"Will You Take Me as I Am"

BobNC   2009-Apr-10 at 11:37:45 I just finished the Joni bio and thoroughly enjoyed it. The author focused on how Joni's 'blue, self-introspective period" began with "Blue" and ended with "Hejira." The author contents that after "Hejira" she no longer looked inward, but, rather, became a social commentator/short story teller. In fact, Joni herself compares herself to two authors -- Emily Carr and Carver. (Note to Bob: check out Emily Carr!) Joni loves Ms. Carr's writing. Book included much new interview material with Joni. I believe the author met her several times over the years. Lots of little gossipy morsels from the grand dame's mouth herself about not only her, but, also, others. (Boy, Jackson Browne must have really done something horrible to her!) Excellent writing and critical analysis of her music. I've read tons of articles/interviews with Joni, but, this book, did contain enough new insights to make it a book I'm glad to have purchased. Not a single mention of Carole King by either the author or Ms. Mitchell herself. I believe the author would not have spoken favorably of her, since much space is spent lambasting Dan Fogelberg as the anti-thesis to Joni -- a songwriter who author claims only sought to passively soothe his audience and not to get them to look inward, or see large visions in small things. (So, what is wrong with writing soothing music?") Carly is mentioned by author (not favorably). Reading the book has reignited my passion for Joni's music. At work, I have 93 Joni tracks on my ipod and I listened to all of them. I've also listened to "Blue" before falling asleep most nights this past week. Tonight, it's "Hejira." And yes, Ms. Mitchell, I know lots of gay fans, like myself, who do indeed love "Hejira."

Zanobbi   2009-Apr-18 at 00:54:03 Browne: Didn't she write "Not to blame" inspired by him and Daryl Hanna? And I LOVE HEJIRA!!   (edited: 2009-Apr-19 at 02:44:33)

RobertaJoan   2009-Sep-04 at 03:28:44 I've also recently read "will you take me as I am" Although I enjoyed and would recommend any Joni fan to read, I found myself saying, "I've heard that" or "I've read/seen that"... alot. I dont know how exclusive her time with JONI, really was. Considering the vastness of that period for JONI and even in general... just a bit to Journalisty for me.

lesli   2009-Oct-25 at 10:43:09 The story i had never heard was the one about the opening notes to Blue. That they were her response to Miles Davis' Blue and the magical way he started his song. I've always loved that beginning.