On October 4th, Joni Mitchell will release a new compilation titled Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 4: The Asylum Years (1976-1980). This compilation traces Mitchell’s musical evolution between the releases of Hejira and Mingus.
Included in the four-disc record are three sets of live and studio recordings from New York performances by Joni Mitchell.
Born in Alberta, Canada, Joni Mitchell quickly emerged as one of the brightest lights in the folk genre. By 1969, her sophomore album Clouds cemented Mitchell as a folk icon, buoyed by songs like “Chelsea Morning” and “Both Sides Now.” Throughout the 1970s, Mitchell evolved her sound, further incorporating elements of jazz into her songs.
While albums like Court and Spark dabbled with genre fusion, 1976’s Hejira fully realized this concept. Partnering with legendary jazz bassist Jaco Pastorius, Mitchell crafted songs that sounded leagues away from her prior folk work. Fittingly, this album is where Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 4 begins. Following this release was a period of unrivaled innovation by Mitchell. On 1977’s Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter and 1979’s Mingus – a collaboration with jazz great Charles Mingus – Mitchell fully embraced elements jazz fusion.
This album is the 12th release by the Joni Mitchell archives. The Grammy-winning series includes previously unreleased live recordings and studio outtakes. The multi-disc set features recordings hand-picked by Mitchell herself. The compilation’s tracks were salvaged and remastered from original stereo reels, cassette tapes, CD-Rs, and even a radio broadcast. Among the recordings are live recordings from Mitchell’s time with Bob Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Revue in 1975, and Anti-Nuclear Rally. Across the album’s tracks are collaborations with jazz greats like Herbie Hancock and Jaco Pastorious to Wayne Shorter and Pat Metheny.
The compilation album additionally features three sets recorded in New York. First is a performance from the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, NY from February 20, 1976. The album only features one song from this performance. While it came as part of the tour for Hejira, the album features a recording of “For Free” from 1970’s Ladies of the Canyon.
Secondly are alternate versions of tracks from the 1978 Mingus sessions. The sessions were recorded at Greenwich Village’s legendary Electric Lady Studios. Originally commissioned by Jimi Hendrix, the studio was a recording hub throughout the 1970s. On top of Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, Led Zeppelin, and David Bowie all recorded at the studio. The album features alternate versions of “Sweet Sucker Dance”, “A Chair in the Sky,” and “Sweet Sucker Dance” from these sessions.
The final New York recording comes as part of Mitchell’s August 25, 1979 performance at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens. The recording features tracks from Hejira and Mingus, which highlight Mitchell’s innovation during the period. Also featured in this recording are selected tracks from prior albums like “Big Yellow Taxi” and “Free Man in Paris.”
Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 4: The Asylum Years (1976-1980) releases on October 4th as a 6 CD set. Also releasing is an abridged 4LP vinyl release, featuring Mitchell’s personal favorite tracks. The compilation includes never-before-seen photos and liner notes by director Cameron Crowe. The liner notes include an exclusive interview with Mitchell with anecdotes from this period of her career.
Following the album’s release, Mitchell will headline the “Joni Jam” on October 19-20th. These performances at the Hollywood Bowl will feature a number of special musical guests.
Rhino Records will release Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 4: The Asylum Years (1976-1980) on October 4th, 2024. For more information on how to preorder the album, visit the link here.
Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 4: The Asylum Years (1976-1980) New York tracks
Live at Nassau Coliseum
Uniondale, NY, February 20, 1976
19. For Free
Mingus Sessions
Electric Lady Studios, New York, NY
Recorded & Mixed by Henry Lewy & Jerry Solomon
3. Sweet Sucker Dance (Vocals & Drums Version – Take 5)
4. A Chair in the Sky (Early Alternate Version – Take 6)
5. Sweet Sucker Dance (Early Alternate Version)
Live at Forest Hills Tennis Stadium
Queens, NY, August 25, 1979
Recorded by Joel Bernstein from PA mix by Ed Wynne
7. Big Yellow Taxi
8. Just Like This Train
9. In France They Kiss On Main Street
10. Coyote
11. Edith and The Kingpin
12. Free Man In Paris
13. Goodbye Pork Pie Hat
14. Jaco’s Solo/ Third Stone From The Sun
15. The Dry Cleaner From Des Moines
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