'California' (LIVE) - Joni Mitchell (BBC In Concert, 1970) - Joni playing dulcimer.

[@tysonmayberry1208]

"it was just a dream some of us had" really hits home in a sad sad way, i grew up in the 60's and we really believed the world was turning to peace

[@bridgetlake]

Poet, musician, artist, songwriter, beauty and, oh that voice. There is no one like you, Joni.

[@altclut]

She is in class of her own - is there another singer songwriter who can match her?

[@User12345fan]

Poet and songwriter no, these are weak lyrics but musician yes, absolutely, singer yes, absolutely.

[@ThisIsGoogle]

That song is written by a 5 year old. Terrible message and poetry.

[@bridgetlake]

For those who understand, no explanation is necessary. For those who do not, no explanation is possible.

[@ThisIsGoogle]

@@bridgetlake Ok karen.

[@wafflcoptr]

What some people might not know is this is likely easier for Joni than playing regular guitar. She had gotten polio as a child and it caused permanent damage to her left hand, her fretting hand, which made a lot of open chords impossible to play without the dexterity someone would normally have, which is why her songs have such unusual tunings for guitar, in order compensate for her inability to make those shapes with her hand. That's the kind of ingenuity musicians like her possess, knowing how to turn a weakness into a strength, it's a brilliant workaround for the kind of chords you need to play in folk music.

[@darthraiden8740]

This is half-true. Alternate tunings also allow different ways to voice chords that normal tunings cannot get. Alternate tunings are how a guitarist can invert a chord and do the same things a piano can.

[@darthraiden8740]

But it would be easier because this is an easy instrument. Only two strings to worry about!

[@markolson2466]

@@darthraiden8740 Seriously dude? You need to look much deeper into the subject. It’s listen and pay attention time!

[@bz1994]

@@darthraiden8740open tuning on dulcimer, 3 strings, sometimes one is a double string! Yes very easy to play, what ever she’s doing sounds great ❤

[@billybussey]

@@darthraiden8740she’s playing open because its easy obviously.

[@joshkrusell2692]

I just unexpectedly teared up in the first 20 seconds at how incredible this is. Humans are amazing.

[@chmael55]

Joni Mitchell is amazing! What a true artist!

[@Mobbzee]

Me too

[@boraxsopanic2670]

They are also anti-amazing.

[@arisioz]

and then you have Rogan and millions of fans

[@gsbealer]

Yep. She always managed to touch something inside me. My friends weren’t fans but I dug her.

[@tommeytommey2742]

I cried when I first heard this as a teenager. A lifetime later I still cry. That voice is still incomparable! Such a beautiful poet, singer, musician.

[@wishusknight3009]

It is a testament to her voice that few can actually cover any of her songs. She owns her sound.

[@nexstory]

I also cry that the California of 1970 is so different from the California of today.

[@sporgingumpshir3176]

Best version of this song ever, she was sick that night. I cry every time I hear it.

[@petercharron3268]

In 1970 I had a guitar, motorcycle and a good singing voice and went to LA. Now at 73 I know I can’t go there again and maybe that there isn’t there anymore.

[@Peter-vn6gl]

Effortlessly expressing her artistry. She's one of the most talented individuals of our lifetime. Loved her in the '70s, love her always. Thankful for Joni Mitchell.

[@Jcrash71]

Were you a teenager of the 70s?

[@Airfryerbath]

Help. I’ve heard this song 30 times now and it still sounds brand new.

[@chloe-may-21]

The range of her voice is amazing!

[@tomzandmicky8239]

Agreed. Too bad the cigarettes ruined it.

[@janetownley]

Yup that’s the whole point

[@janetownley]

@@tomzandmicky8239 Also the major stroke, ya think?

[@chloe-may-21]

@@janetownley you don't have to respond so hostile lol

[@noradosmith]

Her phrasing is just wonderful. What a voice

[@marktully7755]

Just listened to her perform at the Newport Folk Festival today -July 26 2022...still so moving...

[@lemonde-libere7062]

Me too from Canada East coast french Acadien canadien Chalors bay

[@bonniepark6802]

WOW. THAT'S BOSS.

[@Kasino80]

I cried so hard watching Both Sides Now. Holy moly. That hit so hard.

