Joni Mitchell Archives

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The project's official logo, which features a prominent visual allusion to Mitchell's given Saulteaux name Joni Mitchell Archives Logo.jpg
The project's official logo, which features a prominent visual allusion to Mitchell's given Saulteaux name

The Joni Mitchell Archives is an ongoing project to release previously unreleased recorded material by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell. So far, each new release schedule consists of a box set collection, a compilation with material on the box set release, and a live album. The project is being overseen by Mitchell and Patrick Milligan, director of A&R for Rhino Records, the label through which the project's offerings are being released. [1] The first release also received input from Neil Young, who had experience with the release of his own extensive archival series, and Mitchell and Young's late manager Elliot Roberts, who died during the process of planning the first box set, and to whom the release is dedicated. [2]

Contents

The project's logo prominently features a polar bear, a visual allusion to the traditional Saulteaux name bestowed upon Mitchell by a childhood friend at her seventy-fifth birthday party. [3] Kāwāsapizit-Wābiski-Makawko-Ikwē – the name granted and recognized by the Yellow Quill First Nation – translates to 'Sparkling White Bear Woman' in English. [3]

Box sets

Unreleased material

Volume 1: The Early Years (1963–1967)

The first volume of unreleased archived material, Joni Mitchell Archives – Vol. 1: The Early Years (1963–1967) , was released on October 30, 2020. [4] The five-disc box set includes the archived material that was recorded in the years preceding the release of Mitchell's debut studio album, Song to a Seagull (1968). [5] [6] The box set also includes a booklet with liner notes featuring conversations about the time period between writer/filmmaker Cameron Crowe and Mitchell. [7]

Volume 2: The Reprise Years (1968–1971)

The second volume of unreleased archived material, Joni Mitchell Archives – Vol. 2: The Reprise Years (1968–1971) , was released November 12, 2021. [8] [9] The box set consists of the archived material that was recorded during Mitchell's tenure at Reprise Records, which includes the years between the release of her debut studio album, Song to a Seagull (1968) and her fourth studio album, Blue (1971). [10] The set is available in multiple formats, including as a five-disc CD set and, exclusive to the official Joni Mitchell web store, a limited edition 10-LP vinyl set. [9] Like the first set, the second volume also includes a booklet with liner notes featuring conversations about the time period between Cameron Crowe and Mitchell. [9]

Volume 3: The Asylum Years (1972–1975)

The third volume of unreleased material, Joni Mitchell Archives – Vol. 3: The Asylum Years (1972–1975) , was released on October 6, 2023. The box set consists of the archived material that was recorded during the first half of Mitchell's tenure at Asylum Records, which includes the years between the release of her fifth studio album, For the Roses (1972) and her seventh studio album, The Hissing of Summer Lawns (1975). [11] [12]

Album remasters

The Reprise Albums (1968–1971)

The first volume of album remasters, The Reprise Albums (1968–1971) , was released on July 2, 2021, by Rhino Records. [13] [14] [15] The box set includes Mitchell's first four albums, all of which were released on Reprise Records: Song to a Seagull (1968), Clouds (1969), Ladies of the Canyon (1970), and Blue (1971). [14] [15] In the case of Song To A Seagull, the original mix has been recently updated by mixer Matt Lee, overseen by Mitchell. The box includes an essay by Brandi Carlile. [13]

The Asylum Albums (1972–1975)

The second volume of album remasters, The Asylum Albums (1972–1975) , was released on September 23, 2022, by Rhino Records. [16] [17] The box set includes Mitchell's first four albums released on Asylum Records: For the Roses (1972), Court and Spark (1974), Miles of Aisles (1974), and The Hissing of Summer Lawns (1975). [16] [17]

The Asylum Albums (1976–1980)

The third volume of album remasters, The Asylum Albums (1976–1980) , was released on June 21, 2024, by Rhino Records. [18] [19] [20] The box set includes the latter half of Mitchell's albums released on Asylum Records: Hejira (1976), Don Juan's Reckless Daughter (1977), Mingus (1979), and Shadows and Light (1980). [18] [19] [20]

Auxiliary releases

Early Joni – 1963

The first auxiliary release in the series, Early Joni – 1963 , was released on October 30, 2020, by Rhino Records. [6] The album features one of Mitchell's first live performances, a broadcast set on Saskatoon radio station CFQC AM. The cover art for the release features a self portrait drawn by Mitchell that is based on an early photo in her personal archive, and marks the first visual artwork that she had completed in several years.

