Meet The Collector : Chris Wright Talks About Joni Mitchell
Aug 22, 2024
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Chris Wright, a passionate collector and Joni Mitchell enthusiast, shares his deep appreciation for the artist's transformative journey. He discusses the emotional resonance of albums like 'Blue' and the evolution from folk to jazz, spotlighting 'Don Juan's Reckless Daughter'. Wright reflects on the joy of vinyl collecting, emphasizing the value of immersive listening experiences over fleeting streaming samples. He also curates a dream concert setlist, celebrating the profound impact Joni's music has on personal and emotional levels.
Chris Wright's first encounter with Joni Mitchell's 'Big Yellow Taxi' marked the start of his lifelong appreciation for her unique artistry.
His journey into vinyl collecting not only deepened his connection to Joni Mitchell's music but also highlighted her fearless evolution as an artist.
Deep dives
Discovery of Joni Mitchell
The journey of discovering Joni Mitchell's music began for Chris during a family trip to Trafalgar Square in 1970, where he recalls hearing 'Big Yellow Taxi' for the first time. Despite being unaware that it was Joni's song, this moment left a lasting impression on him. Chris later connected more deeply with her music when he saw her perform ‘In France, They Kiss on Main Street’ on the Old Grey Whistle Test in 1975, which struck him as surprisingly unique for its time. This initial intrigue bloomed into a profound appreciation for Joni Mitchell's artistry, ultimately making her his favorite artist.
The Impact of Collecting Vinyl
Chris expressed how collecting vinyl records played a significant role in deepening his relationship with Joni Mitchell's music beginning in the late 1980s. He found a copy of 'Don Juan's Reckless Daughter,' which resonated with him, highlighting its allure despite being quite different from her earlier folk albums. This pivotal discovery showcased Joni's evolution as an artist and caused Chris to reassess and embrace her extensive catalog. The tactile and sonic experience of vinyl, he argued, enriches the listening process, making it a preferred format for fully appreciating her music.
Joni Mitchell's Artistic Evolution
Chris noted that Joni Mitchell's artistic evolution is similar to that of other iconic musicians, especially David Bowie, as she constantly redefined her sound throughout her career. He acknowledged how her jazz period, beginning around the time of 'Court and Spark' and extending through 'Mingus,' saw her experimentation shift away from her folk roots. While some fans may have felt alienated by these changes, Chris fell in love with her work during this transitional phase, which allowed him to appreciate her music without preconceived notions. He believes that this fearless evolution is a key aspect of her brilliance, separating her from many contemporaries.
Exploring Joni Mitchell's Catalog
Chris emphasized the importance of diving into Joni Mitchell's extensive catalog as a means of understanding her legacy and influence. He shared his personal experiences in selecting albums that best represent her artistry, suggesting a list that starts with her debut 'Song to a Seagull' and includes iconic works such as 'Blue,' 'Court and Spark,' and 'Hejira.' He also highlighted lesser-known works like 'Dog Eat Dog' and recommended albums that demonstrate her evolution from folk to jazz. Chris believes that immersing oneself in her music is a rewarding experience that continues to resonate with listeners, adding layers of meaning as time goes on.