What began as a one-off celebration of Joni Mitchell’s 80th birthday has grown into something rather special. Ahead of The Songs of Joni Mitchell coming to Komedia Bath, we spend five minutes with singer-songwriters Jesca Hoop and Lail Arad to talk about reimagining a remarkable catalogue of music, the songs that still surprise them – and what Joni herself might make of it all. Pictured L-R: Lail Arad, Jesca Hoop
This project has evolved from a one-off celebration into a much-loved touring show. What do you think audiences connect with most about the songs of Joni Mitchell?
Lail: I think they connect with the songs of Joni Mitchell! Having worked intimately with her songs for over two years now I can confirm that they are very very very good songs. Extremely and consistently inspired. In addition to the songs themselves, audiences seem to be connecting to our stripped-back performances and the different ways in which the ever-changing cast interprets the raw material.
If someone in the audience only knew Joni Mitchell through Big Yellow Taxi or Both Sides, Now, which lesser-known song would you most love to introduce them to – and why?
Lail: There is a song called Shine, the title track from her last studio album, released in 2007. It was first brought to our attention by Sam Amidon at the original Roundhouse show, and it blew our minds. Kate Stables (of This is The Kit) made it her own for the tours that followed, and it became a crucial part of the show, with the audience singing the refrain, and everyone tearing up from the all too poignant lyrics. We’re obsessed.
Was there a Joni song you were intimidated to perform at first?
Jesca: All of them… at first. A vast number of people think of Joni’s catalogue as bible. These songs are sacred to people. So, with this comes a practice of stripping back any pretence of worthiness, allowing ourselves to simply sing and play, and to see ourselves for a moment – audience and performers alike – through Joni’s songs. That’s the celebration… and with this gift horse, we don’t look it in the mouth.
What’s the biggest challenge of singing Joni?
Jesca: I would say it is timing. These songs are very fluid and formed by Joni’s idiosyncratic coordination between her hands, her voice and her lyrical abilities. So much of the magic is in the nuance of the timing, and it is often very hard to learn.
You’re both acclaimed songwriters in your own right. When you’re interpreting Joni’s work, how do you balance staying true to the original while allowing your own musical personalities to shine through?
Jesca: It’s important to avoid emulating or impersonating Joni. We are most interested in what each unique voice brings out in the songs. Lisa Hannigan’s version of Coyote, Kate Stables’ version of Free Man in Paris, Vashti Bunyan’s version of Little Green. Each singer wraps you in these well-loved songs in such an unexpected and intriguing way. I think we are able to do this because we know our voices, we personally connect with the songs and we see ourselves in them.
Jesca, after immersing yourself in Joni’s life while making the BBC documentary, did that experience change the way you perform her songs?
Jesca: Absolutely. Learning about Joni’s life changed the way I listen to her songs. I didn’t really understand what I was listening to before I learned about her life. It also gave me a deeper appreciation of her role as a groundbreaking songwriter. Joni changed the game, and so much of what we hear in today’s songwriting was introduced by Joni Mitchell – a permission she gave herself to tell personal, explicit stories from her life and the lives of those she loves. That’s why I refer to her as our ‘Matriarchitect of Modern Song’.
Lail, you originally conceived the show to celebrate Joni’s 80th birthday. Looking at where it’s travelled since then, has it become something different from what you first imagined?
Lail: I never imagined it would go further than that one magical night at The Roundhouse. It’s been a delightful road to travel. The premise has remained the same, but now we know it works in an intimate Viennese jazz bar or on the main stage at a festival. The biggest treat is bringing in new guests in different cities, each with their own voice, approach and song choices. The possibilities are endless, thanks to Joni’s inexhaustible catalogue.
Joni has inspired generations of artists across folk, jazz and beyond. What is it about her songwriting that still feels so contemporary?
Lail: We’ve been told by audience members that it’s made them hear old songs in new ways. And then in turn go back to Joni’s recordings with new ears. Perhaps it’s to do with the simplicity of our arrangements on stage – there’s nowhere for the songs to hide.
You’ll be performing at Komedia Bath this September. What can audiences expect from the evening that they might not get from simply listening to a Joni Mitchell record at home?
Lail: I should say that last time we played at Komedia I’d completely lost my voice and had to sit out the show, so I’m particularly excited to make amends and share my renditions with the good people of Bath!
Finally, in the spirit of ‘5 Minutes With’ – if Joni Mitchell herself walked into rehearsals tomorrow, what one piece of advice would you imagine she’d give?
Lail: She’d say, don’t care so much about what Joni Mitchell thinks!
The Songs of Joni Mitchell, with Jesca Hoop and Lail Arad
plus guests. Komedia, Bath. 28 September. 7.30pm
For tickets and details visit: komediabath.co.uk