I love Wayne Shorter. He's the best saxophonist ever, in my opinion. Miles thought so too. Even over Coltrane and the people who were much more famous than Wayne, really. Everything was magical about him. I remember I was playing with Jaco Pastorius, who had just joined Weather Report. Wayne, of course, was one of the founding members of that band. Jaco was supposed to be in the studio recording with me, and he didn't show up. So I said to Henry, the engineer, ”I know where he is. Let's go get him.” So we went down to the rehearsal studio. Zawinul and Jaco were tossing a Frisbee on the ground. They were throwing it with their hand and priding themselves on how good they were at catching a Frisbee and everything.

At a certain point, they threw it at Peter Erskine, who was a new drummer in the band. It came towards him and he was terrified. He reached up and grabbed it and threw it. It wobbled all the way back. Jaco looked at him and kind of gave him the stink eye for a bad throw. Up on the stage meantime was Wayne with his horn tucked under his left arm. He was playing the keyboard with his right hand. Joe threw the Frisbee at Wayne, and it was coming straight at Wayne’s head, out of his peripheral vision. Wayne reached up, caught it and threw it back perfectly. You know, Wayne was more than a musician. He was like a little Zen master. He was mystical. He was the only musician that I could direct metaphorically or theatrically. I would say to him, “Come in here and get out here. Then come in really sad, and by the time you get to here… get really young.”

And he would play that! Or, I’d tell him, okay, Wayne, “you're the bird.” So he'd go out in the studio, put his horn in his mouth, and the first lick that came out of him was so like a bird. It was amazing. Then his hand was in the air waving for “one more take,” and I said, “no way. I'll punch you in, but I won't start over.” So I punched him in and I left the first lick that he played on the record. It was magnificent. He was just kind of unconscious when he played it, but it was so bird-like and so unusual. He was a beautiful musician. He will be sorely missed.

Joni brought “Both Sides Now” of the political aisle together, as lawmakers and musical artists celebrated her life and career at the Library of Congress’s Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. Joni was honored Wednesday in a star-studded ceremony at D.A.R. Constitution Hall in Washington.

The annual honor from the Library of Congress, named after George and Ira Gershwin, is considered the “nation’s highest award for influence, impact and achievement in popular music.” Mitchell’s music, Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden told the packed audience at the tribute concert, “hits you straight to your heart, down to your soul.” -Kyle Balluck

Wayne Shorter, the enigmatic, intrepid saxophonist who shaped the color and contour of modern jazz as one of its most intensely admired composers, died this morning in Los Angeles. He was 89.

Mr. Shorter had a sly, confiding style on the tenor saxophone, instantly identifiable by his low-gloss tone and elliptical sense of phrase. His sound was brighter on soprano, an instrument on which he left an incalculable influence; he could be inquisitive, teasing or elusive, but always with a pinpoint intonation and clarity of attack. - Nate Chinen

Wayne was Joni's 'go-to' sax player, and she asked him to record with her often- first on the Don Juan's Reckless Daughter album in 1977. He last recorded with her on 2002's Travelogue. Read more...

James Taylor, Brandi Carlile, Annie Lennox, Herbie Hancock, Cyndi Lauper, Marcus Mumford, Graham Nash, Diana Krall and Angelique Kidjo have been confirmed to perform on Wednesday, March 1, as Joni is awarded the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song during an all-star tribute concert in Washington DC.

Joni will also appear at the Library on Thursday, March 2, at 7 p.m. ET as part of the Live at the Library series in conversation with Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. The event is open to the public with seating on a first-come, first-serve basis. More information here

“It is with great sadness after a long illness, that our beloved David (Croz) Crosby has passed away,” his wife wrote in a statement to Variety. “He was lovingly surrounded by his wife and soulmate Jan and son Django. Although he is no longer here with us, his humanity and kind soul will continue to guide and inspire us. His legacy will continue to live on through his legendary music. Peace, love, and harmony to all who knew David and those he touched. We will miss him dearly. At this time, we respectfully and kindly ask for privacy as we grieve and try to deal with our profound loss. Thank you for the love and prayers.”

David Crosby produced Joni’s first album and aimed to protect the integrity, originality, and purity of Joni’s music. "We did get the actual songs down without a bunch of other crud on it, and that made me happy," Crosby remembered. "That's the thing I'm proudest of."

