Wow.
5
By Jimandsonic44
Mitchell fused rock and jazz every bit as inventively as Becker and Fagen, and she assembles extraordinary players here. I’m a Joni fan but was unfamiliar w/ this live album, and I’m so glad someone posted the video on YT because otherwise I’d not have discovered it. Pat, Lyle, Jaco and Michael w/ Joni’s beautiful voice—Dear God this is a band.
Rick Beato Interview with Metheny brought me here
5
By SCSPhotography
I watched a long, fascinating interview on YouTube by Rick Beato, talking with Mat Metheny. I had not known of his early pairing with Jaco Pastorius. When I continued searching, I came across the video clips of this concert and was absolutely riveted by Jaco, Pat, Lyle - all inside the beautiful Joni Mitchell songs (of which I was already a long-time fan!) I've descended into a long, spiraling rabbit hole from which I may never escape. God Bless this musical treat and the exemplary talent on display! Thank you, Rick Beato!
Done right...has yet to be fully appreciated
5
By Goodwood 2
I have grown into this album over the years. What a great Sunday afternoon listening to this album. Definately more jazz than pop.
Epic
5
By Hire a new MF album review person
Late comer to Joni’s music. What drew me in though was this concert and album. There is no argument that Pat Metheny, Jaco Pastorius and Michael Brecker are the first names mentioned for their instruments by anyone that knows jazz. They are the best of their craft. Lyle Mays is also one of the best on keyboards as well. Don Alias better known as percussionist than kit drummer but still with a great feeling for tempo. Amazing that the only 2 left alive are Joni and Pat. Someone commented that this was before some of these guys made it big. Pat already had 3 albums behind him before this tour. Jaco in ‘76 had recorded his incredible debut album. And the Brecker Brothers were known by everyone when Michael wasn’t in the studio recording on every album ever made it seems. Alias was with Miles Davis earlier. Joni picked absolute monsters for this band. And the recording does not disappoint.
Pat's Solo
5
By kuklacook
It is hard to get one's head around, indeed to fathom, that Joni Mitchell's band included Jaco Pastorius (RIP), Pat Metheny, and his soul brother Lyle Mays.
Think about that. What a beautiful pairing she engineered. Joni Mitchell and Laura Nyro remain the two most inventive "singer songwriter" (forgive me) artists of the last half of the 20th century. Of course there are many others, Rundgren etc...
Focussing on this album. It is a beautiful suite. Essential to any fan of any of these great musicians.
Buy the video
4
By oldgreymule
Video made before P. Metheny and Jaco Pastorius became "famous". M. Becker is HOT too. Carly gets out shined by the above. BUT it's her songs that REALLY shine. The video is spotty, SHOW THE BAND AT THE BOWL, not the video filler because it's mostly forgettable.
This video and the music turned into me a Carly music fan. Enjoy !!
Last of the Great MRF concerts
5
By Mb 123wwww
I happened to be talked in to going to the (outside) Mississippi River Festival on the campus of Southern Illinios University back in 1979 for the Shadows and Light Tour. I did'nt know who Joni Mitchel was or any of the band members. To this day I am a big fan of Joni Mitchel and went on to love the music of Pat Metheny and his Group. If you go to youtube you can watch much of the concert video. Incredible music by legends.
Love It
5
By RAK Attak
In addition to being an awesome Record. It is extremely well recorded and produced.
This is one of my go to records for great music and vocals and production.
I just love it.
Phenomenal Joni
5
By Kihonwaza
I was fortunate enough to have been in attendance for most of the songs on this album- and I was only 17!!! Joni Mitchell has always been able to attract the finest musicians and this recording shows it. From the energetic Intro to Woodstock, there is not a dud among the tracks. Often overlooked by her fans, this album stands out for me- probably because I am blown away by the fine musicianship she and her band display here. Long live Jaco!
CD is very good, Video is even better
5
By BoogiePilgrim
The CD can't help but be good, this is Joni performing some of her best jazz numbers with the elite ensemble that accompanied her on the phenomenal "Hejira" and "Hissing.. . ." studio albums. Missing from the CD, however, is a rare and exciting bass solo by the late great Jaco Pastorius (my all-time favorite bass player) that appears on the video. If you like concert videos and can find "Shadows and Light," I highly recommend it.
