From: owner-onlyjoni-digest@smoe.org (onlyJMDL Digest) To: onlyjoni-digest@smoe.org Subject: onlyJMDL Digest V2007 #359 Reply-To: joni@smoe.org Sender: owner-onlyjoni-digest@smoe.org Errors-To: owner-onlyjoni-digest@smoe.org Precedence: bulk Archives: http://www.smoe.org/lists/onlyjoni Websites: http://www.jmdl.com http://www.jonimitchell.com Unsubscribe: mailto:onlyjoni-digest-request@smoe.org?body=unsubscribe onlyJMDL Digest Wednesday, November 14 2007 Volume 2007 : Number 359 ========== TOPICS and authors in this Digest: -------- Santa Barbara Joni Tribute [] Holy Smoke! ["Eric Taylor" ] joni on tavis smiley [Marianne Rizzo ] RE: SV: MoM starts Joni riot at quick lunch stand [Marianne Rizzo ] I don't like Shine.. . ["Paul Headon" ] Ian Shaw's Talk To Me [rian afriadi ] Subject: Who would play Joni in a movie? [Dave Blackburn ] Tavis Smiley transcript ["Kate Bennett" ] everything is first class... ["Kate Bennett" ] Re: Holy Smoke! ["Marian Russell" ] Re: Santa Barbara Joni Tribute [waytoblue@comcast.net] Re: Tavis Smiley transcript [Monika Bogdanowicz ] Re: song list from sb tribute [SweetbirdUR@aol.com] Joni and Furry [Brian Gross ] Re: Joni and Furry ["Dan Olson" ] Re: sweet bird. vljc ["Anita Tedder" ] RE: onlyJMDL Digest V2007 #358 [Stephen Toogood ] HOSL Covers [Bob Muller ] Re: Santa Barbara Joni Tribute [Jeannie ] Re: Holy Smoke! ["Eric Taylor" ] Subject: everything is first class... [Patti Parlette ] Fw: possible Joni content--WWJD ["Mark Scott" ] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:38:49 -0800 From: Subject: Santa Barbara Joni Tribute Victor, Bene and I had lots of traveling and adventures the past few days, culminating in our final destination at Soho in Santa Barbara. I have been to three of Kate's Joni tributes and I agree this was the best ever. In the past there were always a few famous folks sitting in which definitely awed you, but this one was just so full of heart and spirit and originality. It was really magical and fantastic. The performers were all mostly from the premier ranks of the Santa Barbara singer-songwriters and entertainers and it is a tribute to Kate that a few who had moved away from the old home town made the trip back especially for this show. As we rode back to L.A. last night, we all seemed to comment on the same performers who really caught our attention. Early in the show there was a little girl about 8 or 9 years old who looked exactly like we would imagine Joni at that age - all blond curls and a huge smiley and toothy smile - confidently carrying her small guitar and launching into a perfect performance of Big Yellow Taxi. It was amazing. Kate's niece, Jamie Lewis, was out of this world on Twisted acappella and on Blue singing and playing the piano. She is incredibly talented. There were a couple of very eclectic performances that were job dropping and we imagined Bob Muller would have drooled to have a copy of these covers ;-) First Bruce Goldish came out with a guitar with a second hole ripped out of in which was posed a rubber frog. Bruce proceeded to perform Morning Morgantown in hyper fingerstyle with a sort of basso Tom Waits vocal. Later in the show, there was Jeff Mills, a prominent actor specializing in Shakespeare, accompanied by one guy on ukulele and one on bass. Jeff himself played a quijada, literally a donkey jaw bone, and they performed all verses of Coyote in a sort of crisp theatric mono-drone Lou Reed style. We laughed, we marveled and we just could not get over this performance. It was absolutely brilliant. He exaggeratedly pronounced Coyote as COYY-OH-TAY! each time - (not like we usually say KAI-OH-TEE). Later I was outside with Lesli having a smoke and I accosted the poor guy, pawing the donkey jaw and asking if there was a recording somewhere. He said no but seemed curious why we were so interested and asked if we thought Joni would like it. We yelled "YES!!" Our own Victor did an absolutely perfect performance of Amelia in his gorgeous tenor voice. He also gave a little intro where he talked about the JMDL and our friend Paz performing for various Thai royalty - heehee! Our young waitress was entranced by him along with a few other young ladies he met on this trip. (It's all good because he is already composing new songs about these fair young maidens;-) We were also impressed with Pat Milliken and Anita Bayley who performed several songs from (my favorite) For The Roses. Not easy songs to do, and they really pulled them off pure and true. Kate was also in the finest form, both hosting and performing. I told Kate she must do this again - it was so clear that everyone in Santa Barbara looks so forward to it - and we should work a way to get more people from here to come - it is so worth the time. It is a very powerful infusion of Joni and good music that will stay with you a long time. Victor and Bene (who, poor things, are exhausted) are on their long night rides home now. I wish we could have had more time to hang out. When I stumbled home from work tonight, I found the most gorgeous big bouquet of baby red and white roses waiting on my doorstep from them. In my semi-stupor, I was temporarily elated and energized by the For The Roses theme ;-) Thank you for the perfect ending to a wonderful few days. Kakki ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2007 04:15:25 -0500 From: "Eric Taylor" Subject: Holy Smoke! >>Tavis: Again, you keeping giving me so much to talk about. So you've been smoking since you were nine (laughter) and I assume you've never heard that smoking can be hazardous to your health? Mitchell: Well, for me, it's a grounding herb. I mean, some people can drink and some people can't. You know, it's been a good companion for me. You know, I've got a delicate nervous system and I'm sensitive. It's a good focusing herb for me.