[@bobcatross5097]

💙💙💙💙💙

[@robertainsworth7375]

Beautiful. The voice of an angel. . April 28th 1972 I was 15 years old. I saw Joni perform the only time I ever saw her live, unfortunately. It was an historical fascinating concert at Cleveland Arena. Paul Simon and James Taylor performed also. It was a benefit fund raiser for George McGovern. Jack Nicholson , Warren Beatty and Julie Christie were guest ushers. Goldie Hawn and Peggy Lipton were supposed to be there but no -showed. Dylan was rumored to do a surprise appearance, that did not happen. I believe it was the only time Paul Simon, james Taylor and JonI ever played together live. I was at literally in the very front with my elbows on the stage. Joni blew me a kiss at her encore. It was the beginning of a beautiful one sided love affair that for me has grown exponentially in the subsequent 50 years. 🎉 April 28th 1972 I was 15 years old. I saw Joni perform the only time I ever saw her live, unfortunately. It was an historical fascinating concert at Cleveland Arena. Paul Simon and James Taylor performed also. It was a benefit fund raiser for George McGovern. Jack Nicholson , Warren Beatty and Julie Christie were guest ushers. Goldie Hawn and Peggy Lipton were supposed to be there but no -showed. Dylan was rumored to do a surprise appearance, that did not happen. I believe it was the only time Paul Simon, james Taylor and JonI ever played together live. I was at literally in the very front with my elbows on the stage. Joni blew me a kiss at her encore. It was the beginning of a beautiful one sided love affair that for me has grown exponentially in the subsequent 50 years.

[@joshuamcpherson007]

That's an incredible story, about an incredible moment in time...Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@luckystarship2275]

"Oh, it gets so lonely when the streets are full of strangers". "Will you take me as I am?". Such simple lines, but so universally true. Who doesn't relate to those two lines? You're a gift to humanity, Joni. I just wish you'd given up smoking earlier.

[@dustyowl99]

why? she liked smoking that's part of who she was lol

[@grindlessenior]

@@dustyowl99 cos it ruined her voice and her health . . :( so sad. but you're right, it

[@bearman000ify]

There is no one on earth that touches me like Joni Mitchell. 64 and I still cry when I hear how beautiful she sings.

[@vargaso]

Massive talent. She's still doing it, unbelievably.

[@janetownley]

No, not really

[@bowtoyoursensei554]

@@janetownley Yes really. Thanks to Brandi Carlile.

[@mickyrodgers7995]

One of the most beautiful songs ever!

[@missdollydawg2615]

She never misses her beat...at 20. We were shocked in California how easy she came to the 'Canyon'...

[@adriennestark5198]

In 1971 I was shipped off from my home in the Bay Area to a private Baptist college for my first year in college. Such culture shock. I played this song all the time and it became my anthem while I was there for that long, long year.

[@yeknomd]

Joni Mitchell, not just a musician, not just a singer/song writer,... truly a poet and storyteller. Wonderful stuff!

[@MrEdddddd1]

Having taken voice lessons in my younger days, I learned that singing (properly) is much more difficult seated than standing. Here we have Joni singing (amazingly, as usual), seated, while playing an Appalachian dulcimer (requiring additional mental attention)! I am in awe!

[@mostguitarswins]

Just Joni and her dulcimer - pure and beautiful and joyful.

[@Syminn]

One of my fav performances of all time, the ability Joni has to make the remarkable seem so simple and effortless is stunning.

[@jthepickle7]

Dropped out of high school for my birthday, voted for McGovern, went to France, this was popular. 1974

[@summermcpherson8209]

Man, what a voice Joni Mitchell had in the 70's. Not an easy song to sing with those high notes.

[@timoflea8417]

I do so love this performance 💞 and I think it's my favorite version. Plays to my old hippie heart. I've got a soft spot for hippie chicks with dulcimers, as evidenced by the river of hippie chicks with dulcimers that ran through my life.

[@VoicesofMusic]

Sheer genius.

[@kristinealtman5732]

As always,indeed!

[@dropwizerorders501]

For sure. One of a kind.

[@L0nn13_c0]

She was born to sing and play, effortless and lovely.

[@442goforbroke]

Oh the singer ...songwriter days.! When it was naked talent, no electronic technology, jus pure love of music. I long for those daze but alast we were lucky to be part of history. Joni you rock

[@donbaisa4731]

“California “ there is no place like it. It is my home. I’ll always be coming home to California with that song by Joni Mitchell, California.

[@ralphtuckerssongs3662]

If you ever read this Joni I just want to let you know that your songs touch every little bit of my being.

