From: owner-joni-digest@smoe.org (JMDL Digest) To: joni-digest@smoe.org Subject: JMDL Digest V2009 #68 Reply-To: joni@smoe.org Sender: owner-joni-digest@smoe.org Errors-To: owner-joni-digest@smoe.org Precedence: bulk Unsubscribe: mailto:joni-digest-request@smoe.org?body=unsubscribe Website: http://jonimitchell.com JMDL Digest Monday, March 2 2009 Volume 2009 : Number 068 ========== TOPICS and authors in this Digest: -------- Joni Covers, Volume 110 - Marching Onward [Bob Muller ] Re: Joni Seldom Writes Happy Songs [PassScribe@aol.com] Re: Joni Very Seldom Writes Happy Songs [Laura Stanley ] Re: Joni Seldom Writes Happy Songs - njc [Gerald Notaro ] Re: The Same Situation ["Randy Remote" ] Re: Art teacher Henry Bonli and musings, njc [Laura Stanley ] Re: If you dare... ["hell" ] Re: If you dare... [Vince ] Re: Joni Seldom Writes Happy Songs [gerard mclaughlin ] Re: If you dare...NJC now [Bob Muller ] Re: Joni Seldom Writes Happy Songs [Kate Johnson ] Re: Joni Seldom Writes Happy Songs [Bob Muller ] Re: If you dare... ["gene" ] Re: michelle mercer book [Michael Paz ] Re: If you dare...NJC now [Michael Paz ] Re: michelle mercer book NJC [Bob Muller ] NjC Coffe and Candour with Cohen ["Michael O'Malley" ] Re: Art teacher Henry Bonli and musings, njc ["Mark Scott" ] Re: Good Joni Timeline [Dan Olson ] Re: If you dare... [Monika Bogdanowicz ] Re: Joni Very Seldom Writes Happy Songs [Monika Bogdanowicz ] Re: Art teacher Henry Bonli and musings [Laura Stanley Subject: Joni Covers, Volume 110 - Marching Onward March, according to cliche, comes in like a lion, so with that in mind here's a roaring good collection of Joni covers to help you through the beginning of the end of winter. As always, this month's gathering includes an eclectic mix of old, new, international, rare and obscure. A double-hat tip to my pal Mark-Leon for his technical wizardry and assistance, and also for just being a good guy. You can download the whole kit and kaboodle (whatever a kaboodle is) right here: http://tinyurl.com/dj3n9v And here's what you'll find: 1. Moss - Shadows And Light 1: Kicking things off with a bit of WOW factor, Moss is a vocal ensemble comprised of some of New York's most diverse and interesting (jazz) singers (Theo Bleckmann, Peter Eldridge, Kate McGarry, Lauren Kinhan and Luciana Souza), a couple of which have released outstanding Joni covers on their own. In this case, the whole is just as amazing as the sum of its parts, with creative Swingle-singer-like harmonies. They break the song into two parts, and I have used them to sandwich this collection. 2. Chris Lawley and Lalavox - Blue 3. Chris Lawley and Lalavox - People's Parties: An interesting story, this. Chris Lawley is a Canadian musician who originally posted these as instrumentals. Lalavox in Europe recorded vocals over the instrumentals and voila! these two recordings were done, despite the fact that they never met. They make a nice duo, and in the case of Peoples Parties, the original instrumental is also included so you can karaoke yourself! 4. Susan Govali & Terry Disley - Big Yellow Taxi: Just when you think you've heard BYT in every configuration known to man, along comes this barrelhouse boogie-woogie piano version - sweet! 5. Johan Clement - Both Sides Now: Our first of four BSN's on this volume, the Johan Clement Trio (piano/bass/drums) is a knockout, exploring the nuances of the melody and improvising without ever wandering way off. A nice 7-minute stretch, building slowly and picking up momentum as they go. 6. Inside Out Jazz - Free Man In Paris: More jazz, a sax-driven instrumental take on the Geffen-inspired classic. This track comes from their 2008 live album. 7. Brigitte Beraha - Twisted: London jazz singer Brigitte Beraha makes navigating these jazz intervals easy (as does Joni of course) and the track also features a nice stand-up bass solo. 8. Salley Lesley - Little Green: Salley hails from my Capitol city of Columbia, SC - she's a cancer survivor and recorded this album as a cancer fundraiser. Her cover of Little Green is pretty (as almost all of them are) and very true to Joni's original recording. 9. Joy - Both Sides Now: From the Pacific Rim and sounding like it was recorded on the beach with the breaking waves comes this Japanese duet of Joy on vocals and Kazuhika Obata on guitar. Very mellow and I enjoy Joy's accent and the feeling she brings to a lyric not written in native tongue. 10. Paul Tillotson The Love Trio - Big Swingin' Taxi: These guys originally recorded BYT on their 2005 studio album. They released a live album last year and featured a longer take on it with a nice piano swing, similar to the studio recording but a little looser and free-flowing. 11. Fred Holstein - Urge For Going: A very stark version of this song - Fred takes some liberties with lyric and melody and the song is all the more melancholy for it. This recording dates back to 1969 and was just recently released. The setting is the Earl of Old Town folk club in Chicago. 12. Djelem Project - Woodstock: Best I can tell, this group of musicians is from Quebec - this track is from their 2008 release and features some wonderful musical colorings. 13. Tamara Stewart - Both Sides Now: Australian country singer-songwriter adds a nice genuine & sexy feel to her version of the franchise. Solid harmonies, a good groove, and solid production make this recording one to enjoy. She was born in Mooroopna, Victoria, and there's no significance to that, I just figured I would never have a chance to use the word "Mooroopna" in a covers write-up again if I don't do it now. 14. Klaus Niegratschka - Big Yellow Taxi: From Germany comes this pleasant finger-picking guitar take on Joni's second-most recorded song. 15. Elly Paspala - Black Crow: An unreleased live recording from 1995, this cover of one of Joni's most intense rockers is handled expertly by this group from Greece. Great use of vibes and percussion + a saxophone solo that also wails. This band is really tight, I guess you could say they have found the right Grecian formula on this one. 16. Chaka Khan - Hejira: This was shared and discussed previously, and is included as part of #110. Chaka of course needs no introduction and this specific recording is somewhat infamous as it was recorded for Reprise's "A Case Of Joni" Tribute album and shelved. This leaked out to the internet and now we've got it. While Chaka's vocal is its typical strength, this semi-disco arrangement doesn't sit right with me - I guess it's just a case of me being overly critical of my favorite song ever composed by anybody ever. 17. Sally Barker - Blue: Sally's name may be known to some as the lead singer for The Poozies (in the UK) and is also spearheading "The Joni Mitchell Project" with lots of dates all over the UK. If this lovely straightforward version of Joni's beautiful ballad is any indication, it's a show you won't want to miss. 18. Room 217 - Both Sides Now: Room 217 is a Canadian outfit that creates music for therapy...from what I understand the CD was assembled to assist with memory and as such features lots of boomer melodies. It's very soothing and consists of piano by Bev Foster and guitar by Rob Piltch's guitar. 