<< Thank you Joni for remaining a contrary to the rabid anti-smoker nazis and like-minded limiters of real freedom!!! Don't you just love it when a fat person informs you that smoking is bad for your health? I've smoked most of my life and am still a lot stronger and healthier than most non-smokers half my age! Tobacco ~ 'Breath of the Great Spirit' ~ is a focusing herb for me too. I never really thought of it that way before but this is true. Cannabis is likewise a sacrament to me, helping me get over the exponential road rage engulfing our poor planet. I seriously wonder if Joni's voice would sound SO warm and wonderful if she had quit smoking years ago. And without the focus her best music and paintings might never have happened. 100 years from now, IF we survive, they will discover that it is not the tobacco, but rather the countless chemicals added to everything, that is the true cause of most cancer. ET PS: I've never intend to be the first or the last poster to the JMDL and am sometimes embarrassed when it happens. It seems so egotistical. But honestly it happens because I usually read and reply to the digest between 2 and 3 am EST before I go to bed. As I was writing this the new digest was delivered to my inbox. So I'm really hoping that someone responds to something while I'm writing this PS....... ;~D 'Shine on the pioneers / those seekers of mental health Craving simplicity / they traveled inward / past themselves... May all their little lights shine' ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2007 06:56:59 -0500 From: Marianne Rizzo Subject: joni on tavis smiley I am reading now the transcript (thank you Brian) and I am SO TOuCHED. . so affected by the things she is saying (my sister taped it for me so I will soon see the show) _________________________________________________________________ Climb to the top of the charts! Play Star Shuffle: the word scramble challenge with star power. http://club.live.com/star_shuffle.aspx?icid=starshuffle_wlmailtextlink_oct ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2007 08:09:24 -0500 From: Marianne Rizzo Subject: RE: SV: MoM starts Joni riot at quick lunch stand > From: marionleffler@telia.com> To: loveuconn@hotmail.com; joni@smoe.org; treegreen1@hotmail.com> Subject: SV: MoM starts Joni riot at quick lunch stand> Date: Sat, 10 Nov 2007 10:06:27 +0100> > Hi Patti,> drying my tears from laughing, I have to tell you that this time you outdid> yourself! If there were an award for the greatest, truest Joni-fan I would> definitely nominate you!> Thanks for all the joy you bring to us,> Marion> > - -----Ursprungligt meddelande-----> Fren: owner-onlyjoni@smoe.org [mailto:owner-onlyjoni@smoe.org] Fvr Patti> Parlette> Skickat: den 7 november 2007 23:01> Till: joni@smoe.org; treegreen1@hotmail.com> Dmne: MoM starts Joni riot at quick lunch stand> > "Don't say I didn't warn ya!": long and ooby shooby COMBINED WIRE> SERVICESUniversity of ConnecticutStorrs/Mansfield CT November 7, 0064 The> MoM> is back to scrambling down in the streets. She was seen tripping down the> streets of the city, smiling at everybody she sees, yelling out to everyone> she knows: "Hey, did you know it's Joni's birthday today?" When she> arrived> at the quick lunch stand,> http://www.lizziescurbside.com/> she berated the owner, proud-headed Queen Lizzie, for playing some scratchy> rock and roll: "Lizzie! What kind of music is THIS? Don't you know it's> Joni's birthday?" With one eye for the beat police Sweet Fire calling "You> can't deny me Now you know what you need" she demanded: "You need to play> some> Joni!" Lizzie said: "I don't have any with me. Do you have any? I'll> play> her; sure!" "I have some in my vehicle! Which one do you want?", cried> the> MoM, holy-wine-blood pressure beginning to rise. Lizzie: "Whatever you> want!"> She taught her feet to fly over to her vehicle, grabbed a CD off off the> passenger seat, and flew back to the quick lunch stand. She pushed through> the long line of customers and threw the CD at Lizzie. "Hurry up, hurry> up!"> she cried. Before long, strains of Coyote filled the air. The MoM started> singing. "I'm up all night in the studio, you're up......" "Listen,> everybody! Do you know JOni Mitchell? Listen to this song!" The curious> crowd around her grew. Lizzie, while cooly assembling assorted culinary> delights, asked: "Yeah, aren't you the one who is President of the Joni> Mitchell Fan Club or something?" MoM (who just had to laugh cuz it's all so> crazy) said: "No, no. It's the JMDL. The Joni Mitchell Discussion List.> It's an international internet community of Joni Mitchell fans." Lizzie:> "Didn't you tell me something once about a quick lunch stand, and something> about a brown-eyed girl in one of her songs?" MoM (momentarily confused,> wondering what Van Morrison had to do with Joni and then picturing the home> page quote but then coming to her senses) cried out: "OH! YEAH!> Proud-headed Queen Lizzie's! But that's two different songs: "Electricity"> and "For Free".> Young female undergrad: "I used to listen to Joni Mitchell in art class in> high school!" MoM: "Really? Isn't she awesome? Young co-ed: "I really> liked> her." MoM: "Were you in Ms. Rizzo's art class?" Male grad student: "Wasn't> she at Woodstock?" MoM: "No. She was supposed to be but her manager didn't> want her to get caught up there because she was going to appear on the Dick> Cavett show so..." Lizzie: "Wow, you really DO know everything about her!"> > MoM: "And of course you know she WROTE Woodstock. You know the CSNY> version,> right? Joni wrote that."> > Another undergrad: "I didn't know that."> > MoM continued: "She wrote so much great stuff. Did you know she wrote BSN,> and people always think Judy Collins wrote it?"> > Some Economics prof: "I never knew that!"