Joni Mitchell - Free Man in Paris

[@wyattdawg]

this might be the greatest "backup band" ever assembled.

[@JohnnyNation]

Joni was/is good enough to deserve the best !!!###

[@fredmoore8661]

@@JohnnyNation She had it!

[@stlrockn]

You said it!

[@Gadzooki]

No dude, this is the avengers saving the music world.

[@markteasdale9283]

No "Might " about it... This is a star studded line up... Amazing Bunch

[@howieclark9219]

I am way too young to know about this... yet here I am!! 22 years old and utterly flabbergasted.

[@HIVEEX01]

This is exactly how I feel being 18 years old. I am loving Joni’s work and Jaco’s bass lines, he is my idol 🙌

[@jerryhoward8133]

Jaco Pastorius on Bass is one of the greatest ever, Joni is a legend and so good in so many ways glad I grew up with this music.

[@peabody2974]

I can’t stop listening to this when I get started, so good!

[@Kertbert]

@@peabody2974I’ve been coming back to this video for years. Never gets old.

[@ThaiThom]

Metheney just hangs back and lets Joni and Jaco shine, and that's what great musicians do.

[@bournemouthisshit]

Yes!

[@j.ericsmith]

Joni finally becomes a jazz musician. Her joy is so beautiful. She is so beautiful. We don't deserve her.

[@vexedboy]

j. eric smith Speak for yourself. No, you can't even do that. We been blessed with this writer/singer and musician aficionado And here, may be the favorite band of my generation..

[@rayrecordings]

We don’t deserve her !!

[@thomaspurcell4359]

Only free form jazz could give Joni the expansive range and palette for her great talent.

[@CitroenCX]

Don't forget the late, great Don Alias on drums. He and Jaco made a wonderful rhythm section. Imagine the clout of Joni to put together this indredble band. She's so at the top of her game here.

[@bethgilbert3934]

Absolutely. Was fortunate to see Jaco live.

[@snoolee7950]

@@bethgilbert3934 you mean Was fortunate to see Jaco alive

[@georgedavall9449]

Indeed! 👍 Sax is sick! 🎷😊✌

[@hampuslundgren7300]

I think I watch this weekly!

[@deich31]

This band is like a superhero movie.

[@Funnylookingpotato]

the band can't be like a superhero movie. they're actually good.

[@lutemule]

Yep!

[@joecooke4131]

It's more like a party than a concert. But what a party!

[@cassiomachado5058]

they would probably beat thanos.

[@KurtI2525]

@@Funnylookingpotato agreed. A classic superhero comic, perhaps.

[@J3unG]

It's late September 2024 and watching this vid I am sad to note that nearly all of the musicians at this show have passed. Only Joni Mitchell and Pat Metheny are living. The music still moves through me.

[@daveeverhart5834]

Had the same thought just now

[@rick400171]

To this day there is NO ONE that sounds anything like Joni Mitchell. Her music stands alone whether she is playing solo or with a band, a true innovator, incomparable. A genuine artist in all her talents, In one word? SUBLIME........................

[@donnamicci9996]

Of course you are correct. Is there a CD of this concert? It's outrageous!!!!

[@deltamx]

Beyond words....there are many who are fantastic but quite as good as joni

[@fredmoore8661]

She wrote Woodstock.

[@1955vikingo]

Una maravilla!!!

[@socrates1818]

Try Judee Sill, Picasso of songwriters- untouchable by anyone in the era

[@ShamanMick]

It speaks volumes about the talent and influence of Joni Mitchell that she could put together a backing band of jazz heavyweights for this concert. Jaco's basslines are absolutely freaking great, this is a real rocking version of a classic song!

[@stevewright3595]

I met her once at JFK. I was having coffee, so was she and sat down at my table. she is so down to earth, so pleasant, we didn't talk about music. Jodi talked, I listened, she on her way to Portland, I was heading to San Diego. she is in my opinion, a very gracious Lady, when we parted it was a soft handshake and a smile, absolutely a lady !

[@grenda5]

wow, you had an encounter with a legend,,cool that you both chit chatted,it must have been awesome for you to have that experience,

[@JB19504]

Who is Jodi? I have a friend named Jodi. Maybe it was her.