19. Hannah English - Big Yellow Taxi: Hannah's a UK teenager who likes to sing folk music. Her voice is OK, but her style is a bit stiff; hopefully as she gets more experience she will loosen up some. 20. Moss - Shadows And Light 2: More exquisite harmonies and some difficult dissonant ones from the same talented bunch in track one. Amazing stuff, bringing us full circle from where we began and closing things out in fine fashion. And be on the lookout for Theo Bleckmann's latest album by "The Refuge Trio" (named for Refuge Of The Roads) who turn in a cover that same song. Theo is adventurous and adores Joni so I for one can't wait to hear it. Well, we end where we began - and what a wonderful journey it was...more fun than a Disney ride and a whole lot cheaper. Hope you enjoy these, and as always I'd love to hear what YOU think. Bob NP: Stevie Wonder, "Smile Please" ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 1 Mar 2009 09:28:44 -0500 From: Gerald Notaro Subject: What ever happened to Phoebe Snow? njc Watch CBS Sunday Morning and find out! - -- Jerry ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 1 Mar 2009 06:28:20 -0800 (PST) From: Laura Stanley Subject: Re: Joni Very Seldom Writes Happy Songs Bob wrote: She says "I sing my sorrows and I paint my joy". Even having said that, I think that within many of her 'sad' songs there are glimmers of hope and optimism. Hi Bob, In an early interview video, she said her songs are "happy songs." On first listen sadness might be all that is heard, but as you say, "there are glimmers of hope and optimism" which can be found in her "sad" songs. I can't think of one of her songs that doesn't have this. Shadows and light, contrast in her songs... She can meet me in the darkness and bring me up and out of it through her hope and optimism. I find she gives meaning to the darkness when I'm there. If all I got was sadness from her songs, I wouldn't listen. Love, Laura ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 1 Mar 2009 06:56:14 -0800 (PST) From: Catherine McKay Subject: Re: Joni Very Seldom Writes Happy Songs How many memorable happy songs are there? I think songwriting is a form of therapy and people don't talk to their shrink about being happy. Emotions are always mixed. Version one: I'm deliriously happy because I'm in love, (but I'm afraid you're going to let me down.) Version two: I'm sad because you let me down, but I'll survive this, ya bastard! Oversimplification, yeah, but I think that good songs cover a range of emotion. - --- On Sun, 3/1/09, Laura Stanley wrote: Bob wrote: She says "I sing my sorrows and I paint my joy". Even having said that, I think that within many of her 'sad' songs there are glimmers of hope and optimism. Hi Bob, In an early interview video, she said her songs are "happy songs." On first listen sadness might be all that is heard, but as you say, "there are glimmers of hope and optimism" which can be found in her "sad" songs. I can't think of one of her songs that doesn't have this. __________________________________________________________________ Connect with friends from any web browser - no download required. Try the new Yahoo! Canada Messenger for the Web BETA at http://ca.messenger.yahoo.com/webmessengerpromo.php ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 1 Mar 2009 07:48:30 -0800 (PST) From: Bob Muller Subject: Re: Plug for 2009 JoniFest in California - NJC Yep, I have made that adjustment in my planner. Will be a musical weekend as Nate & I head up to Asheville the following night to see Ani D at the Orange Peel. Bob, waiting for the snow to start NP: Fleet Foxes, "White Winter Hymnal" ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 1 Mar 2009 08:06:52 -0800 From: Dave Blackburn Subject: The Same Situation Pianists, I have a full piano transcription of "The Same Situation" in the proof reading stage. It should be posted ion the website within a couple of weeks. Gradually filling the void of accurate Joni piano transcriptions.... cheers Dave ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 1 Mar 2009 11:44:59 EST From: PassScribe@aol.com Subject: Re: Joni Seldom Writes Happy Songs > Subject: Joni Very Seldom Writes Happy Songs > > I find it ironic that this is the main topic on this morning's list; yesterday, Ro & I went into Manhattan to see an off-off-Broadway production of Thornton Wilder's "Our Town." For those who don't know, it's about life in a small New England town at the turn of the (last) century... very poignant. Two women were standing in front of us in the lobby and one said to the other, "I very seldom go to see 'happy-go-lucky' plays; I'd much rather see something serious, like 'Our Town'." Her friend replied, "So, you're not looking for escapism?" "No, she responded, "I like being drawn into a realistic story and FEELING something intense." Probably similar to the feelings Joni felt when writing most of her songs. Kenny B ************** A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1218822736x1201267884/aol?redir=http:%2F%2Fwww.freecreditreport.com%2Fpm%2Fdefault.aspx%3Fsc%3D668072%26hmpgID %3D62%26bcd%3DfebemailfooterNO62) ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 1 Mar 2009 08:53:09 -0800 (PST) From: Laura Stanley Subject: Re: Joni Very Seldom Writes Happy Songs At least two. You are my sunshine and happy birthday. - --- On Sun, 3/1/09, Catherine McKay wrote: > From: Catherine McKay > Subject: Re: Joni Very Seldom Writes Happy Songs > To: joni@smoe.org, "Laura Stanley" > Date: Sunday, March 1, 2009, 2:56 PM > How many memorable happy songs are there? I think > songwriting is a form of