> > And so it went on, and on, and on....painted ponies going up and down all> over> the place. Meanwhile, two acquaintances of the MoM arrived. She started> going> off again about Joni's b/day, and they nodded and smiled. Then the MoM> asked> Lizzie if she would please write "Happy Birthday Joni!" on her white menu> board. Lizzie quickly handed her the white board from inside the quick> lunch> stand and said: "Go ahead!" (Police are now concerned about the MoM> interrupting the flow of Lizzie's business. She does good business.) MoM> grabs the board and marker and starts chicken-scratching: HAPPY64th> BirthdayJoni Mitchell! SIQUOMB! (She is QueenUndisputedof Mind Beauty) xo,pp> The crowd around her was getting bigger. She started singing: "If you> can> draw a crowdAnd keep your virtue..." -- that's on her new CD! Has anyone> heard her new CD? I have that in my vehicle, too!" The two acquaintances,> Rosebud and Donna, started laughing. "Wow, you really ARE a Joni nut,> aren't> you?" They shook their heads. They said she'd changed from when they knew> her> years ago. The MoM nodded gleefully and said: "Yes, and I'm in my glory> today. Oh, the power and the glory! Hey, I know (as bright as a neon> light)!> I should talke a picture of the menu/birthday board for my Joni friends!"> Rosebud to Donna: "She's going to take a PICTURE of this! Can you believe> it?" The MoM fumbled with her cellphone. Her hands were trembling with> excitement. "I can't figure this out! What do I do?" Young male undergrad:> "I have the same cellphone. Let me help you." MoM starts singing: "Help> me, I think I'm falling....Hey, would you please take the picture?"> > He took the picture and he gave her back her smile AND he gave her back her> cellphone camera.> Finally, after holding court and spark for Joni by the quick lunch stand> for> too long, the MoM went back to her office, wishing she had gone out earlier> than 12:55 so she could have spread more Joni round the quick lunch stand.> > No arrests were reported. It was all in good fun. Police do expect to> follow> the MoM home when she leaves the workplace for the night ride home.> > ****> > Hope you are all having a great Joni birthday, too. Some of my co-workers> today have said that Joni should be paying me to promote her like I do.> Nah.> I do it for love. I do it for the Joni joy!> > Encore une fois, no time to proofread so pardon all errors and bad> segues/flow...I was interrupted a hundred times while writing this. Stoopid> job! > > Peace,> > Patti P.> > P.S. Tomorrow I should bring in some Bonnie CDs for Lizzie. Then it will> continue to be not just UConn's Ultimate Food Spot!, but a really swinging> hot> spot!> > P.S.S. Bright as a neon light: Hey! Next year I should work on the menu> with Lizzie in advance. Make it an all-Joni menu. Fresh salmon frying,> marrow bones, milk and toast and honey, ice-cream castles, and you> know......> > _________________________________________________________________> Help yourself to FREE treats served up daily at the Messenger Cafi. Stop by> today.> http://www.cafemessenger.com/info/info_sweetstuff2.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_OctWL> t> agline> _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live Hotmail and Microsoft Office Outlook  together at last. Get it now. http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook/HA102225181033.aspx?pid=CL100626971 033 ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2007 08:15:56 -0500 From: Deb Messling Subject: Night Ride Home video on YouTube Someone has uploaded the official promotional video for the song Night Ride home here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xupUGoPEJ8o I have the VHS compilation that this video is on. It also has Beat of Black Wings, Come in from the Cold and Dancing Clown (a very cute video with Joni in her pajamas dancing with her cat). I don't think it ever made it to DVD; am I wrong? - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Deb Messling -^..^- dlmessling@rcn.com http://www.sensibleshoes.vox.com - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2007 13:29:43 -0000 From: "Paul Headon" Subject: I don't like Shine.. . .. I LOVE it it has been on my car CD player continually since I bought it on the day of its release. The album sems to have a oneness. The songs belong together as a group. I think this album will become one of my very favourites ever, by anyone. The lyrics of Shine, the sounds on If the uplifting Hana . I am gushing I know but I drive a lot and this is amongst Joni's best work and that is high praise, as we all know ;-) I have waited a long time to see if this was just enthusiasm that I always have for any Joni album. I now know it isn't . I have lived with this album. Does anyone else share my great enthusiasm for this album? Paul Headon From Wales ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2007 06:20:57 -0800 (PST) From: rian afriadi Subject: Ian Shaw's Talk To Me I think his version of Talk To Me is a good cover. But i dont like his chicken squawking. Every time it comes to the chicken squawking part, my heart yells COME ON IAN! YOU CAN DO BETTER THAN THAT!!! Rian NP. Edith Piaf  Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien (Ah, anyway, what is the title of Edith Piafs song that was played on the movie Saving Private Ryan?) - --------------------------------- Be a better sports nut! Let your teams follow you with Yahoo Mobile. Try it now. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2007 06:49:02 -0800 From: Dave Blackburn Subject: Subject: Who would play Joni in a movie? Mia Farrow is almost the perfect face to play Joni I think. Just rewatched Zelig recently and kept saying to Robin, damn she looks like Joni....plus she's a powerful actress that could do it right. Dave ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2007 10:23:36 -0500 From: Bob.Muller@Fluor.com Subject: Re: Ian Shaw's Talk To Me < NP. Edith Piaf  Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien> Speaking of Edith Piaf (and Joni has stated on many occasions that Edith was an influence on her), the DVD for "La Vie En Rose" comes out today. Every review of this film was positive, and although I'm not a Piaf fan I'm looking forward to seeing it this week. As for the chicken squawking, what really ices it on Joni's version is Jaco's echoing of the pattern on his fretless. Those two were quite a partnership. Bob NP: The Drive-By Truckers, "The Company I Keep" - ------------------------------------------------------------ The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain proprietary, business-confidential and/or privileged material. If you are