[@nikmills]

@@JB19504 : Small world. But even so, I never had a friend named Jodi.

[@JB19504]

@@nikmills That jus shows how limited you are.

[@gardensofthegods]

Steve do you remember what you both spoke about since you didn't speak about music .... ?

[@louisevad6091]

This was a legendary gathering from the "whose who genius list" of musicians supporting a once in a lifetime creative artist. Words are inadequate to describe this. The bar is raised to the stratosphere.

[@hugejohnson5011]

Yes, legendary indeed. Akin to having Einstein, and Stephen Hawking on your school physics team!

[@danrease7505]

Absolutely agreed! One of the Brecker brothers is on sax it doesn’t get any better than this

[@TheonlyHeffy]

I can listen to this over and over and over again. The band is so tight. What a line up of musicians. Total CLASSIC.

[@mcpappysgolden]

I will listen to this 50,000 times, and it will never get old baby.

[@gigidayz6936]

Omg...perfection!! She is my idol. And Jaco's bass line!!!!

[@jeffwolinski2659]

I just listened to the studio recording of this and it was almost unlistenable to me after having this version in my head, Jaco sends this song to the next level!

[@daveeverhart5834]

It really percolates, in a most amazing way

[@trinitytwo14992]

Joni is just BEAUTIFUL. Elegant, not half naked to please the beast, her music is heavenly.

[@Karamazov9]

The beast? Are you positing there is a satanist cabal in mainstream music that Joni Mitchell is fighting against? What an insane thing. Also, why do cis/het men always feel the need the comment on women’s appearance?

[@georgedavall9449]

Great comment! You cant fake ‘class’ as they say!

[@matalmike]

To be a musician in those days. Not like today. No protools, all heart!

[@garyvanremortel5218]

Joni's a national treasure.

[@EDAycock]

Canadian treasure.

[@kmstpt28]

This is just amazing--Pat Metheny, Lyle Mays, Jaco, and Don Alias. This music is incredible.

[@adamhowardschneider357]

that guy on tenor is ok too

[@rl2905]

@@adamhowardschneider357Hahaha....sort-of one of those OK guys. Been on an album or two....

[@patrickgroll2046]

This is the PERFECT singer and band pairing. Hard to describe the frieking excellence on display here. And those musicians are totally comfortable dealing with Joni's quirks in timing and delivery -- not that she's doing many of them here -- but they're easily, easily able to keep things fluid and let her music breathe. You can find many other bands backing her here on KZbin and they just can't swim with her in quite the right way. If you want to know what it means to accompany someone perfectly, look at the video. Amazing

[@deltamx]

What can you say ..know one else can perform like this

[@ah24hernandez64]

Joni can do no wrong. She was the pioneer.

[@ronschaffer5959]

Lol. Easy...she is not a God. Amazing songwriter though...one of the best in American history for sure.

[@Luckywrench]

yeah... its crazy to watch her. she's like 3 musicians standing in the same spot. amazing.

[@DrRestezi]

@@ronschaffer5959 Canadian born, don't forget, though she did most of her work in the US.

[@TexasGit]

also not dead...

[@musicofanatic]

There is one song in this show where she puts down the guitar and "dances"...can do ALMOST no wrong...

[@myersred8]

Michael Brecker wearing a watch like he's worried about being on time for his next outrageously supreme super musical collaboration.

[@stub2022]

Haha. Yup. Saw him in Vancouver with Mike Stern, Adam Nussbaum, Lincoln Goines and Joey Calderazzo. Ridiculous! hehe

[@stefanobentivegna]

and he is the only one with his wallet in the rear pocket, maybe he felt an unsafe backstage...

[@JoeGomez1]

I will never tire of this Performance , ever !

[@midlifemotox]

On of the best live performances ever. When they go into the first sax solo, the band cuts loose. Bands just don't play like this anymore.

[@stretch54]

Michael Brecker on sax. All his incredible recordings. He will be missed. RIP

[@georgedavall9449]

Indeed, it’s very sad how we are slowly losing all the great and talented Musicians. 😞 The Man could play! RIP

[@vincentm614]

Joni Mitchell is an amazing singersongwriter. And Jaco Pastories simply lifts this already wonderful piece to a whole nother level witn his funky staccato playing!

