June 21, 1999

Posted June 21, 1999

I got a very pleasant shock a few days ago when I watched my copy of the new Japanese re-release of Joni's 1980 live-in-concert film, Shadows And Light. This new version runs not 60 but 74 minutes! What's on those 14 new minutes? Well, I'm excited to tell you that two songs not on the original release are included on this new version- "Edith And The Kingpin" and "Hejira."

"Edith" is totally live footage, with lots of audience shots. This track, in fact, was promised the last time that Shadows And Light was re-released (in 1989 on Warner Home Video), but although the song was listed on the box, it was not on the tape. But now we have it.

"Hejira" is a real find because it appears to be Joni's first attempt at a music video. Seven minutes filmed on an ice-skating rink and featuring famous skater Toller Cranston; a young woman twirling in a bridal gown; and Joni herself skating around in her "black crow" outfit. Joni also lip-synchs a few verses from the song, just like in a regular MTV-style video. Mostly though, it's Toller ice-skating and I must admit, very beautifully.

The colors on this re-release are bold and crisp, the sound is great, plus you get two brand-new tracks. What more could you want? This re-release of Shadows And Light gets my highest recommendation, and it finally answers a question I've had since 1980- why Joni credits Toller Cranston for "skates" in the opening credits. This is a very exciting discovery, folks!

You can purchase this new and longer Shadows And Light from the JM.COM link to CDNOW.COM; They have it available in both laser disc and VHS formats. The laser disc version is limited in quantity, so it can take up to 8 weeks to get a copy, but it's well worth the wait. Orders for the VHS version should be much more quickly filled, as it was produced in a much larger quantity. Enjoy!

Today, I'm launching a page that contains my conversation with musician David Lahm. His album, Jazz Takes On Joni Mitchell, is now available on the Arkadia Jazz label. You can find out about how his fascination with JM's music began, plus much more. My thanks to him for the interview.