therapy and people don't talk > to their shrink about being happy. Emotions are always > mixed. > > Version one: I'm deliriously happy because I'm in > love, (but I'm afraid you're going to let me down.) > Version two: I'm sad because you let me down, but > I'll survive this, ya bastard! > > Oversimplification, yeah, but I think that good songs cover > a range of emotion. > > --- On Sun, 3/1/09, Laura Stanley > wrote: > > > Bob wrote: > > She says "I sing my sorrows and I paint my joy". > Even having said > that, I think that within many of her 'sad' songs > there are glimmers of > hope and optimism. > > > Hi Bob, > > In an early interview video, she said her songs are > "happy songs." > On first listen sadness might be all that is heard, but as > you say, "there > are glimmers of hope and optimism" which can be found > in her > "sad" songs. I can't think of one of her > songs that doesn't > have this. > > > > > > > __________________________________________________________________ > Connect with friends from any web browser - no download > required. Try the new Yahoo! Canada Messenger for the Web > BETA at http://ca.messenger.yahoo.com/webmessengerpromo.php ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 1 Mar 2009 08:50:11 -0800 (PST) From: Bob Muller Subject: If you dare... 7.5 bonus cover points for making it all the way to the end - I couldn't. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYC7YQbxq3w If you DO make it, please tell me how many times he changes keys. I lost count. Bob NP: Ladysmith Black Mambazo, "Love Your Neighbor" ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 1 Mar 2009 12:02:09 -0500 From: Gerald Notaro Subject: Re: Joni Seldom Writes Happy Songs - njc Lucky you. Supposed to be a great production. When Our Town first opened it was almost across the board criticized and panned for being anti-God and anti-society. I too went to a small venue last night to see The Subject Was Roses. It was great. The producer and director lamented that good, serious drama just doesn't draw an audience anymore. Sad. Jerry On Sun, Mar 1, 2009 at 11:44 AM, wrote: > > Subject: Joni Very Seldom Writes Happy Songs > > > > > I find it ironic that this is the main topic on this morning's list; > yesterday, Ro & I went into Manhattan to see an off-off-Broadway production > of > Thornton Wilder's "Our Town." For those who don't know, it's about life in > a > small New England town at the turn of the (last) century... very poignant. > Two women were standing in front of us in the lobby and one said to the > other, "I very seldom go to see 'happy-go-lucky' plays; I'd much rather see > something serious, like 'Our Town'." > Her friend replied, "So, you're not looking for escapism?" > "No, she responded, "I like being drawn into a realistic story and > FEELING something intense." > > Probably similar to the feelings Joni felt when writing most of her > songs. > > Kenny B > > > > ************** > A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy > steps! > ( > http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1218822736x1201267884/aol?redir=http:%2F%2Fwww.freecreditreport.com%2Fpm%2Fdefault.aspx%3Fsc%3D668072%26hmpgID > %3D62%26bcd%3DfebemailfooterNO62 > ) > - -- Jerry ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 01 Mar 2009 09:06:20 -0800 From: "Mark Scott" Subject: Re: Art teacher Henry Bonli and musings, njc I also think that Joni's first marriage to Chuck Mitchell and the whole issue with the baby in foster care made her shy away from getting married again. Whatever the truth about that situation is, we do know that the two worked together as a duo and that it became obvious that Joni had the potential to be the more successful of the two. I'm sure it was hard for Chuck to realize that. Although the way Joni describes her leaving Chuck seems abrupt, I think 'I Had a King' projects some of the pain that marriage and break-up cost her. That song is the opener for 'Song to a Seagull' and it ends with 'Cactus Tree' where 'she fears that one will ask her for eternity and she's so busy being free.' Coincidence? There was also the fact that even before Chuck, she had been abandoned by the man who left her pregnant with his child. Joni's romantic nature had received more than one deep wound by the time she was living with Willy. The romantic in her would survive, but there would always be doubt and fear along with it. It would be many years before she would seriously consider getting married again. I think a fear of commitment, at least in the form of a legal marriage, was firmly lodged in Joni's psyche by the time she met Graham. Again, in 'My Old Man' from the 'Blue' album we get 'we don't need no piece of paper from the city hall keeping us tied and true.' Maybe she wasn't consciously aware of it when she wrote 'Willy' and maybe that song expressed her true feelings at the time. Feelings, fears especially, are not logical things. It may be that Graham was totally bewildered by those lyrics when she showed them to him. Or, as Laura or Catherine wrote (sorry, can't remember who it was and too lazy on this Sunday morning to look up the post), maybe the dynamic of the relationship changed over time and feelings flip-flopped between the two of them. Only Graham and Joni really know. Mark in Seattle - ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bob Muller" To: "Mags" ; "Laura Stanley" ; "Randy Remote" Cc: Sent: Saturday, February 28, 2009 3:22 PM Subject: Re: Art teacher Henry Bonli and musings, njc > Synchronicity...I just read the segment in Michelle Mercer's > (terrific) book about their relationship and about how Graham > intentionally gave her her space when she was creating. There's no > evidence that I've seen that Graham would have ever done anything to > impede with her art, but I think that for her just the fear of that > always made her flee. > > Bob > > NP: The BoDeans, "Going Home" ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 01 Mar 2009 09:41:13 -0800 From: "Mark Scott" Subject: Re: Joni Very Seldom Writes Happy Songs - ----- Original Message ----- From: "Laura Stanley" To: Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 6:28 AM Subject: Re: Joni Very Seldom Writes Happy Songs > Bob wrote: > > She says "I sing my sorrows and I paint my joy". Even having said > that, I think that within many of her 'sad' songs there are glimmers > of hope and optimism. > > > Hi