[@elizabethdonnelly4073]

I

[@fredmoore8661]

Joni wrote Woodstock.

[@dm7b5]

What a writer. What a singer. What a band!

[@lancetop]

What a gift to be able to write a song like this. Joni is simply fabulous. And Metheny looked like he was having a ball here:)

[@gregbader3041]

Yeah, the song was written about David Geffen. If you don’t know who he is, look him up. When you discover who he is, the lyrics make super sense.

[@happypapi1903]

@@gregbader3041 I'd even say it's a shot at the industry itself. Clive Davis, Ahmet Ertegun, Herb Alpert, all of them are cut from the same cloth really.

[@allyourmoney]

Jaco's bass lines & harmonies are amazing on headphones. Just beautiful.

[@MrBruce-oc8ht]

I always loved Hejira and it wasn't till 30 yrs after that I found out all those unusual sounds were Jaco Pastorius

[@andyhamilton5459]

I've seen this a hundred times...but am still blown away by the band fronted by the greatest singer/songwriter we have seen in a generation.

[@taf44tt8io]

the greatest singer/songwriter we have seen in a generation. For me, Joni is and will be a timeless genius.

[@kodybear6749]

Jaco's last note is rock solid on the money like a sledge hammer!

[@mre7550]

yes i noticed that too

[@erikshen1107]

Oh Hell YES

[@musicofanatic]

Caused me to laugh out loud just now...open A string...PONG!!!

[@ireneruthfox]

Great Band.....Jaco was on another level during this tour. Some of his best playing.

[@jonymacmadcap]

"Peak" Jaco

[@roberthannah7983]

Yeah, I was a bass player. Listen to the simple bass line in the studio version to understand it, and then listen to what Jaco does with it. He's a virtuoso.

[@mikemchugh3073]

Back again to view; an exceptional ensemble with that exceptional voice.

[@abelincoln5000]

It doesn't get any better than this. Pure magic.

[@hugejohnson5011]

I cry because I wasn't there, and for the people who are no longer with us.

[@shafersongs]

What a band. What a terrific song.

[@rmac1042]

God, I wish I heard this group live! The musicianship was off the charts! So sad Don, Jaco and Michael are gone; a real tragedy. Still, they all were able to get this wonderful music on video!

[@lsbill27]

Now Lyle Mays has gone too!

[@rmac1042]

Lester Salazar 😢

[@robertscorpio8432]

Too bad this "Group" did not stay together a few years .......

[@sauquoit13456]

On this day in 1974 {September 11th} Joni Mitchell appeared in concert before 80,000 fans at Wembley Stadium in London, England... At the time "Free Man in Paris" was at #24 on Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; seventeen days later it would peak at #22 {for 2 weeks} and spent 14 weeks on the Top 100... Also appearing at the concert were Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young and the Band... Ms. Mitchell, born Roberta Joan Anderson, will celebrate her 71st birthday in two months on November 7th {2014}...

[@JohnGeorgeHill]

When I saw this in person at the Greek Theater, I knew history was being made. Memories of this concert will go with me to my grave.

[@JohnGeorgeHill]

***** Well thanks for that B.O.F. Not saying Kate is a bad person, but she's not in the same league at all. Just coming here to say you don't like Joni because Your Highness can't stand her, just proves you're a major jerk.

[@fretbuzz59]

***** Let's get something straight, while Joni Mitchell is certainly well known to "typical Americans," most folks only know a few of her early songs and next to nothing of her collaborations w/ jazz players. I'm not even sure why you'd make the comparison between Mitchell and Kate Bush. Other than singing register, they have very little in common, stylistically. Personally, in general, I can't stand Kate. Much too theatrical and affected for my taste.

[@anthonysuzanne9901]

Kate Bush and Joni Mtchell are poles apart. I think Kate's jammage with David Gilmore makes up for the simple fact that Jaco Pastorius was never in her line up.

[@HamCubes]

***** Bwahahahaha! Watch Joni's 1970 BBC concert, and compare it to any of the solo KB performances. Oh, there aren't any, are there? Kate Bush is an H-A-C-K, hack. And you have God-awful taste in music.

