This 1976 Joni Mitchell album gets a dazzling vinyl upgrade!
Joni Mitchell – Hejira – Asylum Records (1976)/Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab UD1S 2-053 Limited Edition Ultradisc One-Step Pressing 180-gram 45 r.p.m. stereo 2-LP box set *****:
(Joni Mitchell – rhythm guitar, electric guitar, vocals; Larry Carlton – lead guitar; Bobbye Hall – percussion; Jaco Pastorius – fretless bass; Victor Feldman – vibes; Max Bennett – bass; John Guerin – drums; Neil Young – harmonica; Abe Most – clarinet; Chuck Domanico – double bass; Chuck Findley – trumpet; Tom Scott – tenor saxophone)
When Joni Mitchell made a transition to jazz-oriented music, this came as a surprise to the singer songwriter’s fan base. Her flexible soprano, open guitar tuning and unorthodox piano chords defined her iconic take on the evolving folk genre. In addition to her troubadour roots, Mitchell was influenced by artists like Miles Davis, Edith Piaf and especially the dynamic vocal group, Lambert, Hendricks & Ross. She would eventually collaborate with elite jazz musicians including Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Charles Mingus, Pat Metheny, Larry Carlton and Joe Sample. The jazzier concepts permeated albums like Court And Spark, Hejira and Mingus.
Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab has released a limited edition 180-gram 45 r.p.m. stereo double vinyl with the vaunted Ultradisc One Step Pressing of the 1976 album, Hejira. In a series of lyrical introspections, Mitchell explores themes of restlessness, solitude, travel and relationships. Overall, the arrangements feature scaled-back instrumentation to express these complex meditations. Side A opens with the jaunty, whimsical “Coyote’ (Some listeners will recall her performance of this at The Last Waltz concert). Mitchell delivers an up tempo observation on a faithless lover. Her rhtyhm guitar and Jaco Pastorius’ gliding fretless bass propel the song. A touch of percussion adds some rhythmic texture. “Amelia” (Mitchell channels the intrepid aviator) has an ethereal, philosophical translation on life pursuits, accompanying herself on guitar. This arrangement is framed by Larry Carlton’s, understated guitar accents, key shifts and time signatures. There are a variety of narratives and hidden meanings in the lyrics. A certain highlight is “Furry Sings The Blues”. Ostensibly about Mitchell’s meeting with blues legend Furry Lewis, the lyrics are a contemplation of urban decay in Memphis and perhaps the music business. The melancholy is translated by Neil Young’s plaintiff harmonica.
As the singer moves forward with her inexorable journey of self-discovery, there are disappointments. In “A Strange Boy”, she realizes that her companion lacks the maturity to share her journey. Carlton adds some moody notation and Mitchell’s narrative skills display wry humor (“…He still lives with his family…”) and regret (“…I gave him power over me…”). The title track showcases vibrant multi-tracked Pastorius bass lines in an unconventional breakup song. A languid clarinet (Abe Most) creates a different texture. On “Song For Sharon”, Mitchell searches for love and understanding of personal challenges. There are radiant backup vocals in what would become her signature. She is capable of poetic vocal phrasing. The interaction of rhtyhm guitar and bass is hypnotic. “Black Crow” has a distinctive sustained groove and gritty effects-infused electric guitar. There is vocal note-bending that goes well with the spacey jam. The finale “Refuge Of The Roads” (lone cut on Side D) is compelling. Rhtyhm guitar, voice and bass unite seamlessly in an audio tapestry that is magnetic. Pastorius solos on his bass like a guitar.
This MoFi Ultradisc One (also available on SACD) is a bona fide audiophile vinyl. The pristine sound mix (1/4 “ 15 IPS Dolby A master tapes transferred to DSD 256 analog console to a lathe) is extremely detailed and captures the range and nuances of Mitchell’s voice. Instrumental sonics (especially on the bass) are crystalline, demonstrating a wide range of acoustics and the stereo separation is impressive. Additionally, there is negligible surface noise providing a quiet counterpoint to the vivid aural landscape. All of the packaging details (slipcase housing, foil-stamped LP jackets and original design graphics) are top-notch. It is a compelling upgrade to a 50-year old release and will please both vinyl aficionados and Joni Mitchell fans.
Highest recommendation!
—Robbie Gerson
Joni Mitchel – Hejira
TrackList:
Side A: Coyote; Amelia
Side B: Furry Sings The Blues; A Strange Boy; Hejira
Side C: Song For Sharon; Black Crow
Side D: Refuge Of The Roads.
