Shepherd’s Bush Empire was host to a collection of musicians touring the UK, Ireland and France playing tribute to Canadian musical royalty Joni Mitchell. The evening was split into two sets with musicians performing solo, collaborating in a variety of combinations and playing a selection of Joni’s music across her career. As Kate Stables of This is the Kit noted on stage what started as a one-off celebration of Joni Mitchell to commemorate her 80th birthday was still rolling on two years later.
As Jesca Hoop introduced the first song of the evening ‘Morning Morgantown’ she noted that she had grown up listening to Joni settling us in for a heart-warming celebration of Mitchell’s songcraft. “But the only thing I have to give/to make you smile, to win you with/Are all the mornings I have to live.” Jesca’s vocals are clear and crisp, not trying to copy Joni but capturing Joni’s graceful presence. Kate Stables, of This is the Kit, was up next playing ‘A Case of You’ on dulcimer bringing Mitchell’s portrayal of the intensity of relationships ending to life. Kate’s performance showing the shades of light and loss within the song was a thing of beauty as she sang Mitchell’s poetic heart-breaking lines “I remember that time you told me/You said “Love is touching souls!/Surely you touched mine/’Cause part of you pours out of me/In these lines from time to time.”
Kate then introduced Lail Arad who played a breezy, ‘Big Yellow Taxi’ one of Joni’s most well known songs and one which she recorded as part of an EP released by some of the performers tonight which is available to purchase or stream. Lail was pleased when asked who had been at the Roundhouse show in 2024 noting that it was good to have some “returning customers”. Loah followed her playing a soulful rendition of ‘Help Me’ an ode to falling for someone who will likely cause you heartache but not being able to stop yourself even though you realise what is happening. Lisa Hannigan was next up- joined by Richard Sears on piano, playing a stunning version of Mitchell’s ‘Rainy Night House’ which Mitchell wrote about the end of her relationship with Leonard Cohen. Richard stayed on to play a piano solo piece ‘Goodbye Pork Pie Hat’ which showcased Joni’s love of Jazz and of Charles Mingus’s music. Simon Armitage and his band LYR took their turn on stage with and emotional ‘Little Green’ which is Joni’s song about giving birth as a 21 year old and the heart-breaking decision to give her up. The first set ended with a version of ‘River’ and a collaborative ‘Raised on Robbery’ ending an incredibly rich and emotional rollercoaster of a set.
The second half of the show started with an a cappella version of ‘The Fiddle and the Drum’ before there was a collaborative ‘Night in the City’. ‘Free Man in Paris’ was a jazzy outing from Joni’s Court and Spark album with Kate noting that sometimes it was difficult to know what to say when onstage as the singers kept changing throughout the set. Fortunately every one of the performers are incredible musicians, harmonizing beautifully on the group songs and showcasing their love of Joni Mitchell and their own individual talents. Loah was next on showcasing ‘Urge for Going’ a song which was originally recorded by Tom Rush that Joni wrote later in life. Lisa Hannigan’s version of ‘Coyote’ was a sharp as the original a sardonic tale of life on the road and relationships formed. Simon Armitage and LYR provided a poem about listening to music through the bedroom wall followed by Woodstock sung by the group of musicians changing one of the song references to the crowd at Shepherd’s Bush.
As the second set was winding down it was a chance for the musicians to express their reasons for choosing Joni Mitchell and proclaimed their love of performing together. They announced that there would be a further special date which would be announced via their social media shortly. Jesca Hoop who narrated the Radio 4 program ‘Legend- The Life of Joni Mitchell’ said that she only fully appreciated the depth of experiences Joni had lived through while being involved with the program. She eloquently summarized that the songs they were performing were like “receipts of her life” before ‘Amelia’ was played tugging at the heartstrings of the audience. ‘Carey’ was up next led by Lail Arad then the last two songs were introduced inviting the audience to join in. The penultimate song being ‘Shine’ which demonstrated the quality of Joni’s performances and songwriting from her earliest releases to this song from later in her life.
The final song was ‘Both Sides Now’ a joyous rendition by the group of singers who had lovingly paid tribute to Joni creating a feeling of kinship and community. The homespun casual feeling of the performances belies the professionalism and quality of every musician who played tonight. Sometimes we attend concerts hoping to experience an emotional connection to the music and performers. This special evening was one of those nights that lifts your spirits and refuels your soul. As one of the performers said on stage near the end that they’ve “had the best time ever!” I know that I felt similarly and I suspect this feeling was shared with many in the crowd.
Songs of Joni Mitchell EP: The Songs of Joni Mitchell Vol.1 | Kate Stables, Lail Arad & Jesca Hoop
Instagram: The Songs Of Joni Mitchell (@thesongsofjonimitchell) • Instagram photos and videos
Reviewed and photography by Jason McDonald @jaygigphotos.bsky.social
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