[@ozarkdiv]

I saw this show in OKC in 1979. Truly "Shadows and Light" as Joni in the light, singing, then stepping back in to the shadows as the virtuoso band stepped into the light and blew everyone away. An incredible show. This song was a highlight.

[@flemingcourt]

Hands down as great of a song writer and performer as we have ever seen. No one tops her... some equal.

[@hugejohnson5011]

Yes, with music and ability like hers, there is no need for her to be half naked, swinging from a trapeze down to the stage, into smoke and lights! It's all talent and musicianship from all who are playing.

[@chrism271]

@@hugejohnson5011 This comment from a guy who calls himself hugejohnson?

[@socrates1818]

Try Judee Sill- songwriter non pareil!

[@donborgal975]

Music just doesn't get any better than this...

[@lynnehanebach945]

Oh my, 50 seconds in, Michael Brecker turns round to acknowledge Jaco's lick, it's like 'fuck, nice one bro'.

[@reganapparel]

Man, I love that bass line.

[@roberthannah7983]

Yeah, I was a bass player. Listen to the simple bass line in the studio version to understand it, and then listen to what Jaco does with it. He's a virtuoso.

[@jimlivio2985]

I had re-discovered and re-fallen in love with this song recently, and have been listening to it non stop over the past couple of weeks. After hundreds of listens to it, I started seeking out other artists’ covers of it. I saw where Phish did it - I thought that might be good…but no. I saw where Elton John had done it…eh…better than Phish’s version, but still…no. You know who killed it - live? Joni - again. This version is amazing! What a tremendous band! Holy cow! And her vocals, of course, are flawless here. Just an amazing performance of a tremendous song.

[@fredmoore8661]

Brecker, the Saxophonist, died of cancer many years ago. The bassist, who was from my home town of Miami and whose name now escapes me, one of the finest who ever lived, was beaten to death by a bar bouncer in Ft. Lauderdale. He was amazing. During the vid, you can see Brecker turn to his right with a smile and listen to his licks. Those were wonderful days!

[@jamro217]

Jaco Pastorius was the bassist.

[@mcrosen237]

Jaco was from the Philly area. The mecca of great bass players including Stanley Clarke

[@samsmith4216]

@@mcrosen237 yes..originally

[@donkaimipilipovich2698]

What a backup band! There's a moment where Joni's looking at the band, enjoying the incredible groove and the look on her face makes it seem that she's really appreciating the magic that was happening and that was this was to the best ever performance of this great song.

[@MrBrungers]

One of the best Performances ever..of everyone.. This Band is KILLER

[@tundrawomansays5067]

Oh, PREACH!

[@51362879]

beaverliqour That s the f-ingway you play bass and drums and lay down a foundation ...Glory Beeee Yaaaaaaaaaaaaa. This song just twangs the soul strings.." tomiah2b So love the groove Jaco and Don lay down on the tunes in this concert..." These guys are locked so tight

[@ridingroy]

I have never seen a bigger collection of talent on one stage...

[@billwendt]

Buy the DVD. Hell of a concert, Hell of a band, Hell of a composer. First class all the way.

[@brecker02]

What a treat - Joni looking so confident. I wonder why - what with Michael Brecker and Pat M behind her - let alone Mr P... this is absolute bliss to see again. Saw Shadows and Light of this whole gig may years ago - it is one of the most composite gigs where everyone is absolutely formidable.

[@mikemchugh3073]

Why mess with perfection...the kids today should take note(s).....

[@lsbill27]

When these guys were in their own bands they could cut loose. But they privately said they had to keep things on the down low when they toured with her. Glad they had the respect to nurture the songs for her on tour. The result is amazing!

[@legandrydirk]

Its not about that she wrote it about David Geffen

[@snoopygert]

It´s now more than 25 years back from now. As a former student I could then have mend ends meet and would have spent my year´s salary just to attend Jony singing and playing out loud. Anywhere, anytime!!

[@jeffwolinski2659]

Greatest bass performance ever in my opinion, just incredible.

[@stvolo]

maybe just a little overplayed...

[@jeffwolinski2659]

Of course it is, but it's Jaco!!!

[@musicofanatic]

@@stvolo ...but always supplying groove! Badder than 10 mthrfckrs!!