not the intended recipient of this message you are hereby notified that any use, review, retransmission, dissemination, distribution, reproduction or any action taken in reliance upon this message is prohibited. If you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer. Any views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender and may not necessarily reflect the views of the company. - ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2007 07:40:58 -0800 (PST) From: Jeannie Subject: Herbie Hancock~Possibilities~Documentary Here we are~Mother and I~jamming to Herbie on Showtime! It's her birthday and I played the song, 'Shine,' for her and told her it was my version of, "You are my sunshine.. My only sunshine.. You make me happy.. When skies are grey.. You never know, dear, How much I love you.. Oh, please don't take my sunShine away.." She loved Shine's lyrics. She said it was a prayer. She said Shine is beautiful. Happy Birthday, Mom Shine your little light, Here on holy earth, to the heavens and beyond... I love you. Herbie and Friends are amazing and outta sight! Love, Light and so much Peace!! Jeannie PS: Mother's getting into Stevie's, Herbie's, Raul Midon's, and Miles' marvelous wonders. PSII: If you have Showtime and are at home, put the documentary on. nj ' - --------------------------------- Get easy, one-click access to your favorites. Make Yahoo! your homepage. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2007 07:55:18 -0800 (PST) From: Jeannie Subject: Re: I don't like Shine.. . Paul Headon wrote: .. I LOVE it it has been on my car CD player continually since I bought it on the day of its release. I have waited a long time to see if this was just enthusiasm that I always have for any Joni album. I now know it isn't . I have lived with this album. Does anyone else share my great enthusiasm for this album? Paul Headon From Wales I do share in Shine's love, power, truth and enthusiasm, with you, Paul. Truly, Jeannie PS: Concerning Herbie's piano, all I can think of is, "Oh my!!" Man, he's the meanest piano playing daddy and producer and I love him!! nj ' - --------------------------------- Get easy, one-click access to your favorites. Make Yahoo! your homepage. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2007 08:37:05 -0800 From: "Kate Bennett" Subject: Tavis Smiley transcript I think high coup was supposed to be haiku... LOL ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2007 08:41:35 -0800 From: "Kate Bennett" Subject: everything is first class... >ever since i've joined this list, that's how it's felt: first class. proven again last night at the tribute.< Lesli, you're such a first class addition to our west coast jmdl group! It was so wonderful to see you again & thank you so much for coming! I loved your beautiful report, so glad you had a lovely time! >gorgeous drive up the coast, tiffany glass sunset reflected in the ocean. then arriving in beautiful santa barbara, ringed by mountians, with its adobes, trees and vibe. the company, the mood, food and THE MUSIC!< ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2007 18:14:51 +0100 From: "Marian Russell" Subject: Re: Holy Smoke! Oh my God! I do it all the time, but never on purpose - it's just where I live and when I get up in the morning. The digest is always issued around 9 a.m. my time and I'm usually reading things just before or just after then. I'll try to restrain myself in the future! - ----- Original Message ----- From: "Eric Taylor" To: "jmdl" Sent: Tuesday, November 13, 2007 10:15 AM Subject: Holy Smoke! << PS: I've never intend to be the first or the last poster to the JMDL and am sometimes embarrassed when it happens. It seems so egotistical.>> ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2007 18:25:11 +0000 From: waytoblue@comcast.net Subject: Re: Santa Barbara Joni Tribute -------------- Original message ---------------------- From: > Victor, Bene and I had lots of traveling and adventures the past few days, > culminating in our final destination at Soho in Santa Barbara. I have been to > three of Kate's Joni tributes and I agree this was the best ever. In the past > there were always a few famous folks sitting in which definitely awed you, but > this one was just so full of heart and spirit and originality. It was really > magical and fantastic. It truly was..there a magnificent energy there that you could feel in the packed house. I finally arrived home last night and was simply exhausted. I'm back at school today and seem to be bouncing back pretty well. Everything still resonates so strongly in my mind and heart. Kakki and Bene were fantastic traveling companions...the whole excursion was magical. My journey even started off with an interesting twist. I had just boarded the plane to fly to L.A. and saw that the overhead compartments were too small for my guitar. I asked the stewardess if she could stash my guitar somewhere and she said that she would, but that I had to write her a song. I asked her her name, and she said it was Melissa, and that I wasn't allowed to use Sweet Melissa by the Allman Brothers. So I broke out my laptop and started writing a song for her and actually wrote an entire song that I think is going to be really cool. I was working on it some more last night and its really starting to come together. The whole thing started as kind of a joke but you never know where you will find inspiration....when it comes you just have to run with it. Another cool moment was at the Bel Air Hotel. We were hanging at the bar, drinking some evening cocktails and listening to the fabulous piano player they have, who's been playing for there for 10 years. I requested My Funny Valentine, which he played and then somehow, the subject of David Lahm and his Joni Mitchell jazz albums came up, and then of course, we thought of his mother, Dorothy Fields, the great songwriter. So I walked over to the piano and asked if he could play a Dorothy Fields song...he immediately perked up and gave a stunning rendition of "The Way You Look Tonight." The Bel Air Hotel is a beautiful cozy little