Joni Mitchell - Free Man in Paris

[richtroxler]

Not for nothing, but only a brilliant songwriter / performer could possibly pull in the incredible talent that Joni pulled in for her "back up band", These players are representative of what most of us "mere mortal musicians" consider the "Holy Grail" of players. There are not enough platitudes in the English language to describe what her sidemen meant (RIP Jaco) and still mean, to the music industry.

[richtroxler]

@richtroxler And the fact that she was able to assemble this lineup, in one place, at one time, speaks for her panache as an artist and poet, and her apparent sincerity as a human being. She is what the record industry describes as "uncatorgorized", and is what makes her music so special. Thank you Joni.

[Bellinghamster14]

This is the best version of the song I've heard. Her phrasing and the groove of the music come though perfectly. In later live versions Joni seems to have given up and is just performing to complete her obligations. I suppose everybody gets tired of it all in the end just like the person in her song.

[myrtlebox]

@Bellinghamster14 I have listened to this performance now perhaps 100 times. Listen to Pat's accents or Jaco's bassline exclusively not to mention that Joni was never better.

Very lucky audience.

[mastermixer]

What a GROOVE!!!

[darkoanton5]

Outstanding band.

[myrtlebox]

Joni was totally unplugged here - as far as i can see & hear.

I'm not sure if this was to allow Pat & Jaco more presence or what....but she is pure vocal....and who could ask for anything more?

[ftsjr]

A great song, that's pretty faithful to the recorded version.

[Atomic8500]

Jaco will forever be the king of electric bass!

[tall32guy]

The coyote at the beginning is cute. :)

[rexydad]

What a Band.

[timlikeen]

@GhaphTV OH HELL YEAH! I've been playing Bass for 40 yrs and every time I listen to Jaco,I STILL learn something new.

[rosenbar]

I love the way she is able to adapt the song for the groove of these musicians. What an artist!

[muddack]

well done people!! i see everyone commenting and complimenting each other on this post! it may be the first time in youtube history. I give part of the kudos to Joni for making magic happen.

[LostGentlemen]

Brecker was/is awesome!!!

[Kellykleinman]

Is this mid eighties? I know Jaco got beaten to death some years ago (he had the rep of being a grade A prick) from some slime ball but does anyone know when this was recorded? Her voice still seemed un-throttled by nicotine.

[wyattdawg]

'Shadows and Light' was recorded in 1979. This was less than 2 years after Weather Report broke up.

[wyattdawg]

wait...this was less than two years BEFORE he left Weather Report, my bad

[racer500gp]

1979

[jettwonder]

I have been a Joni Mitchell fan since I was a child.I grew listening to her songs,she and her music are one in the same!

[nsra1933]

Pat and that damn toothbrush...cracks me up every time..

[bcfc1961]

Joni looks left ....Pat.. check! looks right Jaco........ check... I rule! it does not get better than this.

[3373157]

They got together out of mutual respect. People forget how important Mitchell was at this time. She was entering jazz while the other woodstockers were still strumming folk. She was way ahead musically and lyrically and wasn't getting the credit she deserved. Dylan was entering his religious phase, Neil Young was just wasted and there were no woman to be taken seriously - certainly not Baez etc; This was Mitchell's most creative period and it was supported by perhaps the greatest band on earth.

[waltonfan32]

How did this lineup ever get together?

[stretch54]

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

[pirrostsakas]

Assembly of monsters !!!

:-)

[neurofire]

She wrote this and had the best and the brightest play? No wonder she was a' smilin' I cannor find fault with Ms. J. - nor do I look for it. Her voice has darkened and I'd like to hear her thoughts, songs and poems about sanctuary . She has more to give.

[micheleanastasia]

Incredible. this is the best version I've ever heard of this song. Yowza.

I so relate to this.

[DZibman]

The best band ever assembled???

[richbeerman]

The musicianship on this recording is completely off the charts. What an outstanding performance. I'd also vote for Miles Davis (electric period w/ McLaughlin) as "best band." Zappa would have to be considered as well....

[nalgologo]

Anyone knows what´s with the wolf at the beginning?

