By: Tracking Angle

May 12th, 2023

Category:

News

"Joni Mitchell at Newport"—Her July, 2022 Surprise Appearance Coming July 28th, 2023 on Vinyl and CD

double vinyl set, ATMOS, streaming services, etc.

From the press release:

Mitchell was joined on stage at the Newport Folk Festival by a star-studded band led by Carlile, the 9x GRAMMY®-winning singer/songwriter. Other performers included Carlile’s bandmates Phil and Tim Hanseroth, Wynonna Judd, Marcus Mumford, Celisse, Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig of Lucius, Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes, and more.

Mitchell delighted the audience, blending her voice with the other singers on stage on classics like “Big Yellow Taxi,” “A Case Of You,” and “Both Sides Now.” For good measure, she even flashed her guitar prowess, playing a solo instrumental version of “Just Like This Train.”

In his liner notes for AT NEWPORT, Cameron Crowe writes about Mitchell’s arduous and miraculous recovery from a life-threatening brain aneurysm in 2015, that led to her emotional return at Newport.

“Mitchell emerged from the side of the stage, swaying smoothly, in fine summer-style with beret and sunglasses. Her good-natured mood instantly set the tone. This performance would be an intimate gathering of friends, not unlike the Joni Jams she’d been hosting in her own living room over the last few years of recovery. Smiling broadly, Mitchell made her surprise appearance, taking her on-stage seat alongside Carlile. Within minutes, the news had rocketed around the globe. Mitchell was back, sparkling with enthusiasm, delivering a tender and passionate set of 13 songs, ending with a joyful sing-along of ‘The Circle Game.’”

AT NEWPORT

2-LP Track Listing

Side One

1. Introduction by Brandi Carlile

2. “Big Yellow Taxi”

3. “A Case Of You”

4. “Amelia”

Side Two

1. “Both Sides Now”

2. “Just Like This Train”

3. “Summertime”

Side Three

1. “Carey”

2. “Help Me”

3. “Come In From The Cold”

Side Four

1. “Shine”

“The Circle Game”

Comments

2023-05-13 11:46:43 AM

PeterG wrote:

Kinda torn here. The YouTube brought tears to my eyes, and I recommend it to all with any appreciation of rock history. But I am not so sure I'd call it a Joni Mitchell performance as much as her singing along with loving people
- 2023-05-13 03:38:09 PM
  
  bwb wrote:
  
  I have to agree. It is wonderful that she is alive and able to perform, but if you are being honest there is no way you can call it a good performance. It is emotional to see her being able to return to the stage, but can't imagine sitting and listening to this record. All great performers either get to the point they just can't do it anymore, or die before they get there. Watch BB King towards the end fumbling around the fretboard, Tony Bennett being led around shouting out lyrics because he couldn't sing anymore or remember where he was, Sinatra talking instead of singing, and the list goes on. It was a piece of history to savor in the moment, not something to be revisited.
2023-05-13 06:13:31 PM

Silk Dome Mid wrote:

This is a press release, not a review. As I see it, the recording is intended as a memento for Joni's most devoted fans, and not intended to stand alongside the great recordings from her prime.
- 2023-05-13 10:16:39 PM
  
  Jeffrey Puckett wrote:
  
  No one claims that it’s a review. The very first words are “From the press release” so I’m wondering what your point might be. That goes for your second statement, as well. No one in their right mind expects new product from an old artist to rival the records of their youth. This is all very Capt. Obvious.
  - 2023-05-13 11:04:54 PM
    
    Silk Dome Mid wrote:
    
    Sorry you wasted five seconds reading my comment and then another twenty seconds replying and making a point even more pointless than my own. Also, kiss my ass.