hideaway and they even have swans swimming in streams with little bridges surrounded by lush plant life and trees. We were even thinking of holding a future jonifest there...of course everyone will have to deposit $3000 dollars...lol It was also fabulous just getting to see Kate and Jeff even if it was only for short while. The whole evening was definitely top class as Leslie put it. It was great to see the JMDL so well represented. And thanks to Kakki, we definitely had the best table in the house. Victor ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2007 10:29:56 -0800 (PST) From: Monika Bogdanowicz Subject: Re: Tavis Smiley transcript I loved reading the transcript after already watching the show. I think it is a great thing to have for those who didn't see Joni on Tavis. However, you miss an element of Joni in just reading her words. She's very expressive and warm and if you don't see her facial expressions you miss a part of what she's saying. That's what I think anyhow. That could be a reason why some comments she has made have been misconstrued in print. You miss her tone of voice, her facial expression, and essentially miss the whole idea. And of course if she's joking about something, that is often lost in print as well. -Monika Kate Bennett wrote: I think high coup was supposed to be haiku... LOL - --------------------------------- Get easy, one-click access to your favorites. Make Yahoo! your homepage. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2007 14:14:46 EST From: SweetbirdUR@aol.com Subject: Re: song list from sb tribute Bob wrote: > On the other hand, I was very glad to see FTR given lots of > attention, "Electricity" is a rare choice. > Hi Bob, I've been into Electricity these past few days. I hadn't read the words nor paid attention to the overall content until lately but have loved the sound of the song for years. It is amazing to me how Joni got the topic to sound so beautiful... a really yin yang of a song. Love, Laura ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2007 11:46:19 -0800 (PST) From: Brian Gross Subject: Joni and Furry http://blogcritics.org/archives/2007/11/13/074222.php Beale Street: The True Home of the Blues Written by The Blues Blogger Published November 13, 2007 I got the inspiration to write this article about Beale Street in Memphis Tennessee while listening to my wife playing some tunes from her all time favorite artist Joni Mitchell. What does Joni Mitchell have to do with the blues or Beale Street you may ask? Not as much as she has with jazz or folk music, but there are some strong influences in some of her songs. One tune in particular is "Furry Sings the Blues," written for her meeting back in the seventies with old time Memphis blues player Furry Lewis and her experiences of Beale Street and its music scene at the time. Briefly for the folks not familiar with the history of the famous Beale Street: It is a street that runs almost two miles in Downtown Memphis, Tennessee from the Mississippi River to East Street. It is a significant location in African-American history and the history of the blues. In 1909 a talented and gifted musician by the name of W.C. Handy and his band moved to Memphis and established themselves on Beale Street. This move would change the course of music history. Handy wrote many popular tunes including a campaign song for then Mayor Candidate E. H. Crump. The song Mr. Crump would later be entitled Memphis Blues and the song became huge. History would go on to look at W.C. Handy as the Father of the Blues. That's why mentioning this famous street makes a valid post. Beale Street is not just some ordinary street in the United States. It is the most important street in the history of blues music! Handy also wrote the classic song "Beale Street Blues" in 1916, influencing the change of the street's name from Beale Avenue to Beale Street. For many decades afterwards so many famous blues and jazz players made their name on Beale Street and helped develop the style that would become known as The Memphis Blues. Okay, back to Furry Lewis and Joni Mitchell.  When the request was made Furry agreed to meet with Mitchell. She had a keen interest in his past. After all, he was one of the original slide guitar players in W.C. Handy's band and played on Beale Street at that time. He not only had a first hand knowledge of the history of the blues, Furry was part of it! He greeted her with the same kind of down home kindness that he would treat any visitor. They discussed the old times and Joni observed his current surroundings and the vibe of the neighborhood at the time. I'm sure she left with an incredible insight and richer for the experience. Furry would not feel the same way. He point blank told her that he didn't like her. When Mitchell released her Hejira album in 1976 with the song "Furry Sings the Blues," he hated the song and that woman, as he would put it that sang it. From what I understand, the song was inspired by this meeting, but mostly it was a commentary of the existing landscape of Beale Street which was getting very run down by that time in the seventies. The song paints a bleak picture of the current state of affairs on Beale Street as she recalled when she was there. The song was more about that mood than anything else. She only mentioned his name and a few aspects, but the song was never totally about him. However, many people close to Furry would disagree. Furry thought he should have received some kind of a royalty for singing about him. Even though a section of Beale Street in 1966 would be declared a National Historic Landmark and Home of the Blues by an act in congress in 1977, it still experienced a bit of a collapse. Many of the stores closed and it lost much of its allure. It wasn't until the 1980s that Beale Street started to once again receive the attention it deserved. This led to an economic revitalization, with many new clubs and attractions opening. The street has now become the home to a chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. The blues clubs and restaurants are now major