Joni Mitchell - Shadows and Light

Starring:Joni Mitchell, Pat Metheny, Jaco Pastorius
Studio: Shout Factory
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Joni Mitchell's 1970s and '80s forays into jazzier territory may have distressed her folkie faithful, but they also resulted in some uncompromising, challenging, and, yes, entertaining music. Witness this 73-minute document from her '79 tour, which finds her backed by her greatest band ever, including guitarist Pat Metheny and the extraordinary bassist Jaco Pastorius, as well as Metheny cohort Lyle Mays (keyboards), Michael Brecker (sax), and Don Alias (drums). Mitchell's The Hissing of Summer Lawns-Hejira-Mingus period is heavily favored; there are two tunes from Court and Spark, but nothing earlier. It's not perfect--the film clips edited into the live tracks (at Mitchell's direction) are an annoying distraction (Rebel Without a Cause? Huh?). But by the time Mitchell, Mays, and vocal group the Persuasions finish a spine-tingling version of the title song, you'll have witnessed something special--and historic, as this was the only time this stellar crew toured together. --Sam Graham

Customer Reviews:

Joni's Jazz best.......2007-07-06

This is worth 4.5 stars for me. It loses half a star for the unnecessary inclusion of arty film and video clips instead of us allowing us to see Joni and the band. This was Joni's idea, but I'm afraid its really irratating. Having said that, I had listened to the CD of this concert for years and had always loved it, so to be able to see 95% of the concert after all these years is fantastic.

Joni is at a plateau in her career here, having moved from folky singer/songwriter to Jazz singer. She probably started slipping a bit after this. Her voice is in fine form and the band are some of the best ever.

Favourite track for me is "In France they Kiss on Main Street". Methany plays wonderful guitar and the band are really powerful. With Michael Brecker on Sax and Jaco Pastorius on Bass, together with Lyle Mays on Keyboards and Don Alias on drums this is a one-off Jazz super-group that never recorded as a unit.

If you like Joni Mitchell's Jazz side this is an essential purchase despite the occasional unwanted film clips.

MORE JONI.......PLEASE!.......2007-05-21

The film quality and sound were great. The price was extremely reasonable, especially the free shipping that I received after purchasing two DVDs. Joni is THE BEST, and very deserving of the highest quality representation of her art, which Amazon delivered. Only wish that there were more DVDs of Joni available. I only have the four different ones, that I'm aware of, that are available; with the exception of her appearances at concerts along with other artists. Anyway, thank you Amazon, I was very pleased.

great music, lame video, and frustrating to Jaco fans.......2007-05-16

worst edited concert video i've ever seen. static, boring long shots of the visually un-inspiring singer...singing. lazily strumming a guitar...
with one of the most unique and amazingly talented back up bands ever assembled, just off-screen...

i watched this stupid video on fast forward, stopping for the rare moments when Jaco got some screen time. precious and few. even when his playing is being featured, like with his solo melody intro to one of Joni's tunes, the viewer is treated instead to some pointless shots of the audience! how do you decide to make a video this bad? and as others have mentioned the lame art school "concept" inserts, i won't dwell on them. but it's almost funny, it's so bad.

about 5 minutes total of good Jaco footage, plus his solo feature. for that, i'm glad i've got it, but what a disappointment!

So fun to "be" at this concert.......2007-03-23

What more can be said about the perfection that is Joni Mitchell? But to see this joyful concert with the sadly missed but well loved Jaco is a delight. This captures the sunny outdoor concert vibe then slides into evening...when I first saw it 20 years ago, it stayed with me in my heart and mind for all those years, and I finally bought the DVD. As good as I remembered.

Joni Is Incomparable.......2006-06-13

In my estimation, anything by Joni is wonderful and worth having in your collection. This DVD is from her more jazz-influenced era than the folk era, and it is exquisite.