Shadows and Light - Mitchell, Joni (CD 2000)

I didn't really discover Joni Mitchell's music until recently, and I'm slowly building my Joni collection. Shadows And Light is my newest addition.

This album was recorded live in 1979, and after a somewhat interesting introdution the first thing that hits you is the rightfully bass-heavy mix and incredible groove of In France They Kiss On Main Street. The late Jaco Pastorius plays his fretless Jazz Bass so percussively that even if the drums weren't there this track would still have awesome rhythm.

The next track, Edith And The Kingpin, quite simply is one of the most spacious, soulful, beautiful pieces of music I've ever heard. Tonally there is so much space in this song, and yet it lacks absolutely nothing. The laid back pace of Don Alias on drums, tastefully sparse playing of guitarist Pat Metheny, the fretless voice of Jaco Pastorius and the purity of Joni Mitchell's vocals combine to create something that has true emotional power.

Every song is a wonderful record of how the musicians felt at different times during the concert. You can sense the moods of the players change from song to song, their instruments a tool of expression, and rarely do I hear music where that comes through as profoundly as on this particular album. The tracks on this CD make their way effortlessly from up-beat groove through to slow and moving, the band throughout playing with sensitivity and emotion that I simply can not put into words. Highly recommended.