[@radiantcarpets]

Happy 81st Birthday Joni

[@toddbrown1397]

After 60 years of listening and watching live performances, this is the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen. The mandolin is very, very hard to play. She’s mastered it. Her vocals… beyond perfect….oh…and she wrote it. She is insanely, insanely talented. You cannot watch it and not be humbled.

[@TucsonDude]

I'm always impressed when a concert consists of just an artist, a guitar, a stool and a mic.

[@roseeleni7696]

Me too. You should look up Johanna Warren.

[@TucsonDude]

@@roseeleni7696 Will do!

[@steveker5084]

Very, very talented woman. Were we all that young once?

[@harperwelch5147]

She plunks so many strings… in my heart.

[@dovidgaming]

I was 17 when I discovered Joni, she's in my opnion the greatest songwriter in history. I really wish she was more popular.

[@titteryenot4524]

More popular? What are you on about? She’s revered in lots of places.

[@dovidgaming]

@@titteryenot4524 I live in Mexico and almost no one knows her

[@titteryenot4524]

@@dovidgaming Mexico is a freak nation then.

[@dovidgaming]

@@titteryenot4524 ?

[@titteryenot4524]

@@dovidgaming Mexico is very unusual if Joni is not really known there. Most places seem to have registered her.

[@micksmith106]

Have watched this concert many times over the years...and it still amazes me , just how talented Joni Was ...what a voice , and an excellent musician to boot ...And that Dulcima is something Else ...funny how the Dulcimer has played such a role over the years in the Folk world ..I'm glad though .

[@edwardmclaughlin7935]

Out there on her own for me. Above and beyond.

[@timliddell214]

At her absolute peak she's a poet with an amazing voice,songwriting that stands the test of time.Unbelievably good

[@PaulVRo]

this is my favorite version of the song and one of my favorite musical moments ever!

[@sebascoronadoib]

I cried to this song many times with sadness, i recovered from a very strange experience and now i can come back to this song and cry with happiness and remember beautiful memories i made. Joni will always mean a lot to me❤

[@shockwave5015]

Rom, thanks for uploading this beautiful song back onto KZbin for all of us to enjoy.

[@rfrancis]

My pleasure!

[@susanfabrican2244]

So beautiful. Thank you for this gorgeous music and such a beautiful soul in Joni Mitchell. ✌️☮️

[@standschen]

This right here is peak humanity

[@geinikan1kan]

This whole album makes me cry. So beautiful. And I haven't been to California in years. It's Joni.

[@Adair9800]

Thanks for this wonderful performance. Amazing, another youtube video I just watched her playing this long riff on an electric guitar, live 2022 - 52 years after this performance.

[@lifewithyogiji]

So much love in these comments. So moving!

[@evilebetsy]

Glad this footage is back it disappears and reappears. My favorite performance of this song

[@markolson2466]

Somehow this performance is magical with brilliant mental visuals for me! Thank you!!

[@FtheDo]

My sister turned me on to Joni in the 70s. This song brings back all those memories Can't even describe the joy this brings.

[@Eliminateeverything]

so freaking beautiful. im in awe at this performer

[@bentucker2301]

What I love about this aside from the vocal range and the dulcimer playing and the lyrics is the phrasing. Its amazing

[@MaxcineRobinson-f2p]

He created an angelic that is Joni Mitchell ❤️

[@dougebraga]

What wonderful sounds coming from her blessed voice! Thank goodness!🙏

[@user-mt2tl5lk7u]

Is that Peter Green in the audience at the end clapping! cool!

[@seanfenton8371]

So glad this is back. Best version of this song. Smooth, catchy and Joni is looking damn good.

[@anthonymcdonald-i5g]

TALENT........ just a person. sitting, doing, pleasure for all..Can a person treat us to a more beautiful thing

[@E_LithaBeth]

Gorgeous.

[@-aussie-]

Can't believe it I thought id never see this again BBC took it down from KZbin a few years ago.. great to have this classic Back

[@alexkalish8288]

She was so beautiful and her voice so high back then. I don't think I ever saw her live, very strange as I was always a big fan. I saw the byrds, Hendrix and the stones a dozen times. SRV I saw a hundred times, same with the airplane and the dead. But never the elusive Ms. Mitchell. Nice that she is still around -

[@ElizabethRamirez-vz8vp]

So beautiful...the sound track to my younger years....love you....and I love California!

[@r4spb3rrysw1rl]

I didn’t know ppl sang like this even in the 70s. She sounds like some singers from my generation. Such a beautiful and effortless natural and raw tone of voice, and a lovely vocal range.

