I just watched – and more importantly listened – to Joni Mitchell’s performance at the 2024 Grammy Awards. What a magical performance.
Above all, her phrasing and storytelling are the absolute pinnacle. And it reminds us that phrasing is paramount. Much more than tone or vocal flexibility, the ability to shape the musical phrase is what sets apart genius interpreters of song.
Joni’s voice isn’t the songbird soprano it was in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Doesn’t matter. Her gift for shaping the musical phrase, combined with the lyrical genius of her song “Both Sides Now” is a gift beyond anything a pretty tone could give.
The same is true for the late Billie Holiday albums, such as Lady In Satin. Listen past the voice to the story.
Joni’s brilliant lyrics and songs are always front of mind when you think of her genius; but her ability to phrase those melodies and lyrics to tell the stories she wants to tell is maybe less appreciated. Her delivery of a song at the Grammys that she wrote nearly 60 years ago earlier is example one of the gift she has.
Go listen to the performance, and then find a way to listen to her whole album Both Sides, Now.