Sometimes you realize in retrospect how important certain people are in life. When Joni Mitchell performed with guitar, dulcimer, piano and voice at the legendary 1970 Isle of Wight concert, (which was essentially the UK version of Woodstock), little did anyone in attendance think that she would be the person who would write some of the most important music of their generation. Her sophisticated harmonies, chords and song structures teamed with reflective lyrics that eventually became the soundtrack not only for the listening generation, but it has today become part of the canon of American standards.
On this dvd/Blu-Ray, Mitchell is in glowing form here, performing a cheerful “Chelsea Morning,” a bluesy “My Old Man,” yearning “Woodstock” and autumnal “California” sounding both earnest and musical. The irony of “Big Yellow Taxi” is not to be lost, while “Both Sides Now” seems more poignant than ever. It’s intriguing that she closes her set with pieces such as “Gallery,” “Hunter” and “A Case of You,” signifying that she was more concerned with creating a musical and social atmosphere than delivering pop tunes. At this early stage in her career, it’s also fascinating to see how this young folk singer not only “works” a large crowd and keeps it attentive to the introspective music, but she is able to keep order during some unruly crowd activities. An intriguing interview, as well as interspersed snippets of back stage footage, allow you to get into Ms. Mitchell’s worldview, making you able to see this important lady from, well, both sides.