David Crosby was 81 years old.

Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden today announced that Joni will be the next recipient of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. Mitchell will be honored with a tribute concert March 1 in Washington, D.C., that will premiere on PBS stations nationwide on March 31. More information here.

Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (MoFi), which specializes in the foremost audio technology and definitive reissues of significant albums, will release six iconic Joni albums on its UltraDisc One-Step 180g 45RPM 2LP (UD1S) and hybrid Super Audio CD (SACD) formats. Strictly numbered and limited, each UD1S box set will be sourced from the original analog master tapes (analog tape to DSD to analog console to Lathe) and pressed on MoFi SuperVinyl. The numbered-edition SACDs will come packaged in mini-gatefold sleeves and will also be sourced from the original analog master tapes. Ladies of the Canyon (1970) and Blue (1971) will be released in 2023. Four other albums — For the Roses (1972), Court and Spark (1974), The Hissing of Summer Lawns (1975), and Hejira (1976) — will follow. Read the press release.

This just in from Joni! "I joined my dear friend Elton John for a very special conversation on his Rocket Hour program." Full audio and video available Saturday at 2pm LDN / 6am PT only on Apple Music. Released to the public 4 hours later. The discussion was taped on October 28.

Is this Dreamland coming on? Could this be the Only Joy in Town? We got a break, unbelievable!

The secret is out- Joni will be performing live again for the second Joni Jam - 'Echoes through the Canyon' - with Brandi Carlile. Set your sights for June 10, 2023 at the Gorge Amphitheater in George, Washington. Tickets will be sold in three increments: an Artist presale starts at 10am on Thursday October 27. Then, the public sale of tickets begins at 10am on Friday, October 28 (Both times are US Pacific).

Also, Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Tuesday, October 25 at 10:00am until Thursday, October 27 at 10:00pm through the Citi Entertainment program.

We'll post any updates here, as details may change over the next few days. Amelia, this is not a false alarm.

On October 28, Rhino will mark the 50th anniversary of Joni Mitchell’s 1972 album ‘For The Roses’ with a new black vinyl reissue available at all retailers. An aqua blue pressing will follow on November 11. The color variant is an Amazon exclusive in the US, and will be available at various independent record stores in other territories.

Previously only available in the recent ‘Asylum Albums 1972-1975’ box set, the remastered album will now be available on its own, using the same sources as the box set. The records were cut by Bernie Grundman directly from the original analog master tapes, and both variations of ‘For The Roses’ are pressed at Optimal, as the ‘Asylum Albums’ box set was.

US links: Black vinyl - Blue vinyl. For other territories, contact your favorite record store for order details.

Today's the day! Rhino explores the beginning of the prolific Asylum era with THE ASYLUM ALBUMS (1972-1975), the next installment in the Joni Mitchell Archives series. The collection features newly remastered versions of For The Roses (1972), Court And Spark (1974), the double live album Miles Of Aisles (1974), and The Hissing Of Summer Lawns (1975). All four were recently remastered by Bernie Grundman. More information here.

Berklee’s Office of the President and Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice presented an honorary doctorate to Joni last night, August 23, at a private residence in Santa Monica, California. Linda Brown and Russell Brown of the MaddocksBrown Foundation hosted the intimate evening gathering.

Described as “the voice of a generation,” Mitchell has been hailed as having a consequential influence on the styles and sounds that shaped 20th century music and culture. Berklee President Erica Muhl remarked in her introduction, “Since her debut in the late 1960s, Joni has been a force for change in the industry, blazing the trail for women in music with an unwavering commitment to achieving the status rightfully due her as one of the world’s great musical artists.” - Colette Greenstein

This is Joni's fourth honorary doctorate.

More information here.

Joni is featured on the cover of the new (October) issue of UNCUT, in UK stores from August 18 and available to buy now from their online store. It's an 11-page spread focusing on Joni's Newport appearance and the upcoming Asylum Albums box set. More information here.

Mo Ostin, the industry giant and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer who led Warner Bros. Records for nearly a quarter-century and worked with some of music’s all-time biggest names — from Frank Sinatra, Jimi Hendrix and Neil Young to Paul Simon, Joni and the Grateful Dead — died overnight in his sleep. He was 95. Warner Records Co-Chairman Tom Corson and Aaron Bay-Schuck announced the news yesterday but gave no other details.