Volume 1: The Early Years (1963–1967): Highlights

The second auxiliary release in the series, a condensed version of Joni Mitchell Archives – Vol. 1: The Early Years (1963–1967), subtitled Highlights, was released on June 12, 2021, by Rhino Records. [21] [22] The truncated version of the Archives – Volume 1: The Early Years (1963–1967) compilation was released exclusively as a vinyl LP for Record Store Day 2021 Drop 1. Highlights features a track listing that is in chronological order. The 180 gram vinyl was limited to 5,500 copies in the United States and 15,000 copies worldwide. [21] [22]

Blue 50 (Demos & Outtakes)

The third auxiliary release in the series, Blue 50 (Demos & Outtakes), was released by Rhino Records on June 21, 2021, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Blue's release. [23] The digital-only EP release consists of five unreleased demos recorded during the making of Blue.

Blue Highlights

The fourth auxiliary release in the series, a condensed version of Joni Mitchell Archives – Vol. 2: The Reprise Years (1968–1971), titled Blue Highlights, was released on April 23, 2022, by Rhino Records. [24] [25] The sampler album was released exclusively as a vinyl LP for Record Store Day 2022, and was made with "Joni’s insight, cooperation and creative input". Blue Highlights is the ninth overall release and fourth auxiliary release of the Joni Mitchell Archives, and like the album its material is derived from, features a track listing that is in chronological order. The vinyl release is limited to 9,000 copies in the United States and 16,000 copies worldwide. [24] [25] It debuted at number 150 on the Billboard 200, making it the first release from the archive series to appear on the chart.

Court and Spark Demos

A compilation of six demo recordings from the Court and Spark sessions were released for Record Store Day on November 24, 2023. [26]

Live albums

Live at Canterbury House – 1967

The first live album of the series, Live at Canterbury House – 1967 , was released on October 30, 2020. [6] The expansive, three-set recording was captured at the Canterbury House student missionary in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1967. [2] The live album was pressed exclusively on vinyl.

Live at Carnegie Hall – 1969

The second live album of the series, Live at Carnegie Hall – 1969 , was released on November 12, 2021. The two-set recording was captured at Carnegie Hall in New York City, New York on February 1, 1969. The live album was pressed exclusively on vinyl.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joni Mitchell</span> Canadian-American singer-songwriter (born 1943)

Roberta Joan "Joni" Mitchell is a Canadian-American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and painter. As one of the most influential singer-songwriters to emerge from the 1960s folk music circuit, Mitchell became known for her personal lyrics and unconventional compositions which grew to incorporate pop and jazz elements. She has received many accolades, including eleven Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. Rolling Stone called her "one of the greatest songwriters ever", and AllMusic has stated, "Joni Mitchell may stand as the most important and influential female recording artist of the late 20th century."

<i>The Hissing of Summer Lawns</i> 1975 studio album by Joni Mitchell

The Hissing of Summer Lawns is the seventh studio album by the Canadian-American singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, released in November 1975 on Asylum Records. It continues the jazz-influenced sound of Mitchell's previous album, Court and Spark, with more unconventional and experimental material. It features sampling, synthesizers such as the Moog and ARP, and contributions from acts including the jazz-rock groups the L.A. Express and the Jazz Crusaders and James Taylor, David Crosby, and Graham Nash.

<i>Court and Spark</i> 1974 studio album by Joni Mitchell

Court and Spark is the sixth studio album by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell. Released in January 1974, it infuses the folk rock style of her previous albums with jazz elements.

"A Case of You" is a song by Joni Mitchell, from her 1971 album Blue.