[@muonani]

@@musicofanatic Jaco did not overplay, every note had a meaning.

[@axetu]

Not overplayed. It's outdoors. It's live. It's party time

[@Nza420]

Oh man, I can't wait to see Pat in March. I have waited my whole life to see him play live.

[@infinitetunes1234]

To see/listen Joni live is one thing in life! But see/listen her with Pat, Lyle, Jaco, Becker, et al, truly heaven on earth. Love the shows at Red Rocks, Colorado in the 1980's

[@jimmybrush9918]

Where have I been all these years/ nobody ever told me that Joni Mitchell did concerts. So now what, I never get to see her ever live in concert. This what i get for attending all those rock band concerts, forgetting to remember Joni.

[@jennifersman7990]

That's what live albums were invented for. This show in particular was filmed for a newfangled medium called "Home Video". Pioneer released this as a Videodisc in the late 70's, I can remember TV stores playing this to show off Pioneer's home video systems

[@Stick3x]

One of the greatest songs of all time. With Jaco it's even more of a dream:)

[@pamleis504]

Neb Nu Kau-Sen

[@mattmiller4917]

He plays on the studio version as well.

[@ToddBrittain1963]

@@mattmiller4917 This song was originally from the 'Court and Spark' album ('74). Bass player - Wilton Felder.

[@rickandrew6397]

My favorite of all her music and this live performance is PERFECT 💃🏻👏👏👏👌✌️ she was extremely beautiful at that time and her voice was at it’s peak ❤️💙

[@lytebassist]

I swear to god, this band is so off the hook. I've listened to this album for 30 years and it still blows me away. At different times I've focused in on the individual musicians and each is monster in their own right. True musicians who listen, truly magical music.

[@JF-kv1gm]

Recall seeing this on tv in the UK whilst babysitting and, although I wasn't into jazz, I do remember thinking what an amazing band was playing. Forty years on, now I understand......😊 better late than never!❤

[@brikbrokly5272]

I've always loved Joni..still do .

[@armstronglance]

Dang! Get down Jaco! Sure wish you were still around.

[@johncrowe5648]

Joni was a genius! Like a John Lennon Jim Hendrix level genius. The most underrated artist of all time! People know more Bob Seger songs than Joni Mitchell songs. I only really learned about her a few years ago and I am constantly blown away with her

[@DETROIT1948]

Joni Mitchell The Greatest Of All Time. The People of The World Are Blessed With The Gifts She Shared With The World.

[@boardsailor]

Great version of a wonderful tune! I especially like the sax. What a fine group of players. Evokes fun memories of Paris.

[@911fever]

Rest in peace Lyle Mays

[@festilina]

I'd have given my right arm to see Joni with a band like this doing her incredible 70s material. My old man is a big fan of hers - especially of the 70s stuff - and I picked up the bug real strong when I was growing up during that period. Watching this really takes me back, but the song sounds like it was written yesterday, it's so fresh. God I love you Joni!

[@cribrebo7375]

All are SUPER FAB, but my Bass man Mr. Pastorius, I follow every note, every nuance. The "teacher".....

[@jayrayhoossongsilivedby5444]

Jaco tears it up on this Shadows and Light. I Love You Joni.

[@peterbrockhoff857]

May he rest in peace, and the brute who killed him, rot in hell!

[@d1i2a3n4n5e6]

best 3.20 seconds of my day

[@constancelund5609]

Joni...one of the greatest lyricist/musician of our time... 'nuf said. (here with a stellar band to boo!t)

[@knudsandbknielsen1612]

Words alwais fail describing Joni Mitchell, so I'll just say: Thank you, thank you, thank you, Joni Mitchell, for crating quite a truckload of the very best music ever!!!

[@dariuslawson8151]

A song about a trip she took with David Geffen, who helped establish the "L.A. SOUND" with Asylum records. Geffen's first artist signed was Jackson Browne, who had a strange relationship with Joni.

[@johncurtis2112]

This was the best fkn band in the world. This tune and this band is what. I mean that more than it sounds.

[@ElliottDay88]

What a cast, pretty much early pat metheny group plus friends, the talent just between Pastorius, Lyle mays, and metheny is unbelievable then add a few stars to the mix.