Mo was present at the signing of Joni's first record contract. “Mo was one of the greatest record men of all time, and a prime architect of the modern music business,” Corson said in a statement

Joni was at a turning point 50 years ago. After making four acclaimed albums with Reprise Records, she left the label to join the brand-new Asylum Records in 1972. Over the next seven years, she would record some of the most acclaimed music of her career while changing her musical direction by adding more jazz elements into her songwriting. The evolution culminated in 1979 with Mingus, her collaboration with jazz titan Charles Mingus, and her studio last album for Asylum.

Rhino explores the beginning of that prolific era with THE ASYLUM ALBUMS (1972-1975), the next installment in the Joni Mitchell Archives series. The collection features newly remastered versions of For The Roses (1972), Court And Spark (1974), the double live album Miles Of Aisles (1974), and The Hissing Of Summer Lawns (1975). All four were recently remastered by Bernie Grundman.

THE ASYLUM ALBUMS (1972-1975) will be available on September 23 in 4-CD and 5-LP 180-gram vinyl (Limited Edition Of 20,000) versions, as well as digitally. The newly remastered version of “You Turn Me On I’m A Radio” from For The Roses is available today on digital download and streaming services.

Moon's up, nights up,
Taking the town by surprise.

Last night at the Newport Folk Festival, Paul Simon made a surprise appearance. A reviewer wrote "I’m not sure how the festival can outdo itself on Sunday for Day 3 but they always seem to find a way."

They found a way.

After Brandi Carlile's set this early evening, a shocked and delighted crowd roared as Joni Mitchell came on stage and participated in what was pre-billed as the 'Coyote Jam' with Brandi and many others.

The last time Joni performed with guitar in hand in front of a paying audience was 8,660 days ago, on her 55th birthday.

The set list:
Joni enters
Carey
Come in From The Cold
Help Me
A Case of You
Big Yellow Taxi
Just Like This Train (Joni on guitar!)
Why Do Fools Fall in Love
Amelia
Love Potion #9
Shine
Summertime
Both Sides Now
The Circle Game

Here's a compilation of videos, articles, and photos from the event.

Rhino and Record Store Day have teamed up to reissue the 2021 remaster of Blue on clear vinyl as part of the RSD Essentials series. You can buy it from your preferred independent record shop (or their online storefronts) on November 11.

Joni Mitchell - Blue
RSD Essential
Clear Vinyl LP
RELEASE DATE: 11/11/2022

RSD Essential 031: Blue is the fourth studio album by Joni, released on June 22, 1971, by Reprise Records. Written and produced entirely by Mitchell, it was recorded in 1971 at A&M Studios in Hollywood, California. Created just after her breakup with Graham Nash and during an intense relationship with James Taylor, Blue explores various facets of relationships from infatuation on "A Case of You" to insecurity on "This Flight Tonight". Today, Blue is generally regarded by music critics as one of the greatest albums of all time; the cohesion of Mitchell's songwriting, compositions and voice are frequent areas of praise. In other words, this album is ESSENTIAL.

Available now- an original hand signed and numbered (out of 20) print of Jimi Hendrix, based on an oil painting by Joni, featuring Hendrix with angel wings setting his guitar on fire at The Monterey Pop Festival in 1967 – although Joni says she 'prefers to think of him in Heaven'.

100% of the proceeds of this print go to MusiCares to help provide a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. More information here.

Joni has taken an early prize as the Grammy Awards grind into gear in Las Vegas. This afternoon she was awarded the Grammy for Best Historical Recording for her Archives, Volume 1 box set - collecting the award in person. "I didn't expect this," said Joni, who won alongside co-producer Patrick Milligan (pictured) and mastering engineer Bernie Grundman.

A good time was had by all lucky attendees! Here is the list of performances (thanks to Sam Stone). More details to follow.