tourist attractions in Memphis. Festivals and outdoor concerts attract large crowds to the street and its surrounding areas. During the first weekend of May, the Beale Street Music Festival brings major music to Tom Lee Park at the end of Beale Street on the Mississippi River. The festival is the inaugural event of a month of celebrations citywide known as Memphis in May. It is interesting to note that Furry Lewis saw a resurgence of his career in the sixties and especially the seventies. He opened for the Rolling Stones in Memphis to crowds of over 53,000. He had a brief cameo in the Burt Reynolds movie, W.W and The Dixie Kings and would go on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson to promote the movie, where he performed "Furry Blues." He also had a feature article in Playboy. With all this publicity, his greatest honor came in 1973 when he was named as an Honorary Colonel by the State of Tennessee, becoming the first African-American ever to receive that honor. In 1981 Furry got pneumonia which led to his death. On one his tombstones that were purchased by his fans the epitaph reads "Bluesman." Perhaps Joni should consider a sequel to the song. A version that paints Beale Street in a more vibrant manner as it is known from its rich history to it's vibrancy of today? What do you think? - ----------------------------------------------------------- Politicians and diapers both need to be changed often. And usually for the same reasons. - ----------------------------------------------------------- ____________________________________________________________________________________ Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2007 15:07:29 -0600 From: "Dan Olson" Subject: Re: Joni and Furry Fascinating post. I particularly love the harmonica played by Neil Young on "Furry Sings the Blues". On 11/13/07, Brian Gross wrote: > > http://blogcritics.org/archives/2007/11/13/074222.php > > Beale Street: The True Home of the Blues > Written by The Blues Blogger > Published November 13, 2007 > > I got the inspiration to write this article about Beale Street in > Memphis Tennessee while listening to my wife playing some tunes from > her all time favorite artist Joni Mitchell. What does Joni Mitchell > have to do with the blues or Beale Street you may ask? Not as much as > she has with jazz or folk music, but there are some strong influences > in some of her songs. One tune in particular is "Furry Sings the > Blues," written for her meeting back in the seventies with old time > Memphis blues player Furry Lewis and her experiences of Beale Street > and its music scene at the time. > > Briefly for the folks not familiar with the history of the famous Beale > Street: It is a street that runs almost two miles in Downtown Memphis, > Tennessee from the Mississippi River to East Street. It is a > significant location in African-American history and the history of the > blues. > > In 1909 a talented and gifted musician by the name of W.C. Handy and > his band moved to Memphis and established themselves on Beale Street. > This move would change the course of music history. Handy wrote many > popular tunes including a campaign song for then Mayor Candidate E. H. > Crump. The song Mr. Crump would later be entitled Memphis Blues and the > song became huge. History would go on to look at W.C. Handy as the > Father of the Blues. That's why mentioning this famous street makes a > valid post. Beale Street is not just some ordinary street in the United > States. It is the most important street in the history of blues music! > > Handy also wrote the classic song "Beale Street Blues" in 1916, > influencing the change of the street's name from Beale Avenue to Beale > Street. For many decades afterwards so many famous blues and jazz > players made their name on Beale Street and helped develop the style > that would become known as The Memphis Blues. > > Okay, back to Furry Lewis and Joni Mitchell. When the request was > made Furry agreed to meet with Mitchell. She had a keen interest in his > past. After all, he was one of the original slide guitar players in > W.C. Handy's band and played on Beale Street at that time. He not only > had a first hand knowledge of the history of the blues, Furry was part > of it! He greeted her with the same kind of down home kindness that he > would treat any visitor. They discussed the old times and Joni observed > his current surroundings and the vibe of the neighborhood at the time. > I'm sure she left with an incredible insight and richer for the > experience. Furry would not feel the same way. He point blank told her > that he didn't like her. > > When Mitchell released her Hejira album in 1976 with the song "Furry > Sings the Blues," he hated the song and that woman, as he would put it > that sang it. From what I understand, the song was inspired by this > meeting, but mostly it was a commentary of the existing landscape of > Beale Street which was getting very run down by that time in the > seventies. The song paints a bleak picture of the current state of > affairs on Beale Street as she recalled when she was there. The song > was more about that mood than anything else. She only mentioned his > name and a few aspects, but the song was never totally about him. > However, many people close to Furry would disagree. Furry thought he > should have received some kind of a royalty for singing about him. > > Even though a section of Beale Street in 1966 would be declared a > National Historic Landmark and Home of the Blues by an act in congress > in 1977, it still experienced a bit of a collapse. Many of the stores > closed and it lost much of its allure. > > It wasn't until the 1980s that Beale Street started to once again > receive the attention it deserved. This led to an economic > revitalization, with many new clubs and attractions opening. The street > has now become the home to a chapter of the National Academy of > Recording Arts and Sciences. The blues clubs and restaurants are now > major tourist attractions in Memphis. Festivals and outdoor concerts > attract large crowds to the