Joni Mitchell - Refuge of the Roads

Starring:Joni Mitchell
Studio: Shout Factory
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
It's probably sheer coincidence, but if Joni Mitchell's apparent retirement from the music business had anything to do with the spate of first class Mitchell DVDs released in 2003-04, including Refuge of the Roads, perhaps she, like Sinatra, should consider retiring more often. This one, while good, may find less favor with the faithful than the superb career documentary Woman of Heart and Mind: A Life Story or Shadows and Light, the film of her '79 concert tour with Pat Metheny and Jaco Pastorius. Filmed in 1983 on a soundstage (i.e., it's a concert, but there's no audience to speak of), Refuge of the Roads concentrates on Mitchell's Wild Things Run Fast album, hardly her most popular work; songs from her earlier days, like "Raised on Robbery," "For Free," and the inevitable "Woodstock," are likely the only ones that will be familiar to the casual Mitchell fan. But the repertoire is interesting for that very reason: the songs are more loosely structured, more impressionistic and less immediately accessible, and the band (including bassist Larry Klein, Mitchell's then-new husband, and guitarist Mike Landau) is surely the hardest rocking outfit she ever had. The 13-song, hour-long DVD intersperses the tunes with various film footage (from Luis Bunuel to "Koyaanisqatsi") and some entertaining, artistic home movies shot on Super-8 by Klein and Mitchell; Mitchell herself directed, with concert footage shot by the estimable Jordan Cronenweth. All in all, it's another worthy addition to the catalogue of a unique artist. --Sam Graham
Description
Nearly 15 years after its initial release on VHS, Joni Mitchell's critically acclaimed Refuge Of The Roads concert film is available on DVD. This legendary 1983 show, filmed on a soundstage at the end of a successful tour, is highlighted by her version of "Woodstock" (a hit for Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young), "For Free" and "Raised On Robbery," as well as clips from intimate home movies shot during the tour.

Mitchell's love affair with jazz/rock was in full swing during the tour, and she brought with her a great band: keyboardist Russell Ferrante (Yellowjackets), guitarist Michael Landau, bassist (and husband) Larry Klein, and drummer Vinnie Colaiuta. The ensemble seamlessly wove elements of jazz, pop, rock and folk together, while Mitchell's incomparable lyrics gracefully floated above it all.

Amazon.com

It's probably sheer coincidence, but if Joni Mitchell's apparent retirement from the music business had anything to do with the spate of first class Mitchell DVDs released in 2003-04, including Refuge of the Roads, perhaps she, like Sinatra, should consider retiring more often. This one, while good, may find less favor with the faithful than the superb career documentary Woman of Heart and Mind: A Life Story or Shadows and Light, the film of her '79 concert tour with Pat Metheny and Jaco Pastorius. Filmed in 1983 on a soundstage (i.e., it's a concert, but there's no audience to speak of), Refuge of the Roads concentrates on Mitchell's Wild Things Run Fast album, hardly her most popular work; songs from her earlier days, like "Raised on Robbery," "For Free," and the inevitable "Woodstock," are likely the only ones that will be familiar to the casual Mitchell fan. But the repertoire is interesting for that very reason: the songs are more loosely structured, more impressionistic and less immediately accessible, and the band (including bassist Larry Klein, Mitchell's then-new husband, and guitarist Mike Landau) is surely the hardest rocking outfit she ever had. The 13-song, hour-long DVD intersperses the tunes with various film footage (from Luis Bunuel to "Koyaanisqatsi") and some entertaining, artistic home movies shot on Super-8 by Klein and Mitchell; Mitchell herself directed, with concert footage shot by the estimable Jordan Cronenweth. All in all, it's another worthy addition to the catalogue of a unique artist. --Sam Graham

Description

Nearly 15 years after its initial release on VHS, Joni Mitchell's critically acclaimed Refuge Of The Roads concert film is available on DVD. This legendary 1983 show, filmed on a soundstage at the end of a successful tour, is highlighted by her version of "Woodstock" (a hit for Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young), "For Free" and "Raised On Robbery," as well as clips from intimate home movies shot during the tour.

Customer Reviews:

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 deserving of the highest quality of representation of her art, which Amazon delivered. Only wish there were more DVDs of Joni available. I only have 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.

Good Mix Of Old And New.......2006-06-13

This DVD is a delightful mix of some of Joni's older folk-era songs and songs from her more jazz influenced era. Joni's music embodies the spirit of what some might call the 'hippie days'...the best of times , in my opinion. She will put you 'there'.

For Diehard Joni Fans Only! .......2006-04-25

This dvd is amateurish. The band is playing on a stage in a dark setting with a fake audience sounds. Joni in white hair has her worst band trying to be hip in the 80's. In between there are clips from home movies that are dated and filmed poorly. Joni Mitchell's worst period was this decade until she found herself later on "Night Ride Home". She has four official dvd's. This one is a distant fourth. Avoid unless you have a fascination about the "Ice Maiden" trying to pretend to be an eighties rocker. It didn't work.

Imagine Joni Mitchell backed up by Toto..........2005-05-31

...And you get a good idea of the 80's sounding band on this DVD. All the "rockers" have that ham-fisted, 80's show-off session man sound. (The guitarist being the most guilty of Journey/Styx/Starship crimes against humanity.)
I recommend renting, not buying, this DVD for the bliss and inspiration of Sweet Bird of Youth, Refuge of the Roads, For Free and the overlooked Chnese Cafe (best song from the Wild Things album). Sorry, but the home movies grate after a while, and the interspersing of early clips of Joni serve no real purpose.

Someday, someone will compile the best live stuff from this, Shadows and Light, Isle of Wight, 1998 Soundstage, 1960's TV shows and unreleased early 70's performances, and that will be a gem worth any price they charge.

My 2nd favourite Joni DVD. .......2005-03-04

I can't for the life of me understand why most people brush off Joni's "Wild Things Run Fast" album as forgettable. I adore the record and I LOVE this film from the subsequent tour. Joni's voice is in better form here than on "Shadows & Light", I think, and I love how she rocks out with the boys. Speaking of, the band kicks some major ass on tracks like "Wild Things Run Fast", "Banquet", "You Dream Flat Tires" and just about any song that lets them expand the form a bit. The stage antics of the guys singing "God Must Be A Boogie Man" are a riot, as are those shorts! Every song here is wonderful so I'll just list off my favourite performances:

Refuge Of The Roads (it's just a brilliant song every time round)
Sweet Bird Of Youth (lovely performance, the opening footage and keyboard intro sets the tone perfectly)
For Free (my favourite performance of this tune)
Underneat The Streetlight (the footage behind this one is magical, exhilerating)
Woodstock (haunting as always)

Again, every tune on this DVD is phenomenal, the band is great, Joni is brilliant, and the extra footage is quite endearing to watch.

Average customer rating:

Refuge of the Roads/Shadows & Light
Starring: Joni Mitchell
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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