host MARY LOUISE KELLY
If it is true that good things come to those who wait, then the Newport Folk Festival’s reward for a more than 50-year wait would be amazing. Until 1969, this musician had never performed on the Newport Festival’s stage. Heck, she didn’t perform a full concert since the year 2000. There was a small frenzy yesterday when folk singer Brandi Carlile introduced folk icon Joni Mitchell.
BRANDI CARLILE: That would be Joni Mitchell, then.
HOST: JUANA SUMMERS
In 2015, Mitchell, then 78, suffered a brain aneurysm and had to be helped across the stage by a crew member. However, the singer, who was flanked by other musicians and sat in a Louis XIV-style chair, had no issue playing both new and old compositions.
(SOUNDBITE)
“Angel hair,” sings JONI MITCHELL (during the song).
(CHEERING)
The air is filled with ice cream castles, as well, according to Mitchell.
SUMMERS: NPR music reviewer and Joni Mitchell enthusiast Ann Powers was not the only one who was impressed by Mitchell’s singing.
When Joni stood up and started playing her electric guitar, it was just as amazing to see as it was to hear her sing.
(SOUNDBITE)
T.Mitchell: (Playing electric guitar).
You never know how much of your physical ability will return after a serious medical event. As a result, when she sang “Just Like This Train” on her album “Court And Spark,” it was really stunning to hear. My favorite part of the trip was when I saw that.
(SOUNDBITE)
CROWD UNKNOWN: (Chanting, inaudible).
KELLY: Joni Mitchell’s unexpected appearance sparked a social media frenzy, which means we’ll be hearing more of her music soon, right?
SUMMERS: Powers agrees, but insists that this isn’t the point at hand.
When we’re all enjoying her heritage and recognizing her magnificence, just having her in the room is an honor in and of itself.
(SOUNDBITE)
(Singing) And the seasons go round and round. JONI MITCHELL AND BRANDI CARLILE: There’s also a ride on painted ponies. On the roller coaster of time, we’re stranded. NPR provided the transcript, which is the property of NPR.