Bob, > > In an early interview video, she said her songs are "happy songs." > On first listen sadness might be all that is heard, but as you say, > "there are glimmers of hope and optimism" which can be found in her > "sad" songs. I can't think of one of her songs that doesn't have > this. Sire of Sorrow (Job's Sad Song) The Beat of Black Wings Turbulent Indigo The Magdalene Laundries Don't get me wrong. I think the above are some of Joni's most brilliant songs. And while I agree that there can be 'comfort in melancholy', these are songs that are almost completely dark to me. Most of the album 'Turbulent Indigo' is dark and I haven't listened to that cd in years. I think it's one of Joni's masterpieces. The writing and execution of it are exceptionally fine. But it has very little uplift in it for me. There are also personal associations with the time it was released that contribute to these, perhaps illogical, feelings. Mark in Seattle ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 1 Mar 2009 17:49:37 +0000 From: joe farrell Subject: re: michelle mercer book Has the Michelle Mercer book been released in the usa already? i note Bob referring to a passage from it in his mail. it is not due for release here in the uk until early April. regards, Joe. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 1 Mar 2009 10:41:34 -0800 From: "Randy Remote" Subject: Re: The Same Situation Awesome! Please let us know when it's available! > Pianists, I have a full piano transcription of "The Same Situation" > in the proof reading stage. It should be posted ion the website > within a couple of weeks. > Dave ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 1 Mar 2009 10:45:09 -0800 (PST) From: Laura Stanley Subject: Re: Art teacher Henry Bonli and musings, njc - --- On Sun, 3/1/09, Mark Scott wrote in regard to Joni and Chuck: ..... we do know that the two worked together as a duo and that it became obvious that Joni had the potential to be the more successful of the two. I'm sure it was hard for Chuck to realize that. Although the way Joni describes her leaving Chuck seems abrupt, I think 'I Had a King' projects some of the pain that marriage and break-up cost her. Hi Mark, From listening to Chuck's early songs on his album Dreams and Stories, I don't find it apparent that Joni had potential to be more successful at least talent-wise. It wasn't until Crosby that she was recorded in a style that would and did sell. At the Jonifest a few years ago we heard what was supposed to have been marketed as Joni's first album, and it was a joke in my opinion. It could have been used as a tooth-paste commercial. Just like Richard Carpenter was necessary for Karen's potential to be realized, I see Crosby necessary for Joni's to be realized. If Chuck had had a Crosby, he might have become as famous. Joni's pain in her relationship and subsequent break-up is very beautifully portrayed in I Had a King. With line in the song, "there's no one to blame," it seems she owns the pain as being as much for who she was as for who he was. Love, Laura ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 1 Mar 2009 10:45:13 -0800 From: "Randy Remote" Subject: Re: If you dare... Made it through 46 seconds. Can anyone beat that? > 7.5 bonus cover points for making it all the way to the end - I couldn't. > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYC7YQbxq3w > If you DO make it, please tell me how many times he changes keys. I lost > count. > Bob ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 02 Mar 2009 07:41:25 +1300 From: "hell" Subject: Re: If you dare... Bob wrote: > 7.5 bonus cover points for making it all the way to the end > - I couldn't. > > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYC7YQbxq3w > > If you DO make it, please tell me how many times he changes > keys. I lost count. Conservative estimate: 257 (or to answer another way - how many words are there in the lyrics?) I was curious to see how much he could butcher The Cars "Drive" and Roxy Music's "More Than This" but decided I value my life and sanity too much. Hell - whose brain hurts now, for some reason... ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 1 Mar 2009 14:57:39 -0500 From: Vince Subject: Re: If you dare... I made it all the way, the full 3:07. odd that anyone would post that On Sun, Mar 1, 2009 at 1:41 PM, hell wrote: > Bob wrote: > > > 7.5 bonus cover points for making it all the way to the > end > > - I couldn't. > > > > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYC7YQbxq3w ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 1 Mar 2009 20:07:48 +0000 From: gerard mclaughlin Subject: Re: Joni Seldom Writes Happy Songs I read an interview where Joni said that it takes deep emotionality to like her work. Deep emotionality isnt really about happy versus sad I guess. For me just taking any of her songs and tuning into all the different facets of it ,following ,or led on by those chords of inquiry she talks of, I feel that somehow I go deep. Now that can be sad and it can be happy.It is every time though so much more than that. Someone on the list recently described Night in the City as one of Jonis happy songs. I cant say that even from the first time I heard that song until today that I could remotely describe it as a happy song. There has always as well as happiness been a sadness in it for me.A misery I might say. The music hurts as well as plays on me. The song draws me downstairs - down stairs that I have always seen! She does something more than most songwriters. She herself likes to think of her songs as movies. Thats more like it.I myself would describe then as insights. To travel through life ,beginning to end ,degrees of this and that are the norm. Jonis songs for me are maybe more like that- like glimmers of her life intertwined with mine- insights into what living is about itself or at least they are all like journeys or descriptions of journeys, snatches, stills, rolls, filled with subtlety, underscored with subtitles like when Woody Allen has someone say something like "Thats a nice lamp" and the subtitles might read "God, what I would do to be out of here."I think its obvious people either get Joni or they dont. I know lots of people who hate her voice, her complications and wont give her the time of day. I have tried in my time to "open their eyes" but if she cant open their ears I figure best not to waste my