[neurofire]

Hungry? Tired? Cold? Lost?

[bonobosmusic]

not wolf - coyote

[justice4J]

A reference to Joni's song "Coyote" from Hejeira (sp?). Great tune.

[drummermizike]

truly awesome muscians dont have to do a damn thing coolness just comes through them

[landart67]

Jaco is amazing in this concert

[sgtclumsy]

the words in this song are so potent...i feel like shes describing my life or something lol

[pretorious700]

I think it's about David Geffen

[sgtclumsy]

yeah it is about David Geffen, Joni and him where friends and went on a trip to Paris together. What a great song.

[wyattdawg]

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

[landart67]

agreed! no doubt

[culpritto]

everybody's in da house here!

[swingcity7]

This song is cool! She looks like Robert Plant!

[GALLILAO]

sure is basic stage set but she wow for me great sound love the vocals and happy sound hippie like saw her at the isle of wight 1970 god ami that old

[pretorious700]

Metheny has the goofy guitar player face down at 1:47

[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.......................­.

[87vwscir]

Too bad Brecker is so low in the mix. I can't hear him at all. I've heard other versions of this concert and the guy absolutely thrashes on the horn breaks. RIP Michael.

[kodyrbear]

Fucking awsome performance. I wish it was twice the length and that Pat and Lyle both had solos.

[pretorious700]

I'm more for concise playing, but I feel you

[PurplePlayer99]

Does Pat Metheny ever get to solo in this concert? i just started watching this video or concert in general

pretty awesome so far

[GEEKNACH0]

Yes, right before they play Hejira. This is a fantastic concert, I have the DVD.

[beaverliqour]

end of Amelia

[ninewolves213]

Check Pat out on ''Amelia" with Joni...his solo is amazing.

[bill0w]

Fantastic!

[gurlface]

Amazing footage.

[ERDGHY]

Thank you.

[GEEKNACH0]

Unbelievable amazing I love them Jaco, Pat, Lyle heroes.

[cskillet2003]

Wow.. this is amazing!  All 5 star musicians.

[billybumbler69]

Joni Rules the Earth!!!!

[stevevandien]

JM is a GREAT songwriter and excellent performer. Re. blending music, language and vocalism, only a few approach Mitchell's level -- Gordon Lightfoot at his best, Tracey Chapman at hers, Billy Joel at his, Johnny Cash at his (Anna Nalick has talent, but her artistry remains a work in progress) -- for my money, JM leaves Dylan and Paul Simon in the dust --

[3373157]

You're so right. And no matter how PC we've become, the boys have never taken her as seriously as lesser musicians such as Dylan (although he recognizes her greatness) Just when she was trailblazing woman to musical equality, along came Madonna and people thought she represented a new feminism. So it was back to sex and image selling everything and a reliance on men to play and produce the music. This is what they called post feminism but to me it was a backward step for woman musicians.

[stevevandien]

And YOU'RE so right:). The recording industry ALWAYS uses sex-and-image to "sell" female singer-songwriters, as it has with Nalick, Alicia Keys, Sarah McLachlan, Paula Cole, Sheryl Crow -- probably many more. Just look at their CD covers. Don't get me wrong: As a straight guy, I find each of these women rather easy to gaze upon:). But that has nothing to do with their WORK. I doubt this will ever change. Then again, I'm a natural pessimist:) --

[neilraoufsw]

mike brecker on the horns...rip mike...i love you

[BobAcoustic]

Ah, JONI! (sigh)

[waybear7]

Can anyone tell me if the song...

"Free Man in Parris" was a tribute to Nathan Weiss...A prominet "Player" in the Music Business ( CBS RECORDS)...

 OR.....NOT????????????????????

[emjayeuk]

It's generally considered to be about David Geffen.

[TandEeesDad]

It's a song about David Geffen I believe.

[neurofire]

It's generally accepted as an ode to David Geffin. And what an extraordinary moment in contemporary music. This is not only enjoyable for it's own sake - but an insight into sheer musical artistry. I'd like to see JM do this now with her darker smokier voice. I'd also like to see (and hear) Jose Feliciano (credited with a 12 string role) do Peoples Parties live with JM. That would be a thousand dollar entry ticket for me. (Front row center)

This clip is a treat. Thanks.

