Back in 2022, Joni Mitchell stunned folk across the globe when she appeared at Newport Folk Festival for a surprise performance. Marking her first full-length concert since the year 2000, and her return to the spotlight after a 2015 aneurysm, this surprise gig celebrated Joni’s legacy as one of the most groundbreaking singer-songwriters in pop history. But when Joni started singing her 1969 hit, “Both Sides Now,” fans truly couldn’t believe their ears; the live clip going viral with over 5.3 million YouTube views.
Sitting in a plush, gold-trimmed armchair, like a grandmother’s throne placed centre stage, it’s impossible not to be moved by Joni’s graceful demeanor; 78 years old at the time of this gig and serving fairy godmother vibes.
When Joni’s low, velvet tones reverberate with lush vibratos and soothing tones of wisdom, it’s instantly clear that Joni’s voice has aged like fine wine. Twenty years out of the spotlight, yet Joni still nails every note of this performance.
However, Joni’s sparkling, vintage voice welcomes a plethora of deeper meanings behind her lyrics, first penned in 1969, and now sung with more relevance and understanding than ever: “I’ve looked at clouds from both sides now / From up and down, and still somehow / It’s cloud illusions I recall / I really don’t know clouds at all.”
As one viewer and top-commenter noticed, “There is a poignancy in this song that was not there in Joni’s younger years. She sings it as if she is speaking to a grandchild about a life long lived and passing on all of the misconceptions about life that she had in her younger years. A timeless song by a timeless singer.”
Perched beside Joni, eleven-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and producer Brandi Carlile tries desperately to keep it together, layering subtle harmonies within Joni’s chorus while consistently fighting off the tears.
Stitching all components together (Brandi’s reaction, the immense cheering of the crowd, a stage of wistful performers wiping tears from their eyes), Joni’s influence over the music scene takes the spotlight – holding complete power over every soul lost in the golden moment and proving what a legend she remains.
Joni first appeared at the Newport Folk Fest back in 1967. She returned in 1969; this 2022 performance marking her first appearance at the Newport stage in 53 years. With thirteen hits comprising her setlist, “Both Sides, Now” was Joni’s penultimate song, before closing her set with the same show-stopper she used to end her 1969 set: “The Circle Game.” Music Man readers can watch that performance in the video above!
Folk fans have been digging deep into the elements making this clip so special, with one top-commenter hitting the nail on the head, writing, “The word ‘special’ is overused, but this performance really is special. From her flawless phrasing, the gorgeously weathered tone of her voice, Brandi Carlile showing supreme sensitivity and class in guiding when needed and stepping back when not, to the fact that Joni wrote this when she was 23 as if sending a message to her future self. Doesn’t get any better than this.”
Joni Mitchell’s triumphant return to the stage proves she remains an unparalleled force in music, enchanting audiences with her timeless voice and presence. Her Newport Folk Festival performance, highlighted by the emotional rendition of “Both Sides Now,” underscores her enduring legacy. Dive deeper into Joni’s remarkable journey and discover more about this iconic artist through the links provided below.