street and its surrounding areas. During > the first weekend of May, the Beale Street Music Festival brings major > music to Tom Lee Park at the end of Beale Street on the Mississippi > River. The festival is the inaugural event of a month of celebrations > citywide known as Memphis in May. > > It is interesting to note that Furry Lewis saw a resurgence of his > career in the sixties and especially the seventies. He opened for the > Rolling Stones in Memphis to crowds of over 53,000. He had a brief > cameo in the Burt Reynolds movie, W.W and The Dixie Kings and would go > on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson to promote the movie, where he > performed "Furry Blues." He also had a feature article in Playboy. With > all this publicity, his greatest honor came in 1973 when he was named > as an Honorary Colonel by the State of Tennessee, becoming the first > African-American ever to receive that honor. In 1981 Furry got > pneumonia which led to his death. On one his tombstones that were > purchased by his fans the epitaph reads "Bluesman." > > Perhaps Joni should consider a sequel to the song. A version that > paints Beale Street in a more vibrant manner as it is known from its > rich history to it's vibrancy of today? What do you think? > > > > > ----------------------------------------------------------- > Politicians and diapers both need to be changed often. > And usually for the same reasons. > ----------------------------------------------------------- > > > > ____________________________________________________________________________________ > Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. > http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2007 22:26:26 -0000 From: "Anita Tedder" Subject: Re: sweet bird. vljc Bob wrote re Jennys album: And I do want to mention that the Joni cover isn't my favorite track on the CD. (That would be "Broken") Well, Bob, I know you and I share the love of Dawntreader and I think I understand among our fave Joni songs and, yeah, were together on this one, too. Broken is so much my favourite that its the one I am learning to play. Great chorus, great lyric. Broken, broken. Love can take its toll. Broken, broken. Still we yearn to be made whole Well, at least thats what Im singing (correct me if Im wrong, jen). I am also adding some harmonica to Jennys version which I am currently learning to play along with my guitar. It sounds truly horrendous and is currently sending both my cats whizzing through the cat flap,(sigh)as I play  but Hey, Im having fun! Anita NP- Anita and yowling cats and harmonicas singing Broken, Jenny Goodspeed No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.15.30/1127 - Release Date: 12/11/2007 21:19 ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2007 21:41:24 +0000 From: Stephen Toogood Subject: RE: onlyJMDL Digest V2007 #358 Re: Actress to play Joni Would be so hard to find someone to pull that off. Oh an no the actress couldn't have a singing part! Can you imagine; either an imitation which would pale or someone that sounds nothing like her. Sissy would have been great, but yes the time has passed. Dunst it terrible - she never seems to be into her characters... terrible terrible (sorry if anyone likes her!). Re: Sweet Bird Always took the song to be about vanity and power trips, and how they are one big illusion in the grand scheme of things. Is a lovely song and as a Monika and other have said very meditating, and trance like. Re: Joni covers Surprised all songs from THOSL have been covered. So much for the critics huh. _________________________________________________________________ Feel like a local wherever you go. http://www.backofmyhand.com ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2007 16:50:34 -0800 (PST) From: Bob Muller Subject: HOSL Covers Thanks to the Reprise tribute earlier this year...prior to that nobody had done Boho Dance or DITS before. Bob NP: The Beach Boys, "Why Do Fools Fall In Love" - --------------------------------- Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2007 18:03:24 -0800 (PST) From: Jeannie Subject: Re: Santa Barbara Joni Tribute Please try to understand my inexperience concerning these Joni Mitchell Tribute gatherings which seem to come up quite often. Does Joni ever show up at these tributes? Who attends these tributes? Are they mostly Joni's biggest fans or just priveledged folks who appreciate and attend cultural events? Who organizes these events? Khakki According to Victor's descriptions of this most recent tribute show, which seemed so enjoyable, yet seems to cost a pretty penny or an arm and a leg to be able to attend and to enjoy the accomodations of pricey hotels. Jeannie waytoblue@comcast.net wrote: -------------- Original message ---------------------- From: > Victor, Bene and I had lots of traveling and adventures the past few days, > culminating in our final destination at Soho in Santa Barbara. I have been to > three of Kate's Joni tributes and I agree this was the best ever. In the past > there were always a few famous folks sitting in which definitely awed you, but > this one was just so full of heart and spirit and originality. It was really > magical and fantastic. It truly was..there a magnificent energy there that you could feel in the packed house. I finally arrived home last night and was simply exhausted. I'm back at school today and seem to be bouncing back pretty well. Everything still resonates so strongly in my mind and heart. Kakki and Bene were fantastic traveling companions...the whole excursion was magical. My journey even started off with an interesting twist. I had just boarded the plane to fly to L.A. and saw that the overhead compartments were too small for my guitar. I asked the stewardess if she could stash my guitar somewhere and she said that she would, but that I had to write her a song. I asked her her name, and she said it was Melissa, and that I wasn't allowed to use Sweet Melissa by the Allman Brothers. So I broke out my laptop and started writing a song for her and actually wrote an entire song that I think