The Emergence of Joni Mitchell

In "The Emergence of Joni Mitchell" Paul Ingles got the balance right. It must have been a gigantic (and inspiring) undertaking to sort through almost five decades' worth of interviews and music to compile this audio-picture of Joni's musical life. What results is a two-hour program that interweaves music, interview clips, Paul's commentary, and reflections from fans and peers - without duplicating other excellent efforts (such as the DVD, "Woman of Heart and Mind").

As I listened to the program, I was constantly thrown back to specific life stages triggered by particular songs that are landmarks in my history, and so I enjoyed a swarm of memories of people, places, and emotional states. That was expected. The interesting surprise was the more analytical slant on her music. I would normally shy away from this, mostly letting tunes carry me in whatever irrational, random way they might naturally do. But I found it was interesting to hear others' thoughts about this musician and her music: how she influenced them; how the emotions were echoed in the musical construction; how she worked her chords; and how she painted images with her words. It was fun - for a change - to hear some more "heady" thoughts about all of these aspects that I had, for decades, appreciated on pretty much a gut level.

I admit to some bias toward Joni's earlier music - up through Hejira. So I appreciated Paul's inclusion of a lot about her later works, which helped me open up a bit more to them. I wish he had folded in the modern dance production Joni collaborated on using her Shine album, but perhaps this happened too late in 2007 to be included.

Joni's "emergence" is rightly portrayed in this program as an ongoing, lifelong process rather than a single "popping" out of a chrysalis. I heartily recommend it to anyone who loves Joni's music or who is interested in, and inspired by, a good story of a creative life.