House band: Love Or Money
Herbie Hancock: Hejira
Violet Grohl: Help Me
Angelique Kidjo: If
John Legend: River
Yola: Urge for Going
St. Vincent: Court and Spark
Pentatonix: Why Do Fools Fall in Love > Raised on Robbery
Chloe Bailey: Chelsea Morning
Cyndi Lauper: Magdalene Laundries
Billy Porter: Both Sides Now
Beck: Jungle Line
Allison Russell: Free Man in Paris
Graham Nash: A Case of You (pre-recorded video)
Brandi Carlile: Woodstock (with Stephen Stills)
Jon Batiste: Medley- Down To You piano interlude/Last verse > Bad Dreams > Shine
Sara Barielles, Madison Cunningham, Lucius: California
Black Pumas: Dreamland
Lauren Daigle, Brandi & Lucius: Come In From The Cold
Leon Bridges: Amelia
Mickey Guyton & Allison Russell: For Free
Ensemble: Circle Game with Joni
Ensemble: Big Yellow Taxi with Joni

A diverse roster of artists, musicians and actors will take the stage as presenters at the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards. The esteemed lineup includes current GRAMMY nominees Megan Thee Stallion, Joni Mitchell and Questlove; GRAMMY winners Lenny Kravitz, Dua Lipa, Ludacris, Billy Porter, Bonnie Raitt, and Keith Urban; past GRAMMY nominees Kelsea Ballerini and Avril Lavigne; actors and musicians Jared Leto and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez; and actor Anthony Mackie. Previously announced GRAMMY performers include J Balvin with Maria Becerra, Jon Batiste, Brothers Osborne, BTS, Brandi Carlile, Billie Eilish, Cynthia Erivo, H.E.R., Lady Gaga, John Legend, Lil Nas X with Jack Harlow, Maverick City Music, Nas, Aymée Nuviola, Leslie Odom, Jr., Ben Platt, Olivia Rodrigo, Silk Sonic, Chris Stapleton, Billy Strings, Carrie Underwood, and Rachel Zegler.

@MusiCares Music on a Mission, presented by @GibsonGuitar, is a virtual concert celebrating the power of music to make a difference. The official #GRAMMY Week event will feature never-before-seen performances, inspiring stories, and tributes to Joni, the #MusiCares 2022 Person of the Year honoree. All proceeds will be distributed to music people in need. Watch here.

Sara Bareilles, Beck, Leon Bridges, Brandi Carlile, Lauren Daigle, Herbie Hancock, Chaka Khan, Angélique Kidjo, Cyndi Lauper, Pentatonix, Billy Porter, Stephen Stills, St. Vincent, Jon Batiste, Black Pumas, Mickey Guyton, and Allison Russell are set to perform at the 31st annual MusiCares® Person of the Year benefit gala honoring Joni on Fri, April 1, 2022. The evening will also feature a remote performance from Graham Nash. Jon Batiste and Brandi Carlile will also serve as Artistic Directors for the night.

As previously announced, this year's tribute will be held at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas on April 1, 2022. The evening will include a reception and silent auction, followed by a dinner and tribute concert honoring Joni’s impact on the music industry and the inspiration she has provided to artists over the years.

"We're excited to honor Joni together, in person, as a music community and can't wait to bring this great event to Las Vegas," said Laura Segura, Executive Director of MusiCares. "We will be celebrating with a purpose, toasting one of music's greatest songwriters and musicians, while raising vital funds to address the critical health and social service needs of the music community." -[BusinessWire].

Experience a new SiriusXM channel in honor of Joni Mitchell, the iconic musician and songwriter. Listen to The Joni Mitchell Channel on the SXM App now through April 14, or on satellite (Ch. 104) from March 30 through April 5. The exclusive channel coincides with Mitchell being honored as the 2022 Person Of The Year recipient at The Recording Academy’s MusiCares charity event on April 1, raising funds for vital programs and relief efforts for the music community.

The Joni Mitchell Channel will feature her timeless music, including home recordings, live performances and other rarities from the recent Joni Mitchell Archives series, as well as interpretations of her music by a wide range of artists including Chaka Khan, Elton John, Norah Jones, Annie Lennox, Brandi Carlile, Bob Dylan, The Byrds and more. Listeners will also be able to catch guest hosts sharing stories about Joni’s impact while selecting some of their favorite songs. More information here.

Tim Considine, who co-starred on the television serials The Adventures of Spin and Marty and The Hardy Boys before portraying the oldest brother on the first five seasons of My Three Sons, has died. He was 81. Joni fans know him as the photographer who snapped what has become arguably the most iconic image of her in existence- the cover of her Blue album.

