Joni Mitchell: Shadows and Light

Joni Mitchell's '70s and ‘80s foray into jazzier territory may have distressed her folkie faithful, but it also resulted in some uncompromising, challenging, and, yes, entertaining music, as viewers will discover in this Dolby Digital 5.1 and stereo-enhanced record of her ‘79 tour, which finds Mitchell backed by her greatest band ever, including guitarist Pat Metheny and the extraordinary bassist Jaco Pastorius, as well as Metheny cohort Lyle Mays (keyboards), Michael Brecker (sax), and Don Alias (drums). Mitchell's The Hissing of Summer Lawns--Hejira--Mingus period is heavily favored here; there are two tunes from Court and Spark, but nothing earlier. It's not perfect--the film clips edited into the live tracks (at Mitchell's direction) are an annoying distraction (Rebel Without a Cause? Huh?). But by the time Mitchell, Mays, and vocal group the Persuasions finish a spine-tingling version of the title song, you'll have witnessed something special--and historic, as this was the only time this stellar crew toured together. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (S. Graham)