[stephystills]

GREAT!!!!!!!!!!! what else can you say!! The Best of the Best up there on that Stage!

[nicoelduro13]

Se quedo sin músicos!!! casi nadie Pat Metheny, Jaco, Brecker!!!!!

[nalgologo]

Bueno, Pat Metheny sigue vivo, no?

[ciaobuddha]

joni, jaco & pat all on one stage, hope that audience realise how lucky they were

[blepino]

........that's right! really, really lucky.

I hope someone will invent a time machine, I surely would chose that day to be there with them!

[nalgologo]

I totally agree!

[sportsdogg1]

I was listening to Neil Diamond's cover of this song and thought the cover was awful. It was obvious the song had great potential, and the passion of both Joni and the musicians is awesome. Glad I found this gem of a song.

[jjmacool]

Killer Musicians

[Merstheman]

I wish there were a video for Dry Cleaner From Des Moines

[djmysoul1]

Pat and Jaco? I can`t imagine how was listening those two masters....

[kahanasam]

No one today ca pull this off. A genius.

[wyattdawg]

having the clout to pull that kind of talent on a stage to play behind you has got to be intoxicating. i wish i could hear an isolated track of the bass, man he plays that tight

[integraleric]

That's Pat Metheny on guitar.

[Twiglet09]

Fantastic :)

[Ozziak]

...Przepiękny utwór i perfekcyjne wykonanie...!!!

[aeromexico1]

Well done my friend. Great song.

[noff27]

Excellent and classic song. What a talented singer she is. And was. And always will be.

[tutumaShell]

Her talent for singing is surpassed only by her talent for song writing....and painting.

[matalmike]

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

[1974Qball]

What a stoner in the background......lol

[Dr9000]

I'm not a Jaco fan as such, but he just sounds so rich on this album

[ForestSobieski]

Yep, when he is playing inside the limits of a pop song like this he sounds great.

Pretty good "backup" band she had with her back then.

[Dr9000]

You are so right. I always felt the same about Hendrix .. great player, but those endless jams could get a bit too much, but in athree min pop song (think little wing and the such) he sounded so good. I enjoy some players better when they are restrained.

[marcosjoy]

how interesting

[bj616]

When was this concert, 20 years ago or more? She is a great artist, I've always liked her.

[bliss4jules]

Thirty years! Summer of '79. They came to Red Rocks near Denver, and I was able to go last minute, though alone. I'd just finished high school and somehow this talent-laden experience felt like a launch into the world of adults. Still remember the virtuosity on display. And Joni had such command of it all. (The teal pant suit doesn't suit her, however.)

[tall32guy]

@bliss4jules The teal suit was very colorful, and Joni being a painter, I think it suits her quite well. Hehe! It was also the late 70's so I guess that was the style. LOL But yes I wish I had been there for this entire concert. Alas, I was only 5 at the time. :(

[johnnyburton73]

Jaco,amore mio!

[sookiestackhouse2u]

joni's performance here seems a bit rushed. it's a shame her addiction to cigarettes ruined her singing voice later on. she still sounds great here though.

[jephthah007]

Is it just me, or is Pat Metheney is doing all he can to be in the shot?

[hngwitch]

What an amazing artist Ms. Mitchell is! And the band is so tight!

[username672]

does anyone know the albums that this group recorded togethor?

[GalaxyRover1020]

There's the live concert album "Shadows And Light".

Jaco Pastoruis appeared on her albums

"Hejira" and "Don Juan's Reckless Daughter".

[GalaxyRover1020]

Also  the "Mingus' album which really showcases Jaco nicely.

[samansun]

Excellent band , but it's the drumming that catches my ears most.

[4rainbowed]

Makes me miss the Jaco we could have known terribly.

[hanhensbart]

pat was 12... : )

[bookkeeper57]

Just looks like he's 12: still pretty young here. Joni herself about 38 years old.

