In the 1960’s and 1970’s, Joni Mitchell had one of the sweetest, purest, most flexible voice I had ever heard. Joni wrote music that was completely original and surprising. As years went by, I paid less attention because her music became so… well, confusing and complex, that she left me behind. My tastes are more simple. I couldn’t find the refrains to sing along with in the car, as there had been, in “Both Sides Now.”
Why am I reflecting about Joni Mitchell? It’s because a friend who is a superb guitarist ordered a book that has all her songs, plus the guitar arrangements. He invited me to do the singing while he did the playing. This is better than chocolate cake and a trip to the seashore. As long as the music is from her older material, I’m IN, with enthusiasm. We agreed to start with “River,” her famous song that pairs up Christmas with her messing up a good love relationship.
Holidays are like that. When it’s Christmas or Thanksgiving or Valentine’s Day (substitute your own charged holiday), one can lapse melancholic about what could have been or what one wishes for. “River” is a California song because of the climate Joni describes. The song does sound autobiographical, but that’s her business. The self-flagellation and the grief-stricken re-run of the relationship she may have lost by being selfish and sad could apply to anyone, anywhere. And holidays bring it on.
Here is my version of “River” with the gifted Rob Chirico playing the guitar accompaniment.
“River” by Joni Mitchell, sung by Susan Rose, Rob Chirico on guitar
Susan Rose: Singing Grandma 