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"Woodstock" won the 2004 Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalists.
With all the artistic milestones behind her, Joni Mitchell would seem to have attained the kind of iconic status that allows her to do whatever she damn well pleases. Previous to TRAVELOGUE, her last album consisted almost entirely of standards from the Great American Songbook. This time around, she decided to revisit two discs' worth of (mostly) her more obscure material from various stages of her career, with full orchestral accompaniment. From a lesser artist, such indulgences might scream (or at least whisper) "loss of direction." Leave it to an artist of Mitchell's stature, however, to make such an ostensibly questionable move pay off in spades.
As it turns out, the asymmetrical, artsong-like aspect of Mitchell's more progressive compositions lends itself so well to orchestral arrangements that you'll be hard pressed to remember what tunes like "Otis and Marlena" (from DON JUAN'S RECKLESS DAUGHTER) or "Cherokee Louise" (NIGHT RIDE HOME) sounded like in their original versions. Though there are a couple of Mitchell's staples included here, one of the most striking achievements of TRAVELOGUE may be the way it renovates the reputation of some of the tunes from Mitchell's less well-regarded '80s efforts. Okay, Joni, you've pulled it off; now will you give us another batch of new songs?
A two CD set featuring 2002 recordings of songs from throughout her illustrious career, this time in the orchestrated style that made the 2000 release 'Both Sides Now' such a success. Guests artists include Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter & Kenny Wheeler. Deluxe digipak housed in a slipcase, includes two booklets plus enhanced CD content. Nonesuch.
Recorded at Air Studio, Lyndhurst Hall, London, England; Ocean Way, Hollywood, California; Recorded One, Sherman Oaks, California; Market Street, Venice, California.
Personnel includes: Joni Mitchell (vocals); Andy Findon, Helen Keen, Anna Noakes (flute); Nick Bucknall (clarinet); Sue Bohling (oboe, cornet); John Anderson (oboe); Julie Andrews (bassoon); Wayne Shorter (soprano saxophone); Plas Johnson (tenor saxophone); Kenny Wheeler (flugelhorn); Herbie Hancock (piano); Billy Preston (Hammond B-3 organ); Larry Klein (electric bass); Brian Blade (drums); Paulinho Da Costa (percussion).
This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files.Q (01/03, p.120) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...Triumphant....A 2CD Best Of that rejuvenates originals such as 'Hejira' and 'For the Roses' while staying faithful to them..." Uncut (1/03, p.116) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...Ambitious and richly textured....There's a melancholy sense of a whole era passing away in these reflective performances..." Mojo (Publisher) (12/02, p.116) - "Once as fresh and clear as Canadian spring water, Joni Mitchell's voice these days is as complex and adult as bourbon whiskey..."
Joni Changes I bought this set simply because it was another Joni Mitchell release.
This one surprised me in the change of style.All her songs are backed by an orchestra.
She is and always be good regardless of the direction she takes. Joni has provided so much good music. Her lyrical commentary on life is unparalled. Submitted by rn_speer (Searcy, AR) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
waiting for new songs For a great fan of Joni it feels good to know which old songs she prefer for the album Travelouge but for a great fan it takes also too long waiting for new lyrics. I prefer her singing without a grand orchestra. Submitted by a reviewer (Zaandam, Netherlands) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
One of her best I am well familiar with much of Joni's material over the years. A most wonderful aspect about Joni is that she listen to what her spirit dictates. This is the very reason her music remains ageless and continues to gain new fans. When I understood this album to be a revisitation and not just a "best of" compilation, I had complete faith in her and Larry Klein's judgement. I knew I would be in safe hands. Vince Mendoza's magnificent orchestrations, or should I say adaptations, evoke so much newfound drama and emotion in these songs that I am sure even amazed Joni herself. She certainly sounds completely entralled and involved. To be able to deliver her lyrics with newfound attitudes and meaning must have been very rewarding. As a listener, whatever you do, do not begin by comparing these with your favourite originals. They are not necessarily delivered here with same intent. Be brave and try a different point of view. You may even be as moved as I was. Submitted by keijo (Melbourne, Australia) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Genius shines through These sparkling rearrangements highlight the undeniable truth that Joni Mitchell's inventive songwriting is simply head and shoulders above anyone else's. She has always maintained that her songs are created through the "head->heart->feet" flow pattern. There is so much heart in her songs but one shouldn't forget the overarching intelligence needed to form these compositions. With craft finely honed, she offers us pearls. Submitted by a reviewer (BC, Canada) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
cool, unusual, classy, brave work from Joni Joni's voice has deepened to perfection.
Although its much more limited in range
than what most people remember her from
her 70's hey days, it is so much more
expressive and she just takes so many
of these wonderful songs into another
place. Joni has changed many of the
arrangements and created new light
into old favorites and given her true
fans reason to smile. This is so smooth
after repeated listens. My favorites
so far are Amelia, Dawntredder,You dream flat tires, Trouble Child, Be Cool, so many great songs using the
London Symphony Orchestra, slowed down
and the words drawn out, magical, this is great stuff. Submitted by a reviewer (New Hampshire) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Joni Changes
waiting for new songs
One of her best
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