Shadows and Light 44 years old

Joni Mitchell Jaco Pastorius Pat Metheny World Music

Joni Mitchell's 1970s and '80s forays into jazzier territory may have distressed her folkie faithful, but they also resulted in some uncompromising, challenging, and, yes, entertaining music. Witness this 73-minute document from her '79 tour, which finds her backed by her greatest band ever. Mitchell's The Hissing of Summer Lawns-Hejira-Mingus period is heavily favored; 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. --Sam Graham

Credits

Shadows and Light Cast

Name	Character
Joni Mitchell She was 36, now 81 years old	as Joni Mitchell (electric guitar, vocals)
Jaco Pastorius He was 28, 35 years old when he died	as Jaco Pastorius (bass)

Shadows and Light Crew

Name	Department
Joni Mitchell as Director. She was 36 (now 81) years old	Directing