Home » Jazz Articles » Extended Analysis » Laurie Antonioli: Songs of Shadow, Songs of Light: the M...
Laurie Antonioli: Songs of Shadow, Songs of Light: the Music of Joni Mitchell
By
Joe Henderson
saxophone1937 - 2001

Mark Murphy
vocals1932 - 2015
Pony Poindexter
b.1926Antonioli, with her American Dreams orchestra fully intact return for a smartly conceived and displayed project on Songs of Shadow, Songs of Light: the Music of Joni Mitchell. Mitchell's music is no mystery to jazz or jazz musicians. Mitchell made two landmark jazz records, back by members of Weather Report in Mingus (Asylum, 1979) and Shadows and Light (Asylum, 1980). Mitchell's music has been the subject of jazz vocals projects in the past, but none with the clarity and intention displayed in Antonioli's efforts here. Antonioli and her fine band have quickened in the last four years into a limber and exacting jazz ensemble. Their sound is greater than that expected from a quintet, mostly because of

Jason Lewis
drumsAntonioli's interpretations tend toward the impressionistic and ranging from the dramatically hewn "People's Parties" (from Court and Spark (Asylum. 1973)), featuring

Theo Bleckmann
vocals
Sheldon Brown
saxophoneAntonioli makes generous use of the band member's arranging abilities. Guitarist Dave Mac Nab adds his impressive abilities and crying slide guitar to "Cold Blue Steel and Sweet Fire," "River," and "California." "River" has become a popular song of the holidays and Antonioli turns it on its ear. Pianist

Matt Clark
guitarb.1971
Blue (Reprise, 1971) gives up "California" and Antonioli and crew stretch out on the recording's penultimate song, one that makes use of all the forces brought to bear. As good as Mac Nab's slide guitar is, it is Antonioli who fully shines like a diamond. Hers is a voice that is perfectly seasoned by the material. Antonioli makes no secret of Mitchell's musical magic in her own life, but never does she fall into mere imitation. Antonioli catches Mitchell's phrases and phrasing as if from thin air, exhaling them as warm, autumnal bursts of memory. I will not hear a better recording this year. ">
Track Listing
People's Parties; Rainy Night House; Barangrill; Eastern Rain; Cold Blue Steel and Sweet Fire; Both Sides Now; Hissing of Summer Lawns; Woman of Heart and Mind; This Flight Tonight; River; I Don't Know Where I Stand; California; Marcie.
Personnel
Laurie Antonioli
vocalsLaurie Antonioli: vocals; Matt Clark: - piano, Hammond B-3 and Fender Rhodes; Dave Mac Nab: guitar; John Shifflett: bass; Jason Lewis: drums; Sheldon Brown: bass clarinet, clarinet, soprano and tenor saxophones; Theo Bleckmann: vocals (1).
Album information
Title: Songs of Shadow, Songs of Light: the Music of Joni Mitchell | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Origin Records
Tags
Comments
PREVIOUS / NEXT
Support All About Jazz
