Joni Under The Stars

Something’s lost but something’s gained in living every day. She sure got that right!

I went to the Joni Jam at the Hollywood Bowl. Understand that I am obsessed with any experience at the Hollywood Bowl (as along as it’s not raining). I love just being in that space even when a performance is disappointing. Under the stars with a bottle of wine, a favorite meal and a friend and/or the unexpected friends you run into is a quintessential Los Angeles must do.

All this plus Joni Mitchell makes for a pretty magical evening.

I saw Joni at the Bowl in 2023 when she joined Brandi Carlile for Brandi and Friends. Annie Lennox, Wendy Melvin (from from Wendy & Lisa), Lucius, SistaStrings all made for an eclectic tapestry. Sequined, satin’ed, and t-shirted friends sat on random loveseats around the stage. No one actually knew that Joni would ‘show up’ that night … but we kinda did. And when she did she was on a ‘throne’ — a circular stage revolving to reveal her.

This time, the presentation, the circling around, was much the same although it was Joni’s material not Brandi’s that we were gifted. Annie was there, Lucius, SistaStrings, with an extra special treat of Jacob Collier on a keyboard.

Brandi sits close to Joni singing bvs that blend seamlessly because they have similar vibratos. Brandi is Joni’s safety net. She coaxes her along and fills in if she’s lost her place in the lyrics, which to my ear only happened once.

We have a lot to thank Brandi for. She got Joni back onto the stage. She must have convinced her that there was ‘more’ .’.. and that it wasn’t time to call it quits. She was right. As much as I feel that Brandi is overexposed and relies on that ‘reverby’ extended-money-note she knows thrills the crowd 😳 I’m grateful to her.

I wasn’t as familiar with the top of the setlist. It usually bothers me when classic artists play new material. But you know Neil, it just can’t compare with “Cowgirl In The Sand.”

These weren't new songs but with Joni, even if you’re not as familiar with them they still penetrate. Still pull you in. Into her well-traveled world.

Than said, she gave us “Hajira,””Taxi,””Carey,” a debut of an exquisite “If I had a Heart” and of course “California,” which, if you’re living in LA or have transplanted to LA so long ago you can’t even remember when it wasn’t home base, felt personal.

Back in 23 I cried for “Both Sides Now,” wept for “A Case Of You” and “was unconsolable during “Circle Game.” Those songs leave you frozen and incapacitated. She played them again tonight and there wasn’t a dry eye in the stands, Terrace or Garden. Except for mine. I think my friend might have wondered why that was.

Here’s why. It was basically the same show as 2023 so it didn’t come as a surprise. My emotions were prepared. But that’s totally cool because I was able to relax and enjoy the trifecta without being overwhelmed by verklempt-ness. And … I didn’t have to be like ‘omg my mascara!’ I sat back and let the gummy do its thing.

She sang “River” in 23 and I might have noticed sooner that she didn’t this time if not for being so chill and receiving of whatever gifts she did choose to share.

Joni Mitchell is a treasure. A religion. Her poetry unmatched. Her voice a warm blanket. Her delivery confident if an octave lower than where it used to sit. The woman is as constant as the Northern Star. A slow cooked body of work. What a difference from a multi-media culture throwing gimmicks at the wall and hoping to get noticed for 15 minutes.

She started over 50 years ago and she’s still here.

My favorite part of the show was the giddy way Joni laughed after finishing a song and hearing the uproarious response from the crowd — like a young child who just caught a dragonfly inside a jar.

Joni’s journey is far from over although it does get one day shorter every day. But that it true for all of us. There'll be new dreams maybe better dreams and plenty. Before the last revolving year is through.

Thanks for staying with me. You can subscribe to my blog here. Get a signed CD or a copy of “Confessions of a Serial Songwriter.” And here’s My Serial Songwriter Facebook Page! I’m just not that into X 💋

PS … The Clams (CherryStone, Steamer and Clams Casino) will be having a reunion concert like we do every 4 years the night before the election. We call ourselves the “Clams” because of all the mistakes I make. 😊 If you want a pick-me-up on the eve of another nail-biting election join us. I’ll be live streaming on my Facebook page from my Laurel Canyon driveway at 6:30PT