is going to be really cool. I was working on it some more last night and its really starting to come together. The whole thing started as kind of a joke but you never know where you will find inspiration....when it comes you just have to run with it. Another cool moment was at the Bel Air Hotel. We were hanging at the bar, drinking some evening cocktails and listening to the fabulous piano player they have, who's been playing for there for 10 years. I requested My Funny Valentine, which he played and then somehow, the subject of David Lahm and his Joni Mitchell jazz albums came up, and then of course, we thought of his mother, Dorothy Fields, the great songwriter. So I walked over to the piano and asked if he could play a Dorothy Fields song...he immediately perked up and gave a stunning rendition of "The Way You Look Tonight." The Bel Air Hotel is a beautiful cozy little hideaway and they even have swans swimming in streams with little bridges surrounded by lush plant life and trees. We were even thinking of holding a future jonifest there...of course everyone will have to deposit $3000 dollars...lol It was also fabulous just getting to see Kate and Jeff even if it was only for short while. The whole evening was definitely top class as Leslie put it. It was great to see the JMDL so well represented. And thanks to Kakki, we definitely had the best table in the house. Victor nj ' - --------------------------------- Get easy, one-click access to your favorites. Make Yahoo! your homepage. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2007 22:32:46 -0500 From: "Eric Taylor" Subject: Re: Holy Smoke! GREAT ONE Marian!!!!!! Thank you for so humorously making me feel it's okay to be the first and the last...... But seriously it is odd that my post to the JMDL (below) reads: >Sent: Tuesday, November 13, 2007 10:15 AM.< I sent it at 2:15 AM EST. Something strange is going on with internet time ever since W added a week to Spring and Fall Daylight Savings Time, the total megalomaniac! Could this be a mini Y2K? Let's call it W4WW... ET ;~D > Oh my God! I do it all the time, but never on purpose - it's just where I > live and when I get up in the morning. The digest is always issued around 9 > a.m. my time and I'm usually reading things just before or just after then. > I'll try to restrain myself in the future! > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Eric Taylor" > To: "jmdl" > Sent: Tuesday, November 13, 2007 10:15 AM > Subject: Holy Smoke! > << PS: I've never intend to be the first or the last poster to the JMDL and > am sometimes embarrassed when it happens. It seems so egotistical.>> ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 14 Nov 2007 03:58:53 +0000 From: Patti Parlette Subject: Subject: everything is first class... Lesli, dear companion, wrote: Ever since i've joined this list, that's how it's felt: first class. proven again last night at the tribute.< And Kate, another lady of the canyon replied: Lesli, you're such a first class addition to our west coast jmdl group! It was so wonderful to see you again & thank you so much for coming! I loved your beautiful report, so glad you had a lovely time! Back to Lesli: >gorgeous drive up the coast, tiffany glass sunset reflected in the ocean. then arriving in beautiful santa barbara, ringed by mountians, with its adobes, trees and vibe. the company, the mood, food and THE MUSIC!< *** Yes! Great job, Lesli! As Cassy said (paraphrasing), I felt like I was right next to you in spirit. (Then can I walk beside you?) Santa Barbara is paradise to me. All good dreamers pass that way! You played paradise. Thank you for the excellent reports, Kate and Victor and Kakki. It was like being there. And now we have Bene's report to look forward to, after she takes her baggage off the carousel and settles back into the clickety clack. A big Joni high five to you, Kate. Brava, bellissima! Love & Peace, Patti P. NPIMH: California _________________________________________________________________ Help yourself to FREE treats served up daily at the Messenger Cafi. Stop by today. http://www.cafemessenger.com/info/info_sweetstuff2.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_OctWLtagline ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2007 21:17:37 -0700 From: "L.Bruce Vaughn" Subject: Re: onlyJMDL Digest V2007 #358 Re: Actress to play Joni Anyone put up Gwenyth Paltrow as a suggestion? She's kind of got the looks, can act (personal opinion), and the lady can sing (also personal opinion), nobody could "DO" Joni verbatim and would you really want them to try to mimic Joni completely and certainly fail? Bruce Stephen Toogood wrote: >Re: Actress to play Joni >Would be so hard to find someone to pull that off. Oh an no the actress >couldn't have a singing part! Can you imagine; either an imitation which would >pale or someone that sounds nothing like her. Sissy would have been great, but >yes the time has passed. Dunst it terrible - she never seems to be into her >characters... terrible terrible (sorry if anyone likes her!). > >Re: Sweet Bird >Always took the song to be about vanity and power trips, and how they are one >big illusion in the grand scheme of things. Is a lovely song and as a Monika >and other have said very meditating, and trance like. > >Re: Joni covers >Surprised all songs from THOSL have been covered. So much for the critics >huh. >_________________________________________________________________ >Feel like a local wherever you go. >http://www.backofmyhand.com ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2007 21:05:39 -0800 From: "Mark Scott" Subject: Fw: possible Joni content--WWJD Travis found a new toy for Joni. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WetVXbYRfWk Bye bye VG-8? Mark in Seattle ------------------------------ End of onlyJMDL Digest V2007 #359 ********************************* ------- Post messages to the list by clicking here: mailto:joni@smoe.org Unsubscribe by clicking here: mailto:onlyjoni-digest-request@smoe.org?body=unsubscribe ------- Siquomb, isn't she? (http://www.siquomb.com/siquomb.cfm)