time or theirs and count it my good fortune that I get her.Joni is the beginnings of a new artform. We will get it eventually but evolution has to catch up. So do I . I myself am HAPPY for now to be hanging onto her coat tails! Joni Mitchell has been a trip of a lifetime and a very decent travelogue. On Sun, Mar 1, 2009 at 4:44 PM, wrote: > > Subject: Joni Very Seldom Writes Happy Songs > > > > > I find it ironic that this is the main topic on this morning's list; > yesterday, Ro & I went into Manhattan to see an off-off-Broadway production > of > Thornton Wilder's "Our Town." For those who don't know, it's about life in > a > small New England town at the turn of the (last) century... very poignant. > Two women were standing in front of us in the lobby and one said to the > other, "I very seldom go to see 'happy-go-lucky' plays; I'd much rather see > something serious, like 'Our Town'." > Her friend replied, "So, you're not looking for escapism?" > "No, she responded, "I like being drawn into a realistic story and > FEELING something intense." > > Probably similar to the feelings Joni felt when writing most of her > songs. > > Kenny B > > > > ************** > A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy > steps! > ( > http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1218822736x1201267884/aol?redir=http:%2F%2Fwww.freecreditreport.com%2Fpm%2Fdefault.aspx%3Fsc%3D668072%26hmpgID > %3D62%26bcd%3DfebemailfooterNO62) ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 1 Mar 2009 12:37:07 -0800 (PST) From: Bob Muller Subject: Re: michelle mercer book The same here, Joe - a couple of us lucky folks got treated to advance unproofed copies in order to solicit feedback and interest. One of the benefits of being a blabbermouth on the JMDL I suppose. Bob NP: The Cars, "My Best Friend's Girl" - ----- Original Message ---- From: joe farrell To: joni@smoe.org Sent: Sunday, March 1, 2009 12:49:37 PM Subject: re: michelle mercer book Has the Michelle Mercer book been released in the usa already? i note Bob referring to a passage from it in his mail. it is not due for release here in the uk until early April. regards, Joe. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 1 Mar 2009 12:42:02 -0800 (PST) From: Bob Muller Subject: Re: If you dare...NJC now And you know, a big part of me wants to leave a comment, not rude or anything, but in a kind way inform these poor people that they can't sing and should try another hobby or something. I have lots of positive comments for people when I like what they do, but when it's this awful I just think that the person doesn't have a good friend to tell them that they should not inflict this kind of thing upon the world. It's like when some stranger is walking around thinking they're looking good, and they have a tag sticking up in the back - I feel like I owe it to them to tell them about the tag. Bob NP: The Wallflowers, "Witness" ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 01 Mar 2009 14:42:59 -0600 From: Kate Johnson Subject: Re: Joni Seldom Writes Happy Songs I love this post, Gerard, because you have articulated some things for me, some of my own attitudes toward Joni's writing and music. I haven't been able to fully, clearly or well explain my love and admiration for her songs, ever -- especially to someone who doesn't get it. You may be right -- either you do or you don't. I find myself feeling sorry for those who don't, because they aren't being touched or moved in the way I am, by her songs. But they're probably being touched or moved in a similar way by someone else's songs/music. I hope so. Kate ps can anyone tell me, from what film is the dialogue that Joni includes in Shadows and Light? the man and woman arguing at the beginning, specifically http://stubblejumperscafe.pnn.com/6853-the-front-page On 1-Mar-09, at 2:07 PM, gerard mclaughlin wrote: I read an interview where Joni said that it takes deep emotionality to like her work. Deep emotionality isnt really about happy versus sad I guess. For me just taking any of her songs and tuning into all the different facets of it ,following ,or led on by those chords of inquiry she talks of, I feel that somehow I go deep. Now that can be sad and it can be happy.It is every time though so much more than that. Someone on the list recently described Night in the City as one of Jonis happy songs. I cant say that even from the first time I heard that song until today that I could remotely describe it as a happy song. There has always as well as happiness been a sadness in it for me.A misery I might say. The music hurts as well as plays on me. The song draws me downstairs - down stairs that I have always seen! She does something more than most songwriters. She herself likes to think of her songs as movies. Thats more like it.I myself would describe then as insights. To travel through life ,beginning to end ,degrees of this and that are the norm. Jonis songs for me are maybe more like that- like glimmers of her life intertwined with mine- insights into what living is about itself or at least they are all like journeys or descriptions of journeys, snatches, stills, rolls, filled with subtlety, underscored with subtitles like when Woody Allen has someone say something like "Thats a nice lamp" and the subtitles might read "God, what I would do to be out of here."I think its obvious people either get Joni or they dont. I know lots of people who hate her voice, her complications and wont give her the time of day. I have tried in my time to "open their eyes" but if she cant open their ears I figure best not to waste my time or theirs and count it my good fortune that I get her.Joni is the beginnings of a new artform. We will get it eventually but evolution has to catch up. So do I . I myself am HAPPY for now to be hanging onto her coat tails! Joni Mitchell has been a trip of a lifetime and a very decent travelogue. O ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 02 Mar 2009 10:04:57 +1300 From: "hell" Subject: Re: If you dare...NJC now Bob wrote: > And you know, a big part of me wants to leave a comment, > not rude or anything, but in a kind way inform these poor > people that they can't sing and should try another hobby or > something. I have lots of positive comments for people when > I like what they do, but when it's this awful I just think > that the person doesn't have a good friend to tell them > that they should not inflict this kind of thing upon the > world. Reminds me of all those desperate souls who audition for American Idol because their mother's have told them "they have a beautiful singing voice". I can only assume the mothers in question are either tone-deaf, blinded (deafened?) by love or just plain stupid. > It's like when some stranger is walking around thinking > they're looking good, and they have a tag sticking up in > the back - I feel like I owe it to them to tell them about > the tag. I'd compare it more to someone with a big booger hanging out of their nose, or their skirt tucked into their underwear... I'm not sure how I made it through to the end of the clip - maybe I was hoping for a "this was a joke - I really CAN sing" message at the end, before he launched into a flawless rendition of Amelia. Wishful thinking, obviously! Hell - slowly recovering from the aural assault by listening to some "real" Joni... ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 1 Mar 2009 13:29:09 -0800 (PST) From: Bob Muller Subject: Re: Joni Seldom Writes Happy Songs Rebel Without A Cause. Bob NP: Bruce, "Fade Away" ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 1 Mar 2009 14:07:37 -0800 From: "gene" Subject: Re: If you dare... Thanks Randy, I couldn't but I found this little gem while watching. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=494DoM077Hk&feature=related gene - ----- Original Message ----- From: "Randy Remote" To: "Bob Muller" ; "JMDL" Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 10:45 AM Subject: Re: If you dare... > Made it through 46 seconds. Can anyone beat that? > >> 7.5 bonus cover points for making it all the way to the end - I couldn't. >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYC7YQbxq3w >> If you DO make it, please tell me how many times he changes keys. I lost >> count. >> Bob ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 1 Mar 2009 16:48:20 -0600 From: Michael Paz Subject: Re: michelle mercer book I received my advance copy but have not cracked the cover as yet as I am reading two other books at the moment, one being The Music Of Joni Mitchell recommended me by Dave Blackburn. Hopefully this week as I thought it was very nice of Michelle to send this big mouth a copy. I was crushed that she did not autograph it for me though. And I thought we were so much closer than that! Paz On Mar 1, 2009, at 2:37 PM, Bob Muller wrote: The same here, Joe - a couple of us lucky folks got treated to advance unproofed copies in order to solicit feedback and interest. One of the benefits of being a blabbermouth on the JMDL I suppose. Bob NP: The Cars, "My Best Friend's Girl" - ----- Original Message ---- From: joe farrell To: joni@smoe.org Sent: Sunday, March 1, 2009 12:49:37 PM Subject: re: michelle mercer book Has the Michelle Mercer book been released in the usa already? i note Bob referring to a passage from it in his mail. it is not due for release here in the uk until early April. regards, Joe. Michael Paz michael@thepazgroup.com Tour Manager Preservation Hall Jazz Band http://www.preservationhall.com ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 1 Mar 2009 16:52:36 -0600 From: Michael Paz Subject: Re: If you dare...NJC now I know what you mean and in this poor childs case it could be a mercy killing. But as I recall, I had a friend who came over to my house that told me he didn't really sing and he ended up doing 327 choruses of "Hit The Road Jack" and made up most of the lyrics about things and people in the room at the time. Fast forward many years he is now one of the most popular vocalists at the Jonifests and I have performed with him often. Same is true for many people in F-Troop (the more out of tune voices the better at Joni Fests) and alot of people have found their voices and "come out" so to speak. So it can be a blessing and a curse. Luv Paz On Mar 1, 2009, at 2:42 PM, Bob Muller wrote: And you know, a big part of me wants to leave a comment, not rude or anything, but in a kind way inform these poor people that they can't sing and should try another hobby or something. I have lots of positive comments for people when I like what they do, but when it's this awful I just think that the person doesn't have a good friend to tell them that they should not inflict this kind of thing upon the world. It's like when some stranger is walking around thinking they're looking good, and they have a tag sticking up in the back - I feel like I owe it to them to tell them about the tag. Bob NP: The Wallflowers, "Witness" Michael Paz michael@thepazgroup.com Tour Manager Preservation Hall Jazz Band http://www.preservationhall.com ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 1 Mar 2009 15:36:59 -0800 (PST) From: Bob Muller Subject: Re: michelle mercer book NJC Guess I shouldn't tell you what she wrote in mine then. Bob NP: Keb Mo, "The Flat Fleet Floogie" ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 2 Mar 2009 00:28:39 +0000 From: "Michael O'Malley" Subject: NjC Coffe and Candour with Cohen From Saturday's Globe & Mail A great little article Paste onto one line in your browser: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090227.wcohen0228/BNStor y/Entertainment/home Catch him if you can ! Michael in Quebec NP: Ernestine Anderson - Sunny Side of the Street _________________________________________________________________ Chat with the whole group, and bring everyone together. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9650735 ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 1 Mar 2009 18:50:34 -0600 From: T Peckham Subject: Re: If you dare... 58 seconds---but now I'm dizzy and I have a splitting headache. Who ARE these people?!?? > > > Made it through 46 seconds. Can anyone beat that? >> >> 7.5 bonus cover points for making it all the way to the end - I couldn't. >>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYC7YQbxq3w >>> If you DO make it, please tell me how many times he changes keys. I lost >>> count. >>> Bob >>> >> - -- Alas, the rich are always with us. