6 /10 1 Votes
Country Canada Genre Non-fiction, memoir Pages 344 p.p. | 3/5 Barnes & Noble Language English Publication date 2014 Originally published 2014 Publisher ECW Press | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Media type Print (Hardback & Paperback) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Joni Mitchell: In Her Own Words is a critically acclaimed book compiled by broadcast journalist/musician/author Malka Marom from conversations with musician Joni Mitchell. The book is composed of conversations recorded on three separate occasions, between the years 1973 and 2012. In describing the panoramic appeal of this book, literary publications such as Kirkus Reviews as well as fan sites such as Goodreads, consistently praise Marom's ability to respect Mitchell's artistry, while asking direct, pertinent questions.
Contents
- Prelude to creative and commercial success
- 1970s interviews
- Full circle in the new millennium
- Acclaim and circulation
- References
The book was published by ECW Press in 2014.
Prelude to creative and commercial success
Marom met Mitchell in the fall of 1966, two years ahead of the latter's massive public ascension. However, upon first meeting, as a talented musician herself, Marom instantly recognized Mitchell's immeasurable artistic potential. This appreciative camaraderie laid the foundation for a series of future interviews which illuminate the concentric circles inherent in the creative process.
1970s interviews
Marom's first interview with Mitchell took place in 1973, immediately preceding the release of Mitchell's album Court and Spark. Mitchell was not open to engaging with the press; however, Marom's respectful, intimate delivery shaped the discussions in a way that afforded both the subject and reader/listener a relaxed,full- bodied approach to both Mitchell's muse and art. Supporting players (i.e. management/members of the band) were given the opportunity to provide additional angles, lending peripheral reference, as Mitchell sought to embark on an ever-widening journey of musical exploration.
Six years after the blockbuster success of "Court and Spark", Mitchell, in the interim, had released projects that were challenging to fan's expectations. Yet, undaunted, Mitchell continued to reach toward artistic alchemy, concluding the decade by collaborating with the jazz bassist Charles Mingus. At Mingus' request, Mitchell worked with him on his final project; this created a stir in both the pop and jazz worlds. Recognizing the pivotal nature of this moment, Marom once again chronicled Mitchell's latest direction, exploring how this partnership came about. As might be expected, she also added the touch of weaving in more thoughts on the creative process.
Full circle in the new millennium
The genesis for compiling a book originated from a gift given to Marom by her son, Daniel Marom. Upon reading the transcripts, Marom believed that the content did service toward illustrating the artistic contribution of Joni Mitchell, an artist who is often described as visionary, iconoclastic, elusive, genius, singular and inspirational. Mitchell agreed to do a final interview, where time and its wisdom could access (or at least attempt to unravel) the enigma of the muse. They discuss, in detail, its alternating silence, whispering and unmistakable declaration.
Acclaim and circulation
Released in September, 2014, Joni Mitchell In Her Own Words: Conversations with Malka Marom has garnered recognition as a 2015 IPPY Gold Medalist winner, inclusion as the Keynote topic/speaker (Marom) at "Court and Spark: An International Symposium", numerous mentions in on-line publications such as Brainpickings and is internationally translated and circulated in Italy and China.