The word genius should not be thrown around lightly. But in the world of contemporary music, few artists qualify more than she does. Early Joni was folk, or folk tinged rock. Middle Joni was jazz rock, moving on into jazz itself. Later Joni was even show tunes and experimentation of various kinds. And she was equally good at all of it. She could write beautiful lyrics and tunes, play the piano or the guitar, and had an ethereal voice. I was privileged enough to see her at Dook at the peak of her early period just after the lp ‘Blue’ (still to this day a classic) came out and she was absolutely mesmerizing. You could hear a pin drop in Cameron Indoor Stadium when she played some of these songs. Here is a nice sampling of some of the early songs in a nice BBC recording. She needs no augmentations, additions, enhancements, editing. And for good measure I also give you one performance she did with my home boy James Taylor of Chapel Hill N.C. Enjoy— BW3
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posted September 9, 2009 at 9:17 pm
I loved watching Joni sing My Old Man. She sounded just like she does on the early records. I like that little smile she makes between verses, and that big honking green bracelet.
I love Joni’s early albums: For the Roses and Court and Spark are my favorites. I played them to death in high school.
I have a harder time connecting with her later stuff. Maybe the earlier stuff was more pop friendly, more accessible. I did like the early 90s release Night Ride Home at the time I had it on cassette.
I bought all the Beatles remasters today, except for Yellow Submarine (which I never really dug). They really sound terrific, especially with a good set of headphones. Revolver and Sgt Pepper in particular sound fantastic.
posted September 10, 2009 at 10:39 am
I love the music of Joni.
Unlike the Stones who have maintained a young man’s sound, Joni like Dylan has evolved musically and grown old graciously. They have provided a suberb unfolding soundtrack for my life.
Listening to Case of You is still like enjoying a glass of fine French wine (sorry this is a Methodist website!)
John