“…Lahm’s takes are distinctive enough to create his own thing while underscoring the jazz lines that inform Mitchell’s work. Lahm gets so personal that he becomes a collaborator in his own right. He starts with her heartfelt music and makes some of his own.” – Karl Stark, The Philadelphia Inquirer
Jazz pianist David Lahm and his All-Star guests, Randy Brecker, Thomas Chapin and Lew Tabackin, use Jazz music to re-imagine the songs of Joni Mitchell, one of the century’s greatest musical talents, on this imaginative Arkadia Records album entitled “David Lahm: Jazz Takes on Joni Mitchell”.
“An admirable piece of work with musicians who add eloquence to the compositions. One can only rejoice in the glow of the music.” – Jerry D’Souza, Planet Jazz
The individualistic, esoteric nature of Joni Mitchell’s repertoire bears a natural affinity to Jazz. Now pianist, arranger, and composer David Lahm pays tribute to her in the idiom that has permeated her repertoire: Jazz. This recording represents a new kind of recognition for one of Pop and Folk-Rock’s most endearing song sculptors. Features 19 all-star Jazz musicians including Randy Brecker, Lew Tabackin, Thomas Chapin, and Kenny Washington, “David Lahm: Jazz Takes on Joni Mitchell” proves that Joni Mitchell’s works are Jazz compositions that have a place in the repertoire of that most vital and uncompromising genre of music, mainstream American Jazz.
“Lahm captures the musical and emotional complexity of a range of Mitchell pieces, which cuts straight to the heart!” – Hilarie Grey, JazzTimes
“A strong tribute to Joni by a collection of musicians that understand her compositions. Your ears are in for a treat, and you’ll agree with me when I peg it as HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Joy for the ears.” – Rotcod Zzaj, Improvijazzation Nation
1. Solid Love 07:03
2. Song for Sharon 06:44
3. Edith and the Kingpin 06:14
4. Coyote 05:56
5. Blue Motel Room 07:19
6. The Blonde in the Bleachers and the Vamp from Hell 07:32
7. The Fiddle and the Drum 05:23
8. Solid Love (alternate version) 06:57
9. Shadows and Light 08:50
All songs composed by Joni Mitchell.
David Lahm: Piano
Randy Brecker: Trumpet
Lew Tabackin: Tenor sax
Thomas Chapin: Alto sax/flute
Mark Feldman: Violin
David Friedman: Vibraphone
William Galison: Harmonica
Roger Rosenberg: Sax/clarinet
Ron Vincent: Drums
Peter Herbert: Bass
Ed Naumeister: Trombone
Mike LeDonne: Organ
Kenny Washington: Drums
Peter Washington: Bass
