Here’s a look back at a handful of gems from Joni Mitchell, spanning her career between the 1970s and ’90s – including an intriguing demo from the 50th anniversary reissue package for 1971’s Blue:
“COLD BLUE STEEL AND SWEET FIRE,” from FROM THE ROSES (1972): Yes, I love a good drug song. This one, from Joni Mitchell’s fantastic For the Roses, has imagery for days:
Sweet Fire calling,
“You can’t deny me
Now you know what you need”
Underneath the jungle gym
Hollow grey fire escape thief
Looking for sweet fire
Shadow of lady release
Musically, “Cold Blue Steel and Sweet Fire” is as riveting as you would expect from the master. Her acoustic providing a tasty contrast to the soprano sax of Tom Scott. No wonder this was one of Steely Dan co-founder Walter Becker’s favorites.
“DRY CLEANER FROM DES MOINES,” from SHADOWS AND LIGHT (1980): Joni Mitchell’s “new” jazz voice meets the fantastic brush work of then-boyfriend Don Alias, bebop touches of Michael Brecker’s tenor sax, and the cunningly insane bass of Jaco Pastorius. This song, originally from Charles Mingus, is much more engaging in a live setting – and Mitchell more than rises to the occasion. Sadly, only Mitchell is still with us from the group of musicians who appear on “Dry Cleaner From Des Moines.” (Pat Metheny also remains, but he’s not on this song, nor is the late Lyle Mays.)
“THE CRAZY CRIES OF LOVE,” from TAMING OF THE TIGER (1998): Appearing on the last great album from Joni Mitchell, “The Crazy Cries of Love” is a gem among gems. Her first post-Larry Klein LP continues an intimate semi-acoustic sound, with Mitchell’s seamless production and brilliant guitar work. The lyrics, written with Don Freed, are as strong as any in her canon, and the interaction with drummer Brian Blade is perfect. Wait, we also get delicate whiffs of Wayne Shorter on soprano sax. This is the good stuff.
“IN FRANCE, THEY KISS ON MAIN STREET,” from THE HISSING OF SUMMER LAWNS (1975): Jazz? Rock? Joni Mitchell! The Hissing of Summer Lawns has rock sensibilities, but there is so much more to it. “In France, They Kiss on Main Street” finds Mitchell painting a vivid and inviting tale of urban entanglements. Helping Mitchell is the contrast electric guitars of Robbin Ford and Jeff Baxter, then with the Doobie Brothers and formerly of Steely Dan. The addition of Victor Feldman on electric piano, along with David Crosby, Graham Nash and James Taylor on backing vocals add additional shine.
“CALIFORNIA (DEMO),” from BLUE 50 [DEMOS & OUTTAKES] (2021): This five-song EP was the second of what promised to be a series of releases from the Joni Mitchell vault. Hard to believe it’s been so long since the release of one of the greatest albums in music history. The demo for “California” isn’t better than the original, but it’s a nice contrast. Vocally, Mitchell tries a few new approaches in her love letter to the sunshine state. Lyrically, she also swaps a few different words. However, the arrangement is very close to the released version, as is her dulcimer playing. Missing is the pedal-steel guitar from the initial release. If you’re a fan, it’s a must own. It also served as an incredible tease of what’s to come from the archives.
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