30.11.2021 Artist Focus: Joni Mitchell

Some artists leave a legacy that stretches far beyond a great single or a number 1 album. 

Artist Focus is a new series hosted by the extended Melodic Distraction family that deep dives into the life and times of the musicians that have defined the sound of modern music. From the stone cold classics to the unearthed gems and forgotten B-sides, our community tribute an hour of music by a single artist that has had a notable impact on their life.

At once categorised as a "musician's musician" while all too often branded a "folky" by the pop world, in reality Joni Mitchell's voice is one of north america's classical music - that of jazz - frequently evading genre trappings throughout decades of a deep, layered, evolving songcraft. From unmistakable chords and stacked harmonies, to paper-thin arrangements for dulcimer and solo voice, through trademark tones of familiar collaborators, George Maund guides us through Side A of a Joni Mixtape honing in on album cuts that may have fallen between the cracks. Whether you're a devout follower or a relative newcomer, these 60 minutes should act as both a primer to Mitchell's oeuvre as well as a look twixt the margins for those already in-the-know.