover of an Annie Ross/Wardell Gray song which Annie Ross first released in 1952.
Joni picked it up from another later version tho’ on the Jazz album that inspired her most. Lambert, Hendricks & Ross’ 1960 self-titled album, “The Hottest New Group In Jazz.”
The Hissing of Summer Lawns”
The title track from Prince’s favourite Joni album.
An album that initially didn’t receive the critical praise it deserved but whose stature has grown as the years have passed & it is now considered a masterpiece.
The title track from Prince’s favourite Joni album.
An album that initially didn’t receive the critical praise it deserved but whose stature has grown as the years have passed & it is now considered a masterpiece.
“The Jungle Line”
From the Grammy nominated album mastered by Bernie Grundman.
The second song I have chosen is one of my all time favourite Joni tracks.
It is very experimental containing perhaps one of the earliest efforts at sampling a field recording.
From the Grammy nominated album mastered by Bernie Grundman.
The second song I have chosen is one of my all time favourite Joni tracks.
It is very experimental containing perhaps one of the earliest efforts at sampling a field recording.
The sample is from "Musique du Burundi" released in France in 68’ consisting of tracks from the drummers of Burundi (Bukirasazi).
No doubt she picked it up during her travels in Europe.
Here is that field recording.
No doubt she picked it up during her travels in Europe.
Here is that field recording.
This was extremely innovative at the time & it happened years before the 80’s when acts like Adam & the Ants (Kings of the Wild Frontier) & Bow Wow Wow (C30 C60 C90 go) appropriated the same or a similar sample.
Years also before Paul Simon would make an impact with Graceland.
Years also before Paul Simon would make an impact with Graceland.
On top of the sample she melds dubbed guitar, Moog synthesizer and a vocal line to glorious effect.
So unexpected & innovative for the time & today it stil sounds so impactful.
So unexpected & innovative for the time & today it stil sounds so impactful.
“Coyote”
Opening track from “Hejira” another of my favourite albums.
Prince took the title “Dancing Close & Slow” from the lyrics:
“He drags me out on the dance floor
And we're dancing close and slow”
Opening track from “Hejira” another of my favourite albums.
Prince took the title “Dancing Close & Slow” from the lyrics:
“He drags me out on the dance floor
And we're dancing close and slow”
“Hejira”
The album continues towards the free jazz experimentalism & this beautiful track features the remarkable fretless bass playing of the magnificent Jaco Pastorius who featured prominently during this period.
The album continues towards the free jazz experimentalism & this beautiful track features the remarkable fretless bass playing of the magnificent Jaco Pastorius who featured prominently during this period.
Joni said the following about Hejira
“I suppose a lot of people could have written a lot of my other songs, but I feel the songs on Hejira could only have come from me.”
The album title always got me & she said she was looking for a word that meant "running away with honor."
“I suppose a lot of people could have written a lot of my other songs, but I feel the songs on Hejira could only have come from me.”
The album title always got me & she said she was looking for a word that meant "running away with honor."
Hejira is:
“an unusual transliteration of the Arabic word more commonly rendered as Hegira or Hijra, which means "rupture", usually referring to the migration of the Islamic prophet Muhammad (and his companions) from Mecca to Medina in 622. “
“an unusual transliteration of the Arabic word more commonly rendered as Hegira or Hijra, which means "rupture", usually referring to the migration of the Islamic prophet Muhammad (and his companions) from Mecca to Medina in 622. “
“Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter”
This is my personal favourite Joni album released in 77’ & her first studio double album.
This record is probably her most experimental expanding even further on the jazz fusion sound from Hejira.
This is my personal favourite Joni album released in 77’ & her first studio double album.
This record is probably her most experimental expanding even further on the jazz fusion sound from Hejira.
It also expands upon the Transnational sounds from Africa & South America which is an extension of what she was doing on “The Jungle Line” from “Hissing” but instead of sampling she is incorporating real musicians. Years ahead of Paul Simon’s Graceland
This record features almost all of the Weather Report as her backing band.
It also features guest appearances from Chaka Khan, Glen Fry (Eagles) & Brazilian Jazz drummer & percussionsist Airto Moreira who I once saw live with his wife Flora Purim at Ronnie’s in the mid 90’s.
It also features guest appearances from Chaka Khan, Glen Fry (Eagles) & Brazilian Jazz drummer & percussionsist Airto Moreira who I once saw live with his wife Flora Purim at Ronnie’s in the mid 90’s.
The legendary Mingus heard the epic “Paprika Plains” from this album which prompted their work together on her next album.
Naturally as it’s my favourite album I’ve chosen quite a few cuts.
“Jericho”
Naturally as it’s my favourite album I’ve chosen quite a few cuts.
“Jericho”
“Talk to Me”
Jaco’s fretless bass & artificial harmonics always stir up something inside of me & the above 2 tracks prominently feature him demonstrating how beautifully his playing lent itself to Joni’s music.
Sublime.
Jaco’s fretless bass & artificial harmonics always stir up something inside of me & the above 2 tracks prominently feature him demonstrating how beautifully his playing lent itself to Joni’s music.