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 01 Mar 2009 18:15:20 -0800 From: "Mark Scott" Subject: Re: Art teacher Henry Bonli and musings, njc - ----- Original Message ----- From: "Laura Stanley" > > From listening to Chuck's early songs on his album Dreams and > Stories, I don't find it apparent that Joni had potential to be more > successful at least talent-wise. Hi Laura, To be fair, I don't think I've ever heard any of Chuck's recordings. But still, it's hard for me to imagine that he has the same spark of genius that Joni has. Do you think he could have created something with the depth of 'Hejira' or the musical complexity of 'Court and Spark'? Since I really don't know, I'm asking a real (as opposed to rhetorical) question here. > It wasn't until Crosby that she was recorded in a style that would > and did sell. At the Jonifest a few years ago we heard what was > supposed to have been marketed as Joni's first album, and it was a > joke in my opinion. It could have been used as a tooth-paste > commercial. Just like Richard Carpenter was necessary for Karen's > potential to be realized, I see Crosby necessary for Joni's to be > realized. If Chuck had had a Crosby, he might have become as > famous. Again, I haven't heard (or heard of) the recording you're talking about as 'what was supposed to have been marketed as Joni's first album.' Do you know when that was recorded? From what I understand, about all Crosby did was put Joni in a studio with a guitar and let her record her songs. I do seem to recall some talk about experimenting with singing into the piano strings and such. But for the most part, didn't he just pretty much just let her do her own thing? I also seem to remember that that was the goal. To get pure Joni on record and not a bunch of over-arranged, over-produced, hacked-up versions of her songs. I don't see that they were looking for a style that would sell. They were trying to preserve the inherent truth and beauty in the songs and in her performances of them. Some of the early Canadian TV broadcasts we've seen on Youtube and early radio broadcasts of Joni performing are pretty much what you hear on 'Song to a Seagull', imo. I don't see that Crosby did all that much to give her 'a style that would and did sell.' He did give her a chance to record her music the way she wanted it done which, I'll grant you, is no small thing. That's what I think anyway. But I always like to add Joni's disclaimer from 'Borderline': as if thinking makes things so! lol! Mark in Seattle ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 01 Mar 2009 22:18:35 -0500 From: "Jim L'Hommedieu" Subject: Jungle Line Joni said >>>It's not my intention to unravel the mystery for anyone>>> At last the story behind THOSL is revealed. Your post has a provenance, and a receipt. Nyuck, nyuck, nyuck. Jim L'Hommedieu >They are French Kissing on the Street, Jazz Junkies from the Jungle, Edith and the Pimp, The Dripping of Recently Watered Lawns, Mike's Place, The Hobo Dance, Shadows in Darkness. I remember them so well..... She said "Cool, man!" and asked me to light her a cigarette, a day I will never forget as it brought us so close. The next thing I know she's twisted my material practically unrecognizably. But I knew.....oh yes.....I knew, where those songs had come from, and did I get so much as a mention in the credits? No I did not. So now you know the true story, and if there are any others making claims to have inspired this album, please take them with a grain of salt. I still have the receipt somewhere to prove it.> ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 1 Mar 2009 21:36:30 -0600 From: Dan Olson Subject: Re: Good Joni Timeline Scanning the "personal" timeline (from the link, excerpted below), it states "Marries Mitchell in Rochester, MN", which I can't believe. Can anyone confirm the location? Could it be Rochester, MICHIGAN? I lived in Rochester MN at the time, and I don't think they would have been there, getting married no less. - 1964: Becomes pregnant by Brad MacMath in Calgary. Brad leaves Joni with a drawing of a pregnant woman by a window and a note that reads "The thief left it behind -- the moon at the window." - Feb. 19, 1965: Kelly Dale Anderson is born in Toronto, Ontario. Given up to foster care. - 1965: Meets future husband and fellow folksinger, Chuck Mitchell, while performing at the Penny Farthing. Marries Mitchell in Rochester, MN. Moves to Detroit. - 1966: Joni leaves Mitchell and drives to New York City. - 1967: Moves to 41 W. 16th Street in Chelsea. Meets David Crosby for the first time at the Gaslight South in Coconut Grove, Florida. They share a brief romance. - 1968: Breaks up with David Crosby. Moves to rented house on Kirkwood Avenue in Hollywood. Is introduced to Graham Nash, on tour with the Hollies. Moves with Nash to Lookout Mountain Road in Laurel Canyon. - 1971: Sells her house in Laurel Canyon and buys a piece of property by the water in British Columbia. On Tue, Feb 24, 2009 at 8:56 AM, Laura Stanley wrote: > http://www.thirteen.org/pressroom/release.php?get=187 ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 1 Mar 2009 19:35:29 -0800 (PST) From: Monika Bogdanowicz Subject: Re: If you dare... I have no idea what any of you are talking about. I loved it. It definitely surpassed the original. - -Monika, kidding of course - --- On Sun, 3/1/09, Bob Muller wrote: 7.5 bonus cover points for making it all the way to the end - I couldn't. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYC7YQbxq3w If you DO make it, please tell me how many times he changes keys. I lost count. Bob NP: Ladysmith Black Mambazo, "Love Your Neighbor" ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 1 Mar 2009 19:58:27 -0800 (PST) From: Monika Bogdanowicz Subject: Re: Joni Very Seldom Writes Happy Songs I agree with the sentiment that there is a lot of hope and optimism integrated into Joni's music. In some of the saddest songs, there seems to be a sense that everything will be ok. Maybe not now. Maybe not tomorrow but one day. It may not even be outwardly expressed but this what I get from a portion of Joni's music. Now there are the songs, that strictly portray a deep melancholy. I will say that this is true, "misery loves company." However, I don't mean that in the way it is normally taken as. I mean that when you are at your low point, you can put some Joni on (choose a song that works for you) and share in your melancholy. Instead of being so very alone in whatever it is you are feeling, you can take comfort in the fact that there is another soul (Joni or the speaker in the song) that you can relate to. Someone you can indentify because correct me if I am wrong...when you are down and out, you often feel that there is