[@anntaylor-minch5729]

I'm a metalhead but I always loved this song, and others from my childhood in the early 70's.

[@tonymusolino2369]

Maybe it’s my age, I’m 62 now, and I never knew Joni Mitchell could groove like this. And John Francis Anthony “Jaco” Pastorius III on bass too👍🏼✌🏻 Killer grooves...

[@kenbronowski3765]

OMG, what an amazing song. Joni Mitchell is her own personal musical genre. And this is the quintessential version.

[@leemarinaccio1378]

This level of talent and musicianship is just nonexistent with today's artists. Thanks Joni and the rest!

[@ryderjames6870]

That’s a lot of talent for a single stage, all top shelf

[@eljorgea]

every note Jaco plays is spot on perfect and where it should be. What a talent . . . we miss you Jaco

[@barryshulman7807]

joni Mitchell is a great musician and artist and comes from the Woodstock days ago and is still alive and well. i love her music. Barry shulman

[@staffordsanders8223]

I keep going back to this clip whenever I need cheering up. What's not to like? Great song, wonderful Joni, the unsurpassable Jaco and the rest of the legendary band. A timeless, exuberant slice of musical heaven.

[@boogiebass69]

I was fortunate to see this exact band play in Edwardsville, IL @ the Mississippi River Festival, put on by SIUE. What a night, Joni was brilliant, Jaco my idol when he was young and killing it. Just an incredible and memorable evening of outstanding Joni music!

[@georgedavall9449]

Well said! 👍✌

[@mcpappysgolden]

There are moments during every great concert when you're just grinning from ear to ear and covered with goosebumps. This would have been one those moments for me. I wish I had been there!

[@DancingSpiderman]

Jaco ! and , the other musicians too ! of course. I enjoy how Joni totally rocked out.

[@branzantis]

Amazing group for the lady of the canyons 😜🤟💪🎯🌈

[@Milestonzz]

This concert was filmed in September of 1979 at the Santa Barbara County Bowl. The tour included songs from the albums Joni released between '75-'79, "The Hissing of Summer Lawns", "Hejira", "Don Juan's Reckless Daughter" and "Mingus". "Shadows and Light" is the title of a song from the "Hissing..." album. The concert LP was released in 1980; both the VHS (1991) and DVD (2003) versions include additional performances.

[@keithmanning5279]

Great version !!!

[@jasonpinson8755]

A lot of legends right here.and one of my favorite concert shows.Joni Mitchell a good songwriter!

[@01evolution01]

Joni Mitchell plus plus an A- list lineup of jazz musicians . Pure gold.

[@jonesclansj]

Metheny, Jaco, Lyle... Tremendous band here. My father played lots of Joni when I was a young kid. I touched on Jaco then. I am huge Metheny and Mays fan. Check out Metheny's first solo release, Bright Size Life. Trio...with Jaco and Bob Moses on drums. A classic just like this Joni live release. Thank goodness they captured this band on video. Make sure you watch the entire set!

[@shawnmalloy4339]

There's a live concert Pat's band does in Montreal in front of huge, huge crowd; and the band was on fire! The KZbin clip isn't the best quality but the band was so good that it doesn't matter.

[@Nza420]

New Chautauqua, brah.

[@markteasdale9283]

Wow....This is what happens when take an great and talented artist.....and back her up with a super group of mucicians...Pat...Jaco...Lyle Mays...and Brecker all on one stage together is unreal....and a real pleasure to enjoy...at least 2 that I know of are no longer with us...

[@sunshinegirl1967]

You can always tell real talent when you hear an artist play/sing live. And when the live version is better than the studio version, what else can I say? They don't make 'em like Joni anymore! I love her voice!

[@jeffdwyer1655]

I saw them on this tour. Spectacular! Concert of a lifetime.

[@TroubadourMusic]

Amazing!! Jaco!!

[@nicholasprotz4297]

Joni was always phenomenal, backed by most of the weather report. Match made in heaven.

[@bigvrocks2480]

This has to be a dream! WHAT AN INCREDIBLE BAND! OMG! I just can't get over it! Joni is marvelous!!!

[@nadiat.pugglesworthiii923]

stokin' the star making machinery behind the popular songs is one of the most poetic lines of all time.