July 27, 2004

Posted July 27, 2004

The elusive Joni interview: I wish I had more information to give you here, but I'll tell you what I know: Joni's to be interviewed by CNN on Thursday. Now I'll tell you what I don't know: when we'll get to see this interview is a mystery. There's been no word about when the interview will be aired, or about whether or not it will appear in print -- CNN hasn't responded to requests for more information. With luck, we'll know more about the interview before it has come and gone, but I wanted to put the word out so we can all watch for it.

Joni's CD The Beginning of Survival is due for release today. Her CD of "commentaries on the world in which we live" is a powerful, well-timed social statement that's every bit as effective right now as these songs were when the many albums the music comes from were initially released; the fact that the music is now all together in one spot increases the impact even more. "The time has come," says Joni, referring to the new CD. She's paid careful attention to song selection and order to make it a coherent, focused collection. Her reflections are also expressed here through her latest paintings, a new essay, and the moving "Chief Seattle" speech that regained prominence when referred to by Joseph Campbell in his famous "Power of Myth" conversation with Bill Moyers.

The recording industry is most likely to notice audience support in the days just after release -- I hope you'll pick it up today so these important songs reach as many new ears as possible.