[@popogast]

I was lucky to find this masterpiece on YT.

[@2015willie]

Idk why but this song makes me want to cry. It’s so beautiful.

[@bobhickman4976]

52 years ago. One dulcimer, one singer, one of the very very best ever.

[@c_farther5208]

I had all her cassettes and sang along, I never knew what she looked like until now. She sure was brilliant. I've read about her song writing and setting up albums; she really wrote all the lyrics and the music. No computers, no help.

[@janetownley]

Isn’t that something - we barely knew what our music idols looked like!

[@lazurm]

So, what was your impression of her looks after seeing her for the first time?

[@bgebbq314]

Incredibly beautiful. The song and the person.

[@carcar97]

I am going to California in June. I can’t wait. Love you Joni

[@eliortegajr9710]

Rommel rocks! Thanks for sharing this gem performance.

[@riccardotavelin3329]

One of the greatest album ever.

[@Towalak]

Lotsa good songs about california, but this might be the best and most heartfelt

[@7GodIsLoveAndTruth7]

I think she's an angel.💕💘💞

[@coldscamband-burlesontx.3686]

Joni is amazing!!...Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac seems to think so too at the 4:00 mark! Good on you Peter..r.i.p.

[@daviddawson7769]

Stunning performance. Wow.

[@biscuitbum1482]

Absolutely superb!

[@psmguy63]

Could you/ can you magine such a respectful crowd to art now? This was wonderful

[@davidrobinson9507]

Wow, Joni. Can anybody around today play and sing like you? Makes me want to learn dulcimer. God bless you Joni.

[@linda1541]

Omg. This video was on KZbin years ago then they took it off. Now it’s back on!!! They cut some of it out though. The other one had her talking about the dulcimer in the beginning.

[@rfrancis]

The whole BBC concert is still on KZbin here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnLbm4OcjLScp6s

[@linda1541]

Rom-El thank you 😊 this was fantastic!

[@rfrancis]

@@linda1541 You're welcome! I love it too.

[@Hannah-id5hk]

YAAAAASSSS !! I was so sad when they took it off. its my favourite version by far!!

[@torgeirmolaug196]

@@rfrancis Unfortunately it's not. Not to day anyway.

[@AutographNation]

Found a dulcimer which led me to this song and LOVED IT!

[@moon-unit-zappa]

Are you kidding me? A dulcimer? That voice? 😮. ❤❤

[@bz1994]

I love the way she plays the dulcimer ❤

[@Dn2M]

Beautiful. Thanks Joni!

[@alexharden848]

Came here for the dulcimer but got mesmerised by the voice.

[@VinnieRegs]

There Is Truly Nothing Like Crying Out Of Beauty

[@velvetclaw2316]

Pure beauty and shimmering artistry - Joni has always been otherworldly ❤

[@inoe1443]

light , deep... any more

[@janicekinney5797]

Her voice s incredible!

[@mrcanarsie]

This is the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen

[@ariebroek2404]

As close to perfection as it gets….so beautiful ❤️😊

[@yfoog]

FINALLY SOMEONE REUPLOADED THIS THNAK YOU THANKYOU THNAK YOUUU

[@unperson5713]

Made me cry, great performance. Thanks for sharing.

[@davecheng2779]

Hooo😮 iam back in the past of California 😊

[@michaelmitchell5458]

Still wonderful to this day…Thanks Joni

[@kellie1993]

Thank you so much for putting this version back up!!!!!

[@ynotttt]

Astonishing piece of work. Not many people could do something like that!!

[@HeartWorX.Creations]

And she does it so EFFORTLESSLY, such a natural TALENT!!!

[@cherylb5680]

One of the best singer/songwriters ever, Joni's songwriting was always mile's ahead of her contemporaries. And oh that voice! ♥️

[@calebmurdock2028]

There have been great singers whose voices were lost to the ages, but thanks to technology, people will enjoy Joni's songs and singing for the next thousand years. Her rendition of this song and of "Case of You" may be the most beautiful songs ever sung. It saddens me that time has taken away what she was in her youth, though I'm glad she is still with us sharing her controversial opinions.

[@clairebear5581]

I'm desperately homesick for California, too!

[@melissak8892]

Me too but I don't know if I can ever go back.

[@stphn44]

Been. A. Fan of. JoniMost. Of. My. Life. 78. Now. 2023

[@DanielEscobar-sl7fq]

An angel sing and play the dulcimer !