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Joni Mitchell Never Lies

The Daily

Published: Wed Dec 25 2024

In 2022, seven years after surviving a brain aneurysm that left her unable to sing or even speak, Joni Mitchell appeared onstage at the Newport Folk Festival. Singing alongside her were her supportive — and emotional — musician friends, including Brandi Carlile, Marcus Mumford, Wynonna Judd and Annie Lennox. Our critic Wesley Morris had his doubts. What was really happening here? Did Joni Mitchell even want this? Or were her younger adoring musician fans propping her up for their own reasons? When he learned this fall that Joni would be appearing onstage again, at the Hollywood Bowl, he bought a ticket to see for himself. On today’s episode, Wesley talks with his editor Sasha Weiss about the concert, and what it’s like to experience an 80-year-old in full command of her meaning.

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Daily – "Joni Mitchell Never Lies"

Podcast Information

  • Title: The Daily
  • Host/Author: The New York Times
  • Episode: Joni Mitchell Never Lies
  • Release Date: December 25, 2024
  • Hosts: Michael Barbaro and Sabrina Tavernise
  • Guest: Wesley Morris, Critic at Large, The New York Times

1. Introduction to Joni Mitchell's Comeback

The episode begins with Michael Barbaro introducing a special segment for the last few episodes of 2024, titled "A Year of Culture in Review." The focus of this episode is the remarkable comeback of legendary singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell.

Michael Barbaro [00:22]:

"We're bringing you something really special. A Year of Culture in review. We're going to begin with one of our all-time favorite guests talking about one of the year's most astonishing performances and the really improbable story of how it even happened today."

2. Joni Mitchell's Health and Return to the Stage

Wesley Morris delves into the backstory of Joni Mitchell's return to the public eye. After disappearing from the music scene and suffering a life-threatening brain aneurysm in 2015, which left her unable to sing or speak, Mitchell's sudden appearance at the Newport Folk Festival in 2022 shocked fans and critics alike.

Wesley Morris [01:10]:

"Back in 2022, this news broke that this amazing event had taken place at the Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island. Joni Mitchell had come out and played a concert for the first time in a long time."

Mitchell's appearance was spearheaded by musician Brandi Carlile and featured collaborations with artists like Winona Judd and Marcus Mumford. These performances, known as "Joanie Jams," were initially private gatherings at Mitchell's Los Angeles home but were later opened to the public, igniting immense fan excitement.

Wesley Morris [01:40]:

"She was back, and I might add, back in that signature beret."

3. Hollywood Bowl Concert Review

Barbaro and Morris recount their experiences attending Joni Mitchell's Hollywood Bowl concert. They highlight the intimate setting, Mitchell's commanding presence from her throne-like armchair, and the dynamic interactions with the audience and fellow musicians.

Wesley Morris [11:50]:

"She was the band leader. And it's so interesting because she was seated the whole time, right? She sits like, chair. And we gotta talk about the furniture, which is incredible."

Michael Barbaro [12:28]:

"Something about the chair really is a throne, like, set piece. And it really gives everybody a raid around her, a kind of not subservient role. But they're all there to facilitate the needs of this monarch."

The concert featured a mix of classic hits and deeper cuts from Mitchell's extensive discography, emphasizing her evolution as an artist beyond her iconic album Blue. The hosts note the absence of mainstream hits like "Big Yellow Taxi," focusing instead on songs from her later works, which showcased her matured artistry and profound lyrical depth.

Wesley Morris [15:45]:

"Part of the feeling that I got of her being in command was the set list, which... she was not bringing nostalgia and comfort."

4. Reflections on Joni Mitchell's Music and Artistry

The discussion delves into Mitchell's musical prowess, particularly her vocal range despite her health challenges. Both hosts express admiration for her ability to convey complex emotions and narratives through her music.

Wesley Morris [06:46]:

"I listened to them thousands of times. I mean, Blue is just stamped on my consciousness."

Michael Barbaro [10:35]:

"She can still control, she can still wield it."

They explore how Mitchell's work transcends simple genre classifications, blending elements of folk, jazz, and pop, and how her songwriting remains relevant and deeply impactful decades after its inception.

Wesley Morris [17:03]:

"There's a Quality of attention that you have to bring to her new register. And there's such a depth and a richness."

5. Emotional Impact of the Performance

Both hosts recount the profound emotional resonance of witnessing Mitchell's performance. They highlight specific moments, such as her rendition of "Both Sides Now" and "I Love You," which encapsulated her reflective and life-affirming presence on stage.

Michael Barbaro [20:57]:

"I was struck by just how present she was in this music. And like, when she sounded to me like this arrangement has found a great place for her singing. And it happened more than half the time."

Wesley Morris [30:02]:

"She really elongated the word gained. 'But something's gained in the living. Every day.'"

The hosts emphasize the authenticity and vulnerability displayed by Mitchell, making the performance not just a concert but a communal and introspective experience for both the audience and themselves.

6. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In wrapping up, Barbaro and Morris reflect on Joni Mitchell's indomitable spirit and artistic integrity. They acknowledge her resilience in overcoming severe health challenges and her unwavering commitment to her craft, choosing to create art on her own terms rather than succumbing to commercial pressures.

Wesley Morris [27:25]:

"I'm really taking all I have to not burst into song."

Michael Barbaro [29:37]:

"I couldn't believe my good fortune."

The episode concludes with a heartfelt appreciation for Mitchell's ability to distill and process collective human experiences through her music, leaving listeners with a deep sense of admiration and inspiration.

Wesley Morris [31:51]:

"I just couldn't believe my good fortune."

Notable Quotes:

  • Wesley Morris [05:40]:

    "My parents introduced me to Joni Mitchell, and it was at a pretty young age. I can't really remember a time when her voice wasn't in my head."

  • Michael Barbaro [07:06]:

    "It's sort of doing a parallel bar routine... flips around a little bit, goes back down, comes up, and then sticks the landing every time."

  • Joni Mitchell [02:58]:

    "Frozen flows of angel hair."

  • Joni Mitchell [20:57]:

    "No phones till Friday."

Conclusion

"Joni Mitchell Never Lies" serves as a poignant exploration of Joni Mitchell's remarkable return to music, celebrating her enduring legacy and the timeless relevance of her artistry. Through in-depth analysis and personal anecdotes, Michael Barbaro and Wesley Morris encapsulate the essence of Mitchell's influence, offering listeners both a tribute and a thoughtful examination of a true musical icon.

No transcript available.