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Discography

Court and Spark

Release date:  January 17, 1974

Court and Spark
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  • Photo &copy; by Sherry Rayn Barnett, used with permission. Read the <a style="color:red" href="https://jonimitchell.com/library/view.cfm?id=4593" target="_blank">story behind the photo</a>.
  • Photo &copy; by Sherry Rayn Barnett, used with permission. Read the <a style="color:red" href="https://jonimitchell.com/library/view.cfm?id=4593" target="_blank">story behind the photo</a>.
  • @ Joel Bernstein
  • Henry Lewy and Joni. Photo by Joel Bernstein

Album Notes

Drums and percussion - John Guerin
Bass - Max Bennett (on Trouble Child), Jim Hughart (on People's Parties and Free Man In Paris), Wilton Felder
Chimes (on Court and Spark) - Milt Holland
Woodwinds & reeds - Tom Scott
Trumpet (on Twisted and Trouble Child) - Chuck Findley
Piano - Joni Mitchell
Electric Piano - Joe Sample
Clavinet (on Down To You) - Joni Mitchell
Background voices - Joni Mitchell, David Crosby and Graham Nash (on Free Man In Paris), Susan Webb and David Crosby (on Down To You), Cheech and Chong (on Twisted)
Electric Guitar - Wayne Perkins (on Car On A Hill), Dennis Budimir (on Trouble Child); Robbie Robertson (on Raised on Robbery), Jose Feliciano and Larry Carlton (on Free Man in Paris), Larry Carlton on all others

Joe Sample appears courtesy of The Crusaders and Chisa/Blue Thumb Records Inc.
Larry Carlton appears courtesy of Chisa/Blue Thumb Records Inc.
Jose Feliciano appears courtesy of RCA Records
Cheech & Chong appear courtesy of Ode Records
Robbie Robertson appears courtesy of Capitol Records.

The strings on the 'Same Situation' were arranged by Tom Scott; 'Down To You" arranged by Joni Mitchell and Tom Scott; 'Car On A Hill' arranged by Joni Mitchell

Sound Engineer - Henry Lewy
Mastering Engineer - Bernie Grundman

All songs composed by Joni Mitchell, © 1973 Crazy Crow Music/BMI. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Except 'Twisted,' written by Ross and Grey, © 1965 Prestige Music/BMI. All rights reserved. Used by permission

Art Direction / Design - Anthony Hudson
Photography - Norman Seeff
Cover Painting - Joni Mitchell

© 1974 Asylum Records. Mfg. by Elektra / Asylum / Nonesuch Records, a division of Warner Communications Inc., 15 Columbus Circle, New York, N.Y. 10023. Printed USA

Reviews of the album from the Library:

Transcriptions of songs from the album:

Comments on Court and Spark

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Toonful on : 

I can't seem to find the extra players on "Down to You", specifically French horn and bassoon. Surely this information exists, and I know it's not Tom Scott playing. As a professional musician myself, I think it's a shame when sidemen aren't credited. So . . . ?

Ian Welland on : 

I have to agree with Randyvent. 'Court and Spark' is a great listen. 'Free Man in Paris' is one of Joni's greatest tracks - brilliant lyrics with superb music and production throughout. I can so relate to 'People's Parties' when I was a teenager; but for me, 'Down To You' is outstanding - the lyrics are so memorable and I can recall word for word; the music is a dream (a section is not too dissimilar to Captain and Tennile's 'Wedding Song') - 'Down To You' is the perfect Joni mid-70s song that has stood the test of time.

JuanM on : 

11/12/2015 tonite Im playing the hdcd on my laptop with headphones, and yes, sounds amazing.

Randyvent on : 

Free Man in Paris alone makes this album a masterpiece. But, seriously....People's Parties, Down To You, Trouble Child, Help Me, Twisted, etc....Court and Spark is a great listen.

salinasman on : 

So I am old enough to remember when this album was released. I was a high school senior listening to rock music of the times...KMET, a now defunct FM station out of Los Angeles played this whole album on the air on a Sunday night. I was blown away by the music, the lyrics, the voice. It was music that I fell in love with. This ablum has seen me thru good times and bad times. It is a timeless piece that ranks as one of the greatest musical works of the 20th century. A very humble person thanks you for this album Joni Mitchell.

brentholcomb84 on : 

So groovy, so jazzy, so reflective. The piano chords are astonishingly hip and plaintive at the same time. Trouble Child is such a gem: "Why does it come as such a shock to know that you really have no one?" Joni, I may not have a man, but I have your music, worth more than any coyote. Thank you for creating this masterpiece. You've blown my mind so many times with this record. With love, Brent Holcomb

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sweet.bird on : 

much agreed with kenny!
this record moved and continues to move me when listening.

LKay09 on : 

I'm conflicted in my opinion of this album... OF COURSE I purchased it because by now I was completely obsessed with Joni Mitchell... but for me, this album came from 'left field'. It was very different from her earlier work and wasn't sure if I was feeling it.

One memory from this album I will always treasure is while living overseas with my Aunt (while attending school) who didn't speak much English. But she LOVED the song, "Help Me" -- she understood that, and thought it was a hoot! :-D  [ed.]

KennyB on : 

Following her previous five albums, this collection best epitomizes Joni's arrival at a new plateau. Filled with intelligent, reflective and creative songwriting; often complex arrangements; and masterful, tasteful instrumentals, this album best represents Joni's music as far as I'm concerned.