[DrGaellon]

1979; Pat was 25.

[hanhensbart]

compliments! you're a very intelligent guy... : D

[1974Qball]

She shakes it so cool.

[1974Qball]

I love this video....so hot.

[bobblehead67]

I think Joni brought the best out in Jaco. HIs playing on her records and in the concert footage with her is so funky but focused. Joni and the song come first but there's room enough for Jaco to be Jaco, you know? I wish he'd played for more songwriter/vocalists--Stevie Wonder or Paul Simon or Curtis Mayfield.

[drewbacsi]

These mofo's make it look and sound sooooo easy!

[LukeAir2008]

Jaco gave Simon Cowell a run for his money with those funky high waist pants!!

[LukeAir2008]

i so wish Id been there. Joni is amazing, beautiful location, great band with Pat and Jaco. Wow...

[temporaryname73]

I think you're forgetting Michael Brecker. He's the most amazing player in this entire band!

[LukeAir2008]

No i didn't forget Michael. The whole band is amazing.

[Mingusandme]

Come on man... listen to that bottom end. JACO is THE MAN!

[raselhanut]

i loved to be in PARIS , does anybody knows where it is acctually. i don´t think so. if you have been there you would even enjoy this song more, because it is still thePLACE TO BE once in your livetime.

[StandUp555]

Joni is the musical genius of the last 100+ years IMO.

She is a Godess !

[ZELPHOR]

Just simply wonderful

[towser06]

WOOOOOOOOOOOW, fantastic...i even enjoyed Pat Metheny and i used to hate him..great band..priceless..

[yohrdzayr]

omfg!!! what a band!!! BRAVO!!!

[bccb2010]

Great artist. Brilliant!

[CuteBear35]

funny pants

[kmstpt28]

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

[BaphometsWarrior]

And Brecker!!!

Awesome!

[renetastoimenova]

a couple of them is not living anymore :(((

[pirrostsakas]

unfortunately 3: Jaco Pastorius, Don Alias and M.Brecker (R.I.P.)

[renetastoimenova]

yep, i realized that a bit later, didn't know about the drummer :(((

hi from bg, surprized to come upon jazz fans there, not that mixed balkan's toooooo bad :)))) but r u greek? :)))))

[NicholeChoiceMusic]

I love her!!! It is the ultimate feminist who can refer to herself as a Free Man! :)

[reganapparel]

The "Free Man in Paris" she refers to would be David Geffen.

[mrmott44]

you are so dense it is written about a guy who was actually in Paris--D. Geefen who was hounded in Britain at the time.

[vebtube0826]

Brilliant!

[classof80extant]

I'll never forget hearing Hejira and Jaco Pastorius for the first time. Thanks for the post very mu-uch!

[VERB65]

you will be missed RIP Joni.

[oZoBass1]

What's that supposed to mean?

Joni is still ALIVE!

[davss5]

Maybe VERB65 was referring to Joni's current physical developments - from Wikipedia: "As of early 2009, Mitchell is in the midst of treatments for Morgellons syndrome, an infectious and potentially debilitating skin condition that has put other endeavors on hold"

[jetboater007]

Real pros doing their thing supporting the Queen herself. Don keeps the band driving on the right side while Michael keeps it jazzy. Jaco is incedible as usual while Pat and Lyle fill in the gaps. Poetry in motion. Brilliant.

[grant1r]

Errrkkkk. Pat Metheny is overplaying Joni Mitchell's song. The rhythm section is forced, the song loses its openness. Joni Mitchell has to compensate her voice for musicians who want play past the song.

[grazza]

lol you funny

[oZoBass1]

This concert was during the height of Joni's jazz stage, which 'Free Man' was written before. The arrangement is TOTALLY Joni's!

Pat was actually pretty subdued here.

As for her voice she was getting pretty hoarse by this time in the concert.

[grazza]

such a beautiful, sublime arrangement, metheny sympathetic and discreet. joni's 40 a day habit already catching up with her at this point, but a slight rough edge not hurting this version

[fer66]

Joni could not have picked better musicians for such gig!

I love you Pat & Lyle ...

