In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument

Joni Mitchell

Born: 1943. Living in: Canada

Joni Mitchell is one of the most highly regarded and influential songwriters of the 20th century. Her melodious tunes support her poetic and often very personal lyrics to make her one of the most authentic artists of her time. As a performer she is widely hailed for her unique style of playing guitar. Mitchell's unflinching struggle for her own artistic independence has made her a role model for many other musicians, and somewhat of a bane to music industry executives. She is critical of the industry and of the shallowness that she sees in much of today's popular music. Mitchell is also a noted painter and has created the beautiful artwork that appears on the packaging of her music albums.

Songbooks, Arrangements and/or Media

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Joni Mitchell : Arrangements for Treble Voices

"You don't know what you've got 'til it's gone." Joni Mitchell's hit song "Big Yellow Taxi" from 1970 gets a fresh, hip treatment in this cool Greg Gilpin arrangement. "The Circle Game" - Originally created for Vancouver's Elektra, this concert arrangement features a soloist as it weaves the melody through every section in the ensemble. Multiple key changes add to the musicality of this delightful setting of a Joni Mitchell favorite. "Both Sides Now" - Recorded and performed by more than fifty artists in the fifty-plus years since its initial release, this Joni Mitchell song has become an enduring meditation on the shifting perspective that comes with time. The melody passes generously from part to part across a shimmering palette of choral harmonies. John Leavitt provides a piano accompaniment that adds texture and color while fully supporting the voices.

Songlist: Big Yellow Taxi, The Circle Game, Both Sides Now

Joni Mitchell : Anthology

Mitchell's work is highly respected both by critics and fellow musicians. Rolling Stone magazine called her "one of the greatest songwriters ever," while Allmusic said, "When the dust settles, Joni Mitchell may stand as the most important and influential female recording artist of the late 20th century." Here is a collection of the Joni's best works over the years and must be considered a true American treasure whose songs will be sung for generations.

Songlist: A Case Of You, All I Want, Big Yellow Taxi, Both Sides, Now, California, Car On A Hill, Carey, Chelsea Morning, Chinese Cafe, Coyote, Don Juan's Reckless Daughter, For Free, He Comes For Conversation, Help Me, I Don't Know Where I Stand, In France They Kiss On Main Street , Jericho, Ladies Of The Canyon, Michael From Mountains, Morning Morgantown, My Old Man, Rainy Night House, Raised On Robbery, River, Solid Love, The Circle Game, Wild Things Run Fast, Willie, Woodstock Song Pop, You Turn Me On I'm A Radio

Joni Mitchell : Shine

Shine, Joni Mitchell's seventeenth studio album, is her first album of all-new material since 1998's Taming the Tiger. Joni announced her retirement from the music industry in 2002, making Shine a wonderful surprise and a huge gift to her legions of devoted fans. From Joni's liner notes: "That night the piano beckoned for the first time in ten years. My fingers found these patterns which express what words could not."

Songlist: One Week Last Summer, This Place, If I Had a Heart, Hana, Bad Dreams, Big Yellow Taxi, Night of the Iguana, Strong and Wrong, Shine, If

Individual Folios

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Roger Emerson : Big Yellow Taxi

Joni Mitchell's song, Big Yellow Taxi, remains one of pop music's favorite all-time hits. Arranged especially for developing choirs, this arrangement provides easy vocal parts that repeat each time the refrain is sung. Opportunities for optional solos are also provided when singing the verses. Highlighting concerns for environmental care, the song speaks poignantly to important global issues.

Arranger: Roger Emerson Performed By: Joni Mitchell

Mac Huff : River

This classic song by singer/songwriter Joni Mitchell is one of the most recorded, by artists of many musical styles. Appropriate for standard concerts or Christmas/Winter concerts, this concert pop arrangement is powerful and tender at the same time. The optional cello intensifies the longing and loneliness.

Arranger: Mac Huff Performed By: Joni Mitchell

Matt Podd : Big Yellow Taxi

This new treatment of Joni Mitchell's iconic hit has transformed the folk music staple into a powerful piece for concert choir. The arrangement adds a poignant weight to the serious message of the lyrics, while still evoking the buoyancy and playful nature of Mitchell's original. The Podd brothers have created something truly special that is equal parts fun, deep, and emotionally charged.

Arranger: Matt Podd Performed By: Joni Mitchell

Greg Gilpin : Big Yellow Taxi

"You don't know what you've got 'til it's gone." Joni Mitchell's hit song from 1970 gets a fresh, hip treatment in this cool Greg Gilpin arrangement.

Arranger: Greg Gilpin Performed By: Joni Mitchell

John Leavitt : Both Sides Now

Recorded and performed by more than fifty artists in the fifty-plus years since its initial release, this Joni Mitchell song has become an enduring meditation on the shifting perspective that comes with time. The melody passes generously from part to part across a shimmering palette of choral harmonies. John Leavitt provides a piano accompaniment that adds texture and color while fully supporting the voices.

Arranger: John Leavitt Performed By: Joni Mitchell

Kate MacColl : The Circle Game

Originally created for Vancouver's Elektra, this concert arrangement features a soloist as it weaves the melody through every section in the ensemble. Multiple key changes add to the musicality of this delightful setting of a Joni Mitchell favorite.

Arranger: Kate MacColl Performed By: Joni Mitchell