After Joni Mitchell suffered a mind aneurysm in 2015, no person anticipated to ever see her onstage once more. Then casual “Joni Jams” at her residence in recent times that includes well-known buddies Elton John, Paul McCartney and Bonnie Raitt culminated in a shock look by Mitchell on the Newport Folks Pageant in 2022, the place she carried out a short set alongside Brandi Carlile, Marcus Mumford and others. (She’s since performed her first full live performance in 20 years.)
The historic hour-long present was recorded for posterity and is collected on At Newport, an 11-song celebration of Mitchell’s music and legacy. The friends – who additionally embody Wynonna Judd, Lucius’ Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig, Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes and members of Carlile’s band – fill in most of the lacking items, however the highlight is at all times on Mitchell, even when she’s not at middle stage.
That is an issue at occasions however an comprehensible one. Mitchell’s first public efficiency since her sickness was going to be a bit unstable, irrespective of how well-prepared she was. There are stumbles heard on At Newport, however not practically as many as could be anticipated beneath such circumstances. So when her supporters (actually, on this case) step up, you would like they weren’t such a dominating presence.
As a comeback, Mitchell’s performances are sometimes touching. Solely “Each Sides Now” was formally recorded by Mitchell the final time she performed Newport, in 1969. “The Circle Sport,” a preferred cowl within the late ’60s, arrived on 1970’s Girls of the Canyon. Her too-rare between-song recollections will be humorous and revealing, particularly when it provides background and appreciation to the lesser-known “Amelia” from 1976’s Hejira.
When she’s the principle voice onstage – steady and assured, given the situations – Mitchell brings poignancy to her catalog: “A Case of You,” “Amelia” and “Each Sides Now” are highlights. The group singalongs of “Large Yellow Taxi” and “The Circle Sport” are a bit cloying however level to the common enchantment of Mitchell’s music, which in impact is what At Newport celebrates. This memento is not fairly the identical as being there, however it’s good to have her again.
Joni Mitchell 12 months-by-12 months Pictures 1965-2023
Almost six decades-worth of pictures from Mitchell’s pioneering profession.