Born December 31, 1940, Considine had immediate roots in show business. His father, John W. Considine, was an Oscar-nominated movie producer. His mother, Carmen, was the daughter of theater magnate Alexander Pantages. And his grandfather, John Considine, was active in vaudeville.

Considine’s survivors include his wife, Willett, whom he married in 1979; his son; his siblings John and Erin; and his grandchildren, Ethan and Tyler.

18 new members and three honorary members- one being Joni- will be inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters during its annual Ceremonial on May 18, 2022.

Membership in the Academy is limited to 300 architects, visual artists, composers, and writers who are elected for life and pay no dues. New members were elected by vote of the existing membership. The honor of election is considered the highest form of recognition of artistic merit in the United States.

In addition to its regular membership, the Academy’s American Honorary membership recognizes up to twenty Americans of extraordinary artistic achievement whose work falls outside of or transcends the fields of architecture, art, literature, and music composition, while Foreign Honorary membership celebrates up to seventy-five distinguished architects, artists, writers, and composers from other countries whose work the Academy’s membership greatly admires. [text taken from the press release]

Coming for Record Store Day on April 23: "Joni Mitchell – Blue Highlights" a 1-LP, 12" black vinyl Limited Edition of 16,000 copies - available exclusively at select independent music retailers .

Side One
Blue Demo Sessions (A&M Studios, Hollywood, CA, summer 1970):
1. A CASE OF YOU [4:01]
2. CALIFORNIA [3:39]
In Concert BBC TV Broadcast (BBC Television Centre, London, England, recorded Sep. 3, 1970, broadcast May 17, 1971):
3. ALL I WANT [4:16]
Blue Sessions (A&M Studios, Hollywood, CA, late 1970):
4. HUNTER [2:57]
5. URGE FOR GOING – with strings [5:05]
6. RIVER – with French horns [4:05]

Side Two
In Concert BBC Radio Broadcast (Paris Theatre, London England, recorded Oct. 29, 1970, broadcast Dec. 27, 1970):
1. MY OLD MAN [3:55]
2. “This is a mountain dulcimer” [3:43]
3. CAREY [3:12]
4. A CASE OF YOU – with James Taylor [4:32]
5. Intro to California – with James Taylor [0:14]
6. CALIFORNIA – with James Taylor [4:26]

I’ve decided to remove all my music from Spotify. Irresponsible people are spreading lies that are costing people their lives. I stand in solidarity with Neil Young and the global scientific and medical communities on this issue. —Joni Mitchell

Read An Open Letter to Spotify: A call from the global scientific and medical communities to implement a misinformation policy.

Peloton has launched a new series of workouts known as the “Artist Series”. These are direct collaborations & partnerships with artists, where the workouts will see the entire soundtrack featuring the tunes of the artist. Next up- Joni! The class with Ross Rayburn will be live on Monday, Jan 24. More information here.

MusiCares is happy to announce that Person of the Year has been rescheduled to Friday, April 1st. The gathering in celebration of Joni Mitchell's artistry and legacy has been moved to Las Vegas. While unexpected, this change will better ensure that that guests, performers, and Joni are safe. Additional event details, including the venue, will be announced later this month.

Now up for auction to benefit @Musicares, an original signed artist's proof print of Jimi Hendrix based on an oil painting by Joni, never before seen outside of her personal collection.

The painting features Hendrix with angel wings setting his guitar on fire at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967, although Joni says she “prefers to think of him in heaven.”

Visit JuliensLive to register to bid and win. Thanks to Experience Hendrix L.L.C. for their cooperation and support.

The Grammy Awards have been postponed because of the surging Omicron COVID-19 variant.

“After careful consideration and analysis with city and state officials, health and safety experts, the artist community and our many partners, the Recording Academy and CBS have postponed the 64th Annual Grammy Awards show,” the statement said.

Also pushed back this year because of the Omicron variant surge is the Jan. 29 MusiCares Person of the Year all-star concert honoring legendary Joni Mitchell. No new date has been announced yet for MusiCares, which takes place at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Joni’s Song Comes To Life With Watercolor Painting In New Animated Video.

"Just in time for Christmas, Joni Mitchell has debuted the first official music video for “River,” her wistful contribution to the Christmas songbook, taken from her landmark 1971 album Blue. Director Matvey Rezanov and Skazka Studios use animated watercolor painting to capture the song’s lonesome mood while paying tribute to Mitchell’s prolific creativity as a painter. Watch the video for “River” now."

