Fans of Joni Mitchell will be intrigued by the book “Travelling: On the Path of Joni Mitchell” meticulously crafted by American music critic Ann Powers. The text, spearheading over 400 pages, conducts an all-encompassing cultural examination of the iconic singer and songwriter’s rise to stardom. From a ukulele-playing teenager enchanting a bonfire gathering in the 1950s to achieving her iconic status in the 60s and 70s, Mitchell’s journey represents an emblem of desired freedom and a testament to her musical prowess in an era dominated by sexism.
Powers delivers a scholarly interpretation of a broad spectrum of Mitchell’s songs, marking 19 studio albums from 1968 through 2007. The book also features an impressively long list of renowned figures of music (predominantly males) who collaborated with Mitchell. Her ability to weave together different musical styles and inputs is explored, debated, and critically analysed. This information, beautifully presented through exquisitely crafted prose, offers an engaging reading experience without causing information overload. However, those with less interest in Mitchell should be prepared to skim pages, highlighting the exciting portions. An instance of this includes Mitchell’s controversial adoption of an African American pimp persona, “Art Nouveau”, in 1976, which Powers examines in a captivating, multi-perspective conversation. Despite Mitchell’s long history of collaboration with African American musicians and her apparent appreciation of their culture, Powers concludes this act to be racially insensitive.
This book lets you delve deep into the world of Joni Mitchell’s music for an entire year if you wish, or you may find your interest piqued by accounts of Mitchell’s romantic escapades with prominent males such as David Crosby, Graham Nash, James Taylor, and Leonard Cohen (who was likely inspiration for her hit “A Case of You”).
At the age of 21, when Mitchell’s partner deserted her, she decided to place their infant daughter into closed adoption. Powers provides sensitive insight into the profound personal and creative influences this loss and subsequent reunion with her daughter, 33 years later, had on Mitchell.
The most recent biography of Mitchell was published in 2017 by David Yaffe, titled Reckless Daughter, during a time when Mitchell was still recovering from a brain aneurysm. Powers’ work, Travelling, offers an update to Mitchell’s journey, chronicling her remarkable comeback in the past few years as she enters her 90s. The return brought with it fresh commendations, tributes and ongoing shows. For those seeking a more in-depth cultural and musical analysis of Mitchell’s work, Powers’ contribution to Mitchell’s literature provides just that. However, if you prefer a more personal narration of Mitchell’s life, Yaffe’s book would be your best bet, as it presents her life story from her own vantage point.