<i>Don Juans Reckless Daughter</i> 1977 studio album by Joni Mitchell

Don Juan's Reckless Daughter is a 1977 double album by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell. Her ninth album, it is unusual for its experimental style, expanding even further on the jazz-influenced sound of Mitchell's previous recordings. Mitchell has stated that, close to completing her contract with Asylum Records, she allowed this album to be looser than anything she had done previously.

<i>For the Roses</i> 1972 studio album by Joni Mitchell

For the Roses is the fifth studio album by the Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell. It was released in November 1972, between her two biggest commercial and critical successes—Blue and Court and Spark. In 2007 it was one of 25 recordings chosen that year by the Library of Congress to be added to the National Recording Registry.

<i>Miles of Aisles</i> 1974 live album by Joni Mitchell

Miles of Aisles is the first live album by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, released in 1974 on Asylum Records. It is a double album documenting her concerts in support of the Court and Spark album with her backing band for the tour, the L.A. Express. It reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and became one of her biggest-selling records, certified a gold record by the RIAA.

<i>Song to a Seagull</i> Debut album by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell

Song to a Seagull is the debut studio album by the Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell. Produced by David Crosby, the album was recorded in early 1968 at Sunset Sound and released in March 1968 by Reprise Records.

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"You Turn Me On, I'm a Radio" is a 1972 song written and originally recorded by Canadian singer songwriter Joni Mitchell. It was released on her fifth studio album entitled For the Roses and was issued as a single as well.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">California (Joni Mitchell song)</span> 1971 single by Joni Mitchell

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<i>Joni Mitchell Archives – Vol. 1: The Early Years (1963–1967)</i>

Joni Mitchell Archives – Vol. 1: The Early Years (1963–1967) is a five-disc box set by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, released on October 30, 2020, by Rhino Records. The box set is the first release of the Joni Mitchell Archives, a planned series of releases containing remastered material from the singer's archives. Formatted in chronological order, the first volume of the series includes the archived material that was recorded in the years preceding the release of Mitchell's debut studio album, Song to a Seagull (1968). The album won the Grammy Award for Best Historical Album at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards.

<i>Early Joni – 1963</i> 2020 compilation album by Joni Mitchell

Early Joni – 1963 is a compilation album by singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, released on October 30, 2020, by Rhino Records. The album, which is the second overall and the first auxiliary release of the Joni Mitchell Archives, features one of Mitchell's first live performances, a broadcast set on Saskatoon radio station CFQC AM. The cover art for the release features a self portrait drawn by Mitchell that is based on an early photo in her personal archive, and marks the first visual artwork that she had completed in several years. This separate title was pressed exclusively on vinyl, though it serves as a companion to Joni Mitchell Archives – Vol. 1: The Early Years (1963–1967), the box set from which its material is derived.

<i>The Reprise Albums (1968–1971)</i> 2021 box set by Joni Mitchell

The Reprise Albums (1968–1971) is a four-disc box set by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, that was released on June 25, 2021, by Rhino Records. The set is the sixth overall release and first box set of remastered albums from the Joni Mitchell Archives, a planned series of releases featuring remastered and unreleased material from the singer's archives. Formatted in chronological order, the first volume of the remaster series includes Mitchell's first four albums, all of which were released on Reprise Records: Song to a Seagull (1968), Clouds (1969), Ladies of the Canyon (1970), and Blue (1971).

<i>Joni Mitchell Archives – Vol. 2: The Reprise Years (1968–1971)</i> 2021 compilation box set

Joni Mitchell Archives – Vol. 2: The Reprise Years (1968–1971) is a five-disc box set by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, released on November 12, 2021, by Rhino Records. The box set is the seventh overall release and second offering of unreleased material from the Joni Mitchell Archives, a planned series of releases containing remastered material from the singer's personal archives. Formatted in chronological order, the second volume of the series consists of the archived material that was recorded during Mitchell's tenure at Reprise Records, which includes the years between the release of her debut studio album, Song to a Seagull (1968) and her fourth studio album, Blue (1971).