Bass Magazine is just out with a fantastic new discussion between Joni and Larry Klein. A must read for all! Click the cover graphic to read the piece. Also, here's the story behind the cover story.

GRAMMY® Award-winning artists Brandi Carlile, Graham Nash, Herbie Hancock, James Taylor, Leon Bridges, and Pentatonix and GRAMMY Award nominees Black Pumas, Jon Batiste, Maggie Rogers, and Mickey Guyton will join the performance lineup at the 31st annual MusiCares® Person of the Year benefit gala honoring Joni Mitchell on Jan. 29, 2022, two nights before the GRAMMY Awards® telecast. Brandi Carlile and Jon Batiste will also serve as Artistic Directors for the night, a first for Person of the Year.

The tribute will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center and will include a reception and silent auction, followed by a dinner and tribute concert. Artists will pay tribute to some of Joni Mitchell’s most iconic songs, showcasing her timeless lyrics and unique talent for inspiring generations of musicians and songwriters. More information here. (Photo © Joe Sia)

Today at 3pm (EST) this year's Kennedy Center honorees- Joni, Lorne Michaels, Bette Midler, Berry Gordy, and Justino Diaz- attended an awards ceremony at the White House, hosted by President Biden.

Tonight, they were honored at the Kennedy Center before a packed audience that included Biden, Vice President Harris, several Cabinet secretaries, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Stage presenters included Norah Jones, Scarlett Johansson, Jimmy Fallon, Chita Rivera, Kevin Nealon, Amy Poehler, Seth Meyers, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Colin Jost, Michael Che, Kelli O'Hara, Yo-Yo Ma, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Steve Martin, Kenan Thompson, Beanie Feldstein, Kate Baldwin, Taylor Trensch, Goldie Hawn, Melissa Manchester, Barbara Hershey, Andra Day, Ellie Goulding, and David Letterman. Brandi Carlile performed "River," and Brittany Howard and Herbie Hancock united to perform "Both Sides Now".

The lifetime achievement medals had been presented to the honorees on Saturday night in a black-tie dinner for 210 donors, politicians and the recipients' families and friends at the Library of Congress. The dinner accords the honorees their chance to say a few words of thanks. Referencing her struggles with illness, Joni struck a tone of optimism: "I'm hobbling along but I'm doing all right!" she said, in brief remarks.

Highlights of the tribute performances will air on CBS on December 22 at 9pm Eastern/8pm Central. Mark your calendars! Photo by Scott Suchman (Dec 4 at the Library of Congress)/ Portions of the text by Peter Marks

Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 1: The Early Years (1963-1967) was nominated for a Grammy today for Best Historical Album. Other contenders are Beyond The Music: Marian Anderson's Complete RCA Victor Recordings; Etching The Voice: Emile Berliner And The First Commercial Gramophone Discs, 1889-1895; Excavated Shellac: An Alternate History Of The World’s Music; and Prince's Sign O' The Times Deluxe Edition.

This year’s Kennedy Center Honors, the nation’s highest honor for the arts, will pay tribute to Joni and other iconic cultural figures Justino Diaz, Berry Gordy, Lorne Michaels, and Bette Midler. The December 5 ceremony will be filmed and a highlights broadcast shown on CBS- Wednesday, December 22 at 9pm Eastern time.

Today's the day we finally get to hear the second volume in Joni's ongoing Archive series. Focusing on the period from late 1967 through early 1971, it's 5 CDs (and, in February, 10 LPs) worth of previously unreleased material. Click the Store link to get your copy!

In August of 1970, Joni traveled to the Four Corners region of the American Southwest to visit James on the set of Two-Lane Blacktop, his first and only starring acting role. While filming on location in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Taylor wrote “You Can Close Your Eyes” for Mitchell and performed the song live in October 1970 when they were in Vancouver to play at Amchitka, a benefit concert supporting Greenpeace’s protest against nuclear weapons tests at Amchitka, Alaska.

Taylor played the song again a few days later at the Paris Theatre in London on October 29, 1970, where he and Mitchell sang it together. Their performance was recorded (and later broadcast on December 27) for “In Concert,” a weekly show on BBC Radio hosted by famed British DJ John Peel.

Today it's being released digitally. Read the full press release here.