Joni Mitchell - Court and Spark
"Court and Spark" is the 6th album by Joni Mitchell, released January, 1974. 50 years ago as I write this. While "Blue" is considered by many to be her masterpiece, "Court and Spark" is maybe her most important record in terms of artistic development. Pop and Jazz elements heavily feature on "Court and Spark" as Joni moved away from the confessional folk sound that characterized most of her previous (and fantastic) work. Joni had always used dense harmonies and interesting chord progressions in her songwriting, but here she really allowed those elements to blossom. The session musicians include Tom Scott, Wilton Felder, Larry Carlton, Joe Sample, and Robbie Robertson. Cheech & Chong also make a cameo on the whimsical final track.
The songs, the arrangements, the recording, and the playing are all stellar. The lyrics are relatable and deep and clever. And her voice. So singular and so beautiful. This LP grooves and swings, and challenges the listener while always being accessible. It's gorgeous and funny AND sad, and has killer hooks and beautiful complexities. "Court and Spark" perfectly balances the simpler aspects of her earlier work with the full-on jazziness of the next several LPs. Her finest in my opinion.
"Court and Spark" is the 6th album by Joni Mitchell, released January, 1974. 50 years ago as I write this. While "Blue" is considered by many to be her masterpiece, "Court and Spark" is maybe her most important record in terms of artistic development. Pop and Jazz elements heavily feature on "Court and Spark" as Joni moved away from the confessional folk sound that characterized most of her previous (and fantastic) work. Joni had always used dense harmonies and interesting chord progressions in her songwriting, but here she really allowed those elements to blossom. The session musicians include Tom Scott, Wilton Felder, Larry Carlton, Joe Sample, and Robbie Robertson. Cheech & Chong also make a cameo on the whimsical final track.
The songs, the arrangements, the recording, and the playing are all stellar. The lyrics are relatable and deep and clever. And her voice. So singular and so beautiful. This LP grooves and swings, and challenges the listener while always being accessible. It's gorgeous and funny AND sad, and has killer hooks and beautiful complexities. "Court and Spark" perfectly balances the simpler aspects of her earlier work with the full-on jazziness of the next several LPs. Her finest in my opinion.
"Court and Spark" is the 6th album by Joni Mitchell, released January, 1974. 50 years ago as I write this. While "Blue" is considered by many to be her masterpiece, "Court and Spark" is maybe her most important record in terms of artistic development. Pop and Jazz elements heavily feature on "Court and Spark" as Joni moved away from the confessional folk sound that characterized most of her previous (and fantastic) work. Joni had always used dense harmonies and interesting chord progressions in her songwriting, but here she really allowed those elements to blossom. The session musicians include Tom Scott, Wilton Felder, Larry Carlton, Joe Sample, and Robbie Robertson. Cheech & Chong also make a cameo on the whimsical final track.
The songs, the arrangements, the recording, and the playing are all stellar. The lyrics are relatable and deep and clever. And her voice. So singular and so beautiful. This LP grooves and swings, and challenges the listener while always being accessible. It's gorgeous and funny AND sad, and has killer hooks and beautiful complexities. "Court and Spark" perfectly balances the simpler aspects of her earlier work with the full-on jazziness of the next several LPs. Her finest in my opinion.