Description
In 1979 Joni Mitchell took to the road with what could be argued to be the greatest backing band ever assembled in the history of popular music. That year’s studio release Mingus had revealed that her musical heart belonged to jazz. Her record company and the critics were unconvinced but Joni was unstoppable. She hired bass phenomenon Jaco Pastorius as musical director for the tour and he in turn secured saxophonist Michael Brecker, guitarist Pat Metheny, & Lyle Mays on keyboards as the front line. Those in attendance for the performance at Forest Hills Tennis Stadium, NYC on August 25th 1979 enjoyed a set list spanning her career to that point (with emphasis on Mingus, Hejira, and Hissing Of Summer Lawns) and witnessed Joni at the height of her powers.
The sound quality is not pristine but the performances are excellent and Pat’s solo on Amelia is actually better than on ‘SHADOWS & LIGHT’. There is a real energy here and the musicians are clearly having a ball. Metheny in particular is on fire. So….as long as you don’t expect high end hi fi sound you will find a lot to enjoy here including a number of tracks not on ‘SHADOWS & LIGHT’