Sublime.
“Tenth World”
Latin percussion instrumental with deep Amazonian jungle sounds that.
Jaco is on bongos!
You can also hear Chaka Khan’s soulful vocals in the background fading in & out like a beautiful dream which takes us on to the next track
Latin percussion instrumental with deep Amazonian jungle sounds that.
Jaco is on bongos!
You can also hear Chaka Khan’s soulful vocals in the background fading in & out like a beautiful dream which takes us on to the next track
This features more percussion and vocals from Joni & Chaka.
I would say this is much more in the Paul Simon “Graceland” vein but done so many years earlier at a time when Paul Simon was still listening to the Sounds of Silence.
I would say this is much more in the Paul Simon “Graceland” vein but done so many years earlier at a time when Paul Simon was still listening to the Sounds of Silence.
Blackface
The album cover finds Joni in 3 different guides including one where she appears as her alter ego “Art Noveau”, a black hipster dude.
“Blackface” is a reviled & unacceptable practice and the article below finds her actions indefensible
untoldsound.com/the-unsound-va…
The album cover finds Joni in 3 different guides including one where she appears as her alter ego “Art Noveau”, a black hipster dude.
“Blackface” is a reviled & unacceptable practice and the article below finds her actions indefensible
untoldsound.com/the-unsound-va…
I would implore you to read the previous article above & the one below.
The one below tries to put things into context as far as it concerns Joni’s use in the mid 70’s.
I’ll leave it to you to choose which side of the fence.
colorado.edu/gendersarchive…
The one below tries to put things into context as far as it concerns Joni’s use in the mid 70’s.
I’ll leave it to you to choose which side of the fence.
colorado.edu/gendersarchive…
Shadows & Light (Live)
A more startling rendition than the studio version turned into a gospel spectacular.
A convenient point to drop her 2nd live album recorded during the Mingus Tour at Santa Barbara Bowl 79’ as she moved on to the 80’s era.
A more startling rendition than the studio version turned into a gospel spectacular.
A convenient point to drop her 2nd live album recorded during the Mingus Tour at Santa Barbara Bowl 79’ as she moved on to the 80’s era.
*80’s & Beyond*
The 80’s was more Pop oriented with occasional incidents of backtracking to her folk & confessional eras.
Most of the 80’s saw Joni branching out to use more synthetic sounds, synthesisers, sequencers & drum machines etc
The 80’s was more Pop oriented with occasional incidents of backtracking to her folk & confessional eras.
Most of the 80’s saw Joni branching out to use more synthetic sounds, synthesisers, sequencers & drum machines etc
For her “Chalk Mark in a Rainstorm” release in 88’ she assembled an all star cast which included Wendy & Lisa, Peter Gabriel, Billy Idol, Benjamin Orr (Cars), Don Henley,Thomas Dolby & Willie Nelson.
In other works artists like Lionel Ritchie & Steve Lukather made appearances.
In other works artists like Lionel Ritchie & Steve Lukather made appearances.
“Chinese Cafe/Unchained Melody”
From her first album of the 80’s “Wild Things Run Fast”, this has a habit of sneaking up on you with the interpolation of Unchained Melody.
U keep hanging on for that interpolation every single time with repeated plays.
From her first album of the 80’s “Wild Things Run Fast”, this has a habit of sneaking up on you with the interpolation of Unchained Melody.
U keep hanging on for that interpolation every single time with repeated plays.
Neil Young’s 90’s output owes a huge debt to this.
This moody, blissful song ranks in the upper echelons of my favourite JM tracks.
This moody, blissful song ranks in the upper echelons of my favourite JM tracks.
“A Bird that Whistles”
The first of 2 songs from her last album in the 80’s “Chalk Marks in A Rain Storm” which included that all star ensemble that I mentioned above.
The first of these finds Joni tackling a 1928 traditional song based on 12 bar country-blues.
The first of 2 songs from her last album in the 80’s “Chalk Marks in A Rain Storm” which included that all star ensemble that I mentioned above.
The first of these finds Joni tackling a 1928 traditional song based on 12 bar country-blues.
It’s been covered by a variety of artists across all genres from blues, jazz, country etc
Joni’s rendition is simply Joni, what more can I say.
Joni’s rendition is simply Joni, what more can I say.
“Tea Leaf Prophecy”
The track featuring Wendy & Lisa which explores Joni’s parents meeting during World War II.
The fact that it features the Purple sisters merits its inclusion here.
The track featuring Wendy & Lisa which explores Joni’s parents meeting during World War II.
The fact that it features the Purple sisters merits its inclusion here.
90’s
The 90’s saw her backtracking to her Folk/Pop roots with a number of new releases including a few compilations.
Her Grammy winning album “Turbulent Indigo” was seen as a big comeback as it was said to combine her early confessional period with the Hejira period.
The 90’s saw her backtracking to her Folk/Pop roots with a number of new releases including a few compilations.
