Posted on 04/08/2021 5:39:37 PM PDT by simpson96
"River" is a song by Canadian singer songwriter Joni Mitchell, from her 1971 album Blue. Written on piano, it has become a standard for artists in many music styles, and holds second place among Mitchell's songs most recorded by other artists.
The song is about the recent breakup of a romantic relationship at Christmastime, with the singer longing to escape her painful emotional bonds.
The piano accompaniment to the vocal borrows heavily from the tune to the 19th-century winter song "Jingle Bells".
Joni Mitchell - "River" (1971)
(Excerpt) Read more at youtube.com ...
I’ve never been a fan of Joni Mitchell’s performances...her performing style...but as a song writer she’s an absolute genius/ she’s written at least a half dozen of my very favorite songs.
By posting this you have made my life more difficult. For years I couldn’t decide if my favorite female folk singer was Judy Collins or Joan Baez. Now I can’t decide between Judy, Joanie, and Joni.
Just kidding. Thanks for posting this. My favorite Joni Mitchell performance is her rendition of “Girl of the North Country”, a duet with Johnny Cash. Pure gold! I just wish I could find it in HD.
Me of the saddest & most beautiful songs ever.
Me of the saddest & most beautiful songs ever.
One
John Pierpont, the writer of "Jingle Bells" later wrote the Confederate war song Strike for the South!
Listen. From 2:20 seconds to 2: 28 seconds when she hits eight or nine notes on the word fly.
Just awesome. She does not screech or scream like Kelly Clarkson or Mariah Carey. She is a great singer.
This could be said to be Joni’s version of Elvis Presleys’
Blue Christmas. Both songs allow you (the celebrant) to think a moment before you start to Carol.
Strangely, Joni has something in common with Mitch McConnell. Yes, The Turtle. Both have recovered from serious bouts with polio. Joni lived in a Saskatoon “Polio Colony” for a few months back in 1951. She was not expected to ever walk again, but the sound of Iron Lungs working through the night for other patients made her determined to get out of that Colony asap.
“One”
I knew that. ; - ) x2
I see you’re tangled up in Blue...
Joni Mitchell is, arguably, the finest songwriter of the modern era - far beyond Dylan who used the same basic simple chords played by simpleton musicians.
Her chord structure continued to grow more complex and caused her to seek higher quality musicians in the jazz world.
Rick Beato has a GREAT YouTube channel and describes why Joni’s “Amelia” (from the album “Hejira”) is one of the great songs and featured Larry Carlton on a very tasty lead guitar.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r45L38Eyhpw
“River” was also reviewed by Rick as his #1 Christmas song (at 12:57).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsUw6s6OlS0
Marking.
My favorite of all time. Going on plenty decades now. I’m her biggest fan, lol.
Outstanding.
Lucky Art.
Joni is a longtime favorite of mine. Got to see her live once in ‘73 in Austin. Amazing. Since my wife passed away “River” is my favorite Christmas song.
MEGAbump for Mitchell
Rick Beato said this is his Number One Christmas Song of all time.
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