The Words and Music of Joni Mitchell

(Hardback)

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Description

In this book, the work of legendary singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell is explored, emphasizing the way text and music work together to create an artistic statement in her recorded songs. Few singer-songwriters have been as influential as Joni Mitchell. Her song "Both Sides, Now" has been recorded over 640 times, while Bill and Hillary Clinton credit her "Chelsea Morning" as the inspiration for their daughter's name. The Words and Music of Joni Mitchell surveys the entire output of this legendary artist, from her 1968 debut album Song to a SeagulI to her 2007 album Shine. After a brief overview of Mitchell's career and a chapter that explains some of the important technical features of the guitar styles upon which she draws, the book offers an in-depth discussion of every song Mitchell wrote and recorded. Proceeding chronologically through Mitchell's albums, author James Bennighof clarifies the musical content of the songs and the personality behind the music. Each brief essay describes how important musical featuressuch as instrumentation, idiosyncratic guitar tunings, harmonic structure, form, and elements of melody and rhythminteract with the text of the song to create the unforgettable artistic statements for which Mitchell is celebrated.

Reviews

"One of the greatest songwriters ever." - Rolling Stone Magazine "When the dust settles, Joni Mitchell may stand as the most important and influential recording artists of the late 20th century." - Allmusic"

Author Bio

James Bennighof, PhD, is professor of music theory and vice provost for academic affairs and policy at Baylor University, Waco, TX.