<i>Live at Canterbury House – 1967</i> 2020 live album by Joni Mitchell

Live at Canterbury House – 1967 is a live album by singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, released on October 30, 2020, by Rhino Records. The album, which is the third overall release and the first live release of the Joni Mitchell Archives, features a three-set recording from the Canterbury House student missionary in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on October 27, 1967. The recordings were released on vinyl and on the box set Joni Mitchell Archives – Vol. 1: The Early Years (1963–1967).

<i>Blue 50 (Demos & Outtakes)</i> 2021 EP by Joni Mitchell

Blue 50 is an extended play by singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, released on June 21, 2021, by Rhino Records. The extended play, which is the fifth overall and the third auxiliary release of the Joni Mitchell Archives, was released exclusively to digital music and streaming platforms to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the release of Blue (1971). The cover utilizes the original Blue color treatment on an unreleased photo of Mitchell taken by Tim Considine during the album's original cover photoshoot.

<i>Live at Carnegie Hall – 1969</i> 2021 live album by Joni Mitchell

Live at Carnegie Hall – 1969 is a live album by singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, released on November 12, 2021, by Rhino Records. The album, which is the eighth overall release and the second live release of the Joni Mitchell Archives, features the storied, two-set recording that was captured at New York City's famed Carnegie Hall in 1969. This separate live album was pressed exclusively on vinyl, and serves as a companion to Joni Mitchell Archives – Vol. 2: The Reprise Years (1968–1971), the box set from which its material is derived.

<i>The Asylum Albums (1972–1975)</i> 2022 box set by Joni Mitchell

The Asylum Albums (1972–1975) is a four-disc box set by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, released on September 23, 2022, by Rhino Records. The set is the tenth overall release and second box set of remastered albums from the Joni Mitchell Archives, a planned series of releases featuring remastered and unreleased material from the singer's personal archives. Formatted in chronological order, the second volume of the remaster series includes Mitchell's first four albums released on Asylum Records: For the Roses (1972), Court and Spark (1974), Miles of Aisles (1974), and The Hissing of Summer Lawns (1975).

<i>Joni Mitchell Archives – Vol. 3: The Asylum Years (1972–1975)</i>

Joni Mitchell Archives – Vol. 3: The Asylum Years (1972–1975) is a five-disc box set by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, released on October 6, 2023, by Rhino Records. The box set is the eleventh overall release and third offering of unreleased material from the Joni Mitchell Archives, a planned series of releases containing remastered material from the singer's personal archives. Formatted in chronological order, the third volume of the series consists of the archived material that was recorded during the first half of Mitchell's tenure at Asylum Records, which includes the years between the release of her fifth studio album, For the Roses (1972) and her seventh studio album, The Hissing of Summer Lawns (1975).

<i>The Asylum Albums (1976–1980)</i> 2024 box set by Joni Mitchell

The Asylum Albums (1976–1980) is a five-disc box set by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, released on June 21, 2024, by Rhino Records. The set is the thirteenth overall release and third box set of remastered albums from the Joni Mitchell Archives, a planned series of releases featuring remastered and unreleased material from the singer's personal archives. Formatted in chronological order, the third volume of the remaster series includes the latter half of Mitchell's albums released on Asylum Records: Hejira (1976), Don Juan's Reckless Daughter (1977), Mingus (1979), and Shadows and Light (1980). The albums are presented with their original cover designs except for Don Juan which uses the revised cover image replacing the original controversial image.