Her Grammy winning album “Turbulent Indigo” was seen as a big comeback as it was said to combine her early confessional period with the Hejira period.
It was considered by critics as her best work since mid 70’s.
Q Magazine:
"A welcome return to the atmospherics and acoustic terrain she's best known for. The majority of the tracks here recall the wafting soundscapes of 1976's Hejira...
Q Magazine:
"A welcome return to the atmospherics and acoustic terrain she's best known for. The majority of the tracks here recall the wafting soundscapes of 1976's Hejira...
...with gentle, controlled feedback, Pastorius-styled bass, Wayne Shorter's tumbling sax patterns and walls of acoustic guitars providing a dramatic backdrop for Mitchell's bold lyrical imagery."
“Passion Play”
Taken from “Night Ride Home” her first 90’s album, it’s catchy with a wonderful chord progression & very spiritual.
Pure poetry:
“Enter the multitudes
In Exxon blue
In radiation rose
Ecstasy”
Taken from “Night Ride Home” her first 90’s album, it’s catchy with a wonderful chord progression & very spiritual.
Pure poetry:
“Enter the multitudes
In Exxon blue
In radiation rose
Ecstasy”
“Sunny Sunday”
From that Grammy award winning “Turbulent Indigo”, this could easily have come from the Hejira era.
A song seemingly about a troubled suicidal woman but you would never have guessed it given its optimistic & uplifting sound.
From that Grammy award winning “Turbulent Indigo”, this could easily have come from the Hejira era.
A song seemingly about a troubled suicidal woman but you would never have guessed it given its optimistic & uplifting sound.
“How do you Stop”
A confessional song about her state of mind with Joni contemplating lost love, fame & success.
Seal makes a guest appearance on this song.
A confessional song about her state of mind with Joni contemplating lost love, fame & success.
Seal makes a guest appearance on this song.
2000’s
The 2000’s saw less activity from her.
She did release a few orchestral albums. One consisting of jazz standards & the other consisting of orchestral renditions of her own songs.
A few further compilations were also released.
In 2002, Joni retired from the industry.
The 2000’s saw less activity from her.
She did release a few orchestral albums. One consisting of jazz standards & the other consisting of orchestral renditions of her own songs.
A few further compilations were also released.
In 2002, Joni retired from the industry.
The Iraq War & something her grandson said 'Bad dreams are good - in the great plan.' brought her out of retirement.
Her final album containing new material was released in 2007 & called “Shine”.
She, herself, described it as "as serious a work as I've ever done."
Her final album containing new material was released in 2007 & called “Shine”.
She, herself, described it as "as serious a work as I've ever done."
I have to admit her last album isn’t one of my favourites & sadly her Shine was definitely fading but I have chosen the opening track which is a Grammy award winning instrumental.
“A Case of You” (Orchestral version)
The final song I have chosen is the orchestral version of this classic & most beloved of Prince songs because it felt apt to do so.
It is a gorgeous rendition, I guess it’s Joni’s “Purple Rain”.
The final song I have chosen is the orchestral version of this classic & most beloved of Prince songs because it felt apt to do so.
It is a gorgeous rendition, I guess it’s Joni’s “Purple Rain”.
Before we finish I want to go back to the week before Prince passed.
One of the last cd’s he purchased was Joni’s seminal album “Hejira”.
As you know by now “Hejira” means “migration”.
I pray that his migration a few days later from this world to the next was peaceful.
One of the last cd’s he purchased was Joni’s seminal album “Hejira”.
As you know by now “Hejira” means “migration”.
I pray that his migration a few days later from this world to the next was peaceful.
Here is the playlist on Amazon that you can copy compile on Spotify (I don’t have Spotify) that lists the tracks in the same order as set out in this thread.
Check out this playlist on Amazon Music: Joni Mitchell Appreciation Thread music.amazon.co.uk/user-playlists…
Check out this playlist on Amazon Music: Joni Mitchell Appreciation Thread music.amazon.co.uk/user-playlists…
So this brings me to the end of this #megathread on #jonimichell & #prince.
If you really do love music & wish to expand your musical taste beyond Prince then this Joni catalogue is a very rich place to start.
If you really do love music & wish to expand your musical taste beyond Prince then this Joni catalogue is a very rich place to start.
If you want to know what attracted Prince to Joni & how some of his works were constructed & formed then Joni’s catalogue provides many clues to this.
It’s an incredible & essential legacy of work that contributes so much to the World of Music.
It’s an incredible & essential legacy of work that contributes so much to the World of Music.
If you enjoyed this thread & would like more, you can check out my other Prince mega threads via the link below - no need to hit that bell or to subscribe 🤣
Just...check in from time to time...when you are feeling lonely
Just...check in from time to time...when you are feeling lonely
The title of this song is “Dreamland”
The title of this song is “One Week Last Summer”
*Correction* UK Musical Hall of Fame *2006*
Here’s a Spotify link to the playlist (not my link) kindly created by @ronaldw
open.spotify.com/playlist/4aWxA…
open.spotify.com/playlist/4aWxA…