no one who understands what you are feeling. Even though in reality there are probably thousands of people who have experienced what you are feeling. I'm not sure if any of that made any sense or not but there is a connection between the listener and the song when you can relate. More often than not, you don't "need" to relate to someone or something when you are happy or everything is wonderful. At that time, you don't "need" anyone. However, when you are down, you need some sort of handle to hold on to. Much of Joni's music serves as that handle. - -Monika ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 1 Mar 2009 22:05:09 -0600 From: T Peckham Subject: Re: Good Joni Timeline Good catch! It's most definitely Michigan. According to both Karen O'Brien's and Sheila Weller's books, they were married in the backyard of Chuck's parents' home in the north Detroit suburb of Rochester. :-) On Sun, Mar 1, 2009 at 9:36 PM, Dan Olson wrote: > Scanning the "personal" timeline (from the link, excerpted below), it > states > "Marries Mitchell in Rochester, MN", which I can't believe. Can anyone > confirm the location? Could it be Rochester, MICHIGAN? I lived in > Rochester MN at the time, and I don't think they would have been there, > getting married no less. > > > - 1964: Becomes pregnant by Brad MacMath in Calgary. Brad leaves Joni > with a drawing of a pregnant woman by a window and a note that reads "The > thief left it behind -- the moon at the window." > - Feb. 19, 1965: Kelly Dale Anderson is born in Toronto, Ontario. Given > up to foster care. > - 1965: Meets future husband and fellow folksinger, Chuck Mitchell, while > performing at the Penny Farthing. Marries Mitchell in Rochester, MN. > Moves > to Detroit. > - 1966: Joni leaves Mitchell and drives to New York City. > - 1967: Moves to 41 W. 16th Street in Chelsea. Meets David Crosby for the > first time at the Gaslight South in Coconut Grove, Florida. They share a > brief romance. > - 1968: Breaks up with David Crosby. Moves to rented house on Kirkwood > Avenue in Hollywood. Is introduced to Graham Nash, on tour with the > Hollies. > Moves with Nash to Lookout Mountain Road in Laurel Canyon. > - 1971: Sells her house in Laurel Canyon and buys a piece of property by > the water in British Columbia. > > > > On Tue, Feb 24, 2009 at 8:56 AM, Laura Stanley >wrote: > > > http://www.thirteen.org/pressroom/release.php?get=187 > - -- Alas, the rich are always with us. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 1 Mar 2009 21:39:01 -0800 (PST) From: Laura Stanley Subject: Re: Art teacher Henry Bonli and musings Hi Mark, Chuck has a website. I think you have to Google "Chuck Mitchell, music" to find it. There are samples of his album Dreams and Stories there. Not all the songs are his own. In addition to his own songs, I like way he sings Acapulco and the Bilboa Song if that's how you spell it. Chuck has his own style just like Joni does. I see it as unproductive to try to hold Joni's song writing abilities to particular Dylan songs as to hold Chuck or anyother songwriter to some subjective standard set by Hejira. Yes, the genius of Crosby was to record Joni with emphasis on just her guitar rather than with all the hoopla as was done on the album we heard at the fest. Circle Game should have been titled Circus Game on it! It makes me laugh just thinking about it. I'm not sure who has that recording we heard. A guy named Joseph comes to my mind, but I could be wrong. Love, Laura - --- On Mon, 3/2/09, Mark Scott wrote: > From: Mark Scott > Subject: Re: Art teacher Henry Bonli and musings, njc > To: sillyseabird@yahoo.com > Cc: joni@smoe.org > Date: Monday, March 2, 2009, 2:15 AM > ----- Original Message ----- From: "Laura Stanley" > > > > > From listening to Chuck's early songs on his > album Dreams and Stories, I don't find it apparent that > Joni had potential to be more successful at least > talent-wise. > > > Hi Laura, > > To be fair, I don't think I've ever heard any of > Chuck's recordings. But still, it's hard for me to > imagine that he has the same spark of genius that Joni has. > Do you think he could have created something with the depth > of 'Hejira' or the musical complexity of 'Court > and Spark'? Since I really don't know, I'm > asking a real (as opposed to rhetorical) question here. > > > > It wasn't until Crosby that she was recorded in a > style that would and did sell. At the Jonifest a few years > ago we heard what was supposed to have been marketed as > Joni's first album, and it was a joke in my opinion. It > could have been used as a tooth-paste commercial. Just like > Richard Carpenter was necessary for Karen's potential to > be realized, I see Crosby necessary for Joni's to be > realized. If Chuck had had a Crosby, he might have become > as famous. > > > Again, I haven't heard (or heard of) the recording > you're talking about as 'what was supposed to have > been marketed as Joni's first album.' Do you know > when that was recorded? > > From what I understand, about all Crosby did was put Joni > in a studio with a guitar and let her record her songs. I > do seem to recall some talk about experimenting with singing > into the piano strings and such. But for the most part, > didn't he just pretty much just let her do her own > thing? I also seem to remember that that was the goal. To > get pure Joni on record and not a bunch of over-arranged, > over-produced, hacked-up versions of her songs. I don't > see that they were looking for a style that would sell. > They were trying to preserve the inherent truth and beauty > in the songs and in her performances of them. > > Some of the early Canadian TV broadcasts we've seen on > Youtube and early radio broadcasts of Joni performing are > pretty much what you hear on 'Song to a Seagull', > imo. I don't see that Crosby did all that much to give > her 'a style that would and did sell.' He did give > her a chance to record her music the way she wanted it done > which, I'll grant you, is no small thing. > > That's what I think anyway. But I always like to add > Joni's disclaimer from 'Borderline': as if > thinking makes things so! lol! > > Mark in Seattle ------------------------------ End of JMDL Digest V2009 #68 **************************** ------- Post messages to the list by clicking here: mailto:joni@smoe.org Unsubscribe by clicking here: mailto:joni-digest-request@smoe.org?body=unsubscribe -------