References

  1. ↑ Stone, Sam (October 30, 2020). "A SECOND DISC EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Joni Mitchell's Co-Producer Patrick Milligan Discusses New "Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 1" Box Set". The Second Disc. Retrieved December 27, 2020.
  2. 1 2 Martoccio, Angie (October 28, 2020). "A DJ Rediscovered Joni Mitchell's Earliest Recordings. Now Everyone Can Hear Them". Rolling Stone . Retrieved November 2, 2020.
  3. 1 2 Kerslake, Danny (November 9, 2018). "Joni Mitchell is Sparkling White Bear Woman: Music legend given Saulteaux name at 75th birthday bash". Rolling Stone . Retrieved December 27, 2020.
  4. ↑ Martoccio, Angie (September 10, 2020). "Joni Mitchell Announces Archive Series, Shares Earliest-Known Recording". Rolling Stone . Retrieved September 10, 2020.
  5. ↑ "Joni Mitchell Archives – Vol 1: The Early Years (1963–1967) [5CD]". Official Joni Mitchell Store. Retrieved September 10, 2020.
  6. 1 2 3 "Now Streaming: Joni Mitchell, "House of the Rising Sun" (from THE JONI MITCHELL ARCHIVES)". Rhino Records. September 10, 2020. Retrieved September 10, 2020.
  7. ↑ "Joni Mitchell Archives – Vol 1: The Early Years (1963–1967) [5CD]". Official Joni Mitchell Store. Retrieved June 20, 2021.
  8. ↑ Martoccio, Angie (June 21, 2021). "Joni Mitchell Surprise-Releases 'Blue' EP, Preps 50th-Anniversary Box Set". Rolling Stone . Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  9. 1 2 3 "Announcing 'Archives Volume 2: The Reprise Years (1968–1971)' available October 29". jonimitchell.com. Retrieved 2021-06-22.
  10. ↑ Bloom, Madison; Moreland, Quinn (June 21, 2021). "Joni Mitchell Announces Archives Vol. 2 Box Set, Shares Blue 50 Demo EP: Listen". Pitchfork . Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  11. ↑ Kreps, Daniel (August 17, 2023). "Joni Mitchell Announces Third Volume in 'Archives' Series". Rolling Stone. Retrieved August 17, 2023.
  12. ↑ Brodsky, Rachel (August 17, 2023). "Hear Joni Mitchell's "Help Me" Demo From New Archives, Vol. 3: The Asylum Years (1972-1975) Box Set". Stereogum . Retrieved August 17, 2023.
  13. 1 2 "Joni Mitchell The Reprise Albums (1968–1971) Limited Edition 4LP Box Set". Official Joni Mitchell Store. Retrieved June 20, 2021.
  14. 1 2 "Joni Mitchell The Reprise Albums (1968–1971) Available June 25 In Celebration Of Blue 50th Anniversary". Rhino Records. April 8, 2021. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
  15. 1 2 "Joni Mitchell to Celebrate 50th Anniversary of 'Blue' With Remasters of First Four Albums". Rolling Stone . April 8, 2021. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
  16. 1 2 Lindert, Hattie (July 28, 2022). "Joni Mitchell announces new box set The Asylum Albums (1972-1975)". The A.V. Club . Retrieved July 28, 2022.
  17. 1 2 Pearis, Bill (July 28, 2022). "Joni Mitchell announces 'The Asylum Albums (1972-1975)' box set". BrooklynVegan . Retrieved July 28, 2022.
  18. 1 2 "The Asylum Albums (1976-1980)". Rhino Records. April 30, 2024. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  19. 1 2 Martoccio, Angie (April 30, 2024). "Joni Mitchell Revisits Her Move From the 'Hit Department' to the 'Art Department' on Late Seventies Box Set". Rolling Stone . Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  20. 1 2 Monroe, Jazz (April 30, 2024). "Joni Mitchell Announces New Vinyl Box Set With Liner Notes by Meryl Streep". Pitchfork . Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  21. 1 2 "Special 'Record Store Day' release". jonimitchell.com. Retrieved June 20, 2021.
  22. 1 2 "RSD DROPS 2021 – June 12 > Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 1 (1963–1967): Highlights". Record Store Day. Retrieved June 20, 2021.
  23. ↑ "Joni Mitchell Blue Celebrates 50 years with new digital EP". jonimitchell.com. June 21, 2021. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  24. 1 2 "New release for Record Store Day- 'Blue Highlights' limited edition LP". jonimitchell.com. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
  25. 1 2 "RSD DROPS 2022 > Blue Highlights". Record Store Day. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
  26. ↑ "Court and Spark Demos". Record Store Day. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
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