[MarcoBurrone]

VIVA JACO, My Favorit musician

Il a créer la bass fretless, plusieurs technique et une composition hors pair...

Un génie qui à été poignardé par le patron d'un bar dans le qu'elle il voulais allé boire pour oublié son divorce, il n'avais pas idée de qui il était. c'est vrai qu'à la fin il passait pour un clodo !

A GENIUS OF BASS

[appletiser89]

i absolutely adore joni mitchell...does anyone know the guitar chords for this song?

[Q2W3e4r5tss]

I just love Joni. Can't help it

[louiseduvee]

SUPERb!!!

[mattjohn87]

Man, I wanna say Alias's Drumming makes this song. But you can't discount Jaco's choppy 16th note stuff. And then Brecker's wailing away beautiful lines on the sax. While Metheny and Mays remain understated, filling in at the perfect times with such appropriate phrasing. And song writing sent from a distant land to give us a glimpse of truely tasteful music.

hmmmm

[Tuscanson]

When? where? Help me out here.

[boardsailor]

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

[modelleg]

Joni surrounded by greatness.

[livinginwv1998]

For years as I was growing up I thought Joni sang on Schoolhouse Rock. Later I did som research and found out it was Lynn Ahrens. Joni has an incredible voice and it always takes me back to my youth.

[Xelanderthomas]

imagine having Pat Mehtheny, Jaco Pastorius, Micheal Brecker in you're band. "Yeah, just little band I put together" lol

[mloaks]

maybe lyle mayes?

[Xelanderthomas]

Yeah, all of them, right?

[ajvox]

great

[mmffxx]

good band! ~

[debmassey]

LOVE this arrangement. It's even better than the record. The backing band is a dream band. Three are dead now. :( Joni is my hero and Jaco was SO amazing. It all just meshed SO WELL.....Jaco cannot be replaced. God I miss him. Joni is my hero too! Especially during her HEJIRA album material. wow.

[Giblinkbob]

Great song Joni, brass in great at the end also!

[MetallicBill]

I'm blanking on the guitarist... Pat something?

[goo2u]

metheny

[MetallicBill]

It's funny, I noticed it in the related vids after I posted. I assumed he was strickly jass/fusion, so it was a surprise. Joni with an electric guitar as well.. I always pictured her as a real hippie folky! haha

[JumpingJibbers]

joni sounds great as always

[williampaul69]

Great song, great cast. That Jaco character really could play..

[peaceonearth777]

Nice song she wrote for David. They are great friends.

[TheAllyJowettBand]

That lineup is crazy! Gotta say jaco is shining through with one of his very distinctive bass lines

[Yapostadodat]

Yes, Jaco is probably THE core of Joni's sound at this point in her career. You can always her her tunes from this time by Jaco's fretless bass.

[davidlockeretz]

What a great band - they just don't make 'em like they used to.

[heartrock23]

Yeah Joni! I saw you at Tanglewood in the late 70s and you are amazing. Few can compete with you now or ever. Thanks for your purity and brilliance. You are a whole package. Thank you....

[neurofire]

How good is this. The lady can do no wrong or sing a lousy song. I hope she is happy...sure lifts me.

Thankyou Joni - and superunknown373

[porkified]

So fine.

I need my Joni fix alot. This always brings me up.

I love you Joni

[richardjft]

I have had this DVD and the CD for a few years and I still watch it least once a month...totally amazing, such a great atmosphere...you can almost feel like you are there.

[InvalidationCounter]

I keep listening to this one. It gets better and better. What a fantastic band. Joni Mitchell, Pat Metheny, Lyle Mays, Michael Brecker, Jaco Pastorius, Don Alias.

What more can you ask for !! :-)

[Myagooshki]

joni mitchell is pretty good!! very calming music. Very strong blues influence.

[deirdrec1]

Thanks for sharing, babe, I love it!! 5 stars

[StevenScholten]

this is probably the best bass playing ever!

[jonmonbuckeye1]

Just incredible musicians in this video, Metheny, Pastori,Mays, and I think that is Michael Brecker (not sure). But incredible talent.