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Less than one year ago, on July 24, 2022, Joni Mitchell took the stage of the Newport Folk Festival in Newport, Rhode Island for her first full concert set in two decades.  Word quickly spread, usually attached to adjectives such as “thrilling,” “moving,” and “extraordinary.”  Since then, the Mitchell renaissance has continued unabated.  Earlier this year, she received the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, following in the footsteps of such greats as Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Carole King, and Burt Bacharach and Hal David.  This June, she’ll return to the concert stage at Washington’s Gorge Amphitheater for a Joni Jam show that sold out within minutes.  Now, Rhino has announced the July 28 release of Mitchell’s At Newport, preserving her stunning stage return on CD, double vinyl, and digital formats.

Produced by the artist and her friend and collaborator Brandi Carlile, At Newport features Joni’s set in which she was joined by nine-time Grammy winner Carlile as well as her band members Phil and Tim Hanseroth, country legend Wynonna Judd, folk-rocker Marcus Mumford, folk/R&B singer-songwriter-guitarist Celisse, Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig of Lucius, Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes, and others.  The warm, familial vibes onstage extended to the enrapt audience as can be heard on the performance of “Both Sides Now” which is now streaming to preview the full album.  That now-standard from Mitchell’s early days is just one of the many favorites performed by the singer and her spirited ensemble including “Big Yellow Taxi,” “A Case of You,” “Carey,” “Amelia,” “The Circle Game,” and “Just Like This Train,” the latter of which powerfully showcased the artist’s undiminished guitar playing.  Celisse chimed in with a rendition of Mitchell’s pop hit “Help Me” from Court and Spark, while Joni brought the evening full circle with the title track of her last studio album (to date), 2007’s Shine.

Liner notes for At Newport have been provided by Mitchell’s longtime friend Cameron Crowe, also responsible for the notes in the ongoing Joni Mitchell Archives series.  Last November, Mitchell attended her first Broadway show when she was guest of honor at the opening night of Crowe’s musical Almost Famous (which featured “Both Sides Now” woven into Crowe and composer-lyricist Tom Kitt’s largely original score).

The respected filmmaker, journalist, and rock historian describes the moment she stepped onto the Newport stage: “Mitchell emerged from the side of the stage, swaying smoothly, in fine summer-style with beret and sunglasses. Her good-natured mood instantly set the tone. This performance would be an intimate gathering of friends, not unlike the Joni Jams she’d been hosting in her own living room over the last few years of recovery. Smiling broadly, Mitchell made her surprise appearance, taking her on-stage seat alongside Carlile. Within minutes, the news had rocketed around the globe. Mitchell was back, sparkling with enthusiasm, delivering a tender and passionate set of 13 songs, ending with a joyful sing-along of ‘The Circle Game.'”  (Singalong covers of “Why Do Fools Fall in Love” and “Love Potion No. 9” have been excised from the new release.)

Joni Mitchell’s At Newport will be released physically in both CD and 2LP formats; the latter will be available in standard black vinyl everywhere and on clear vinyl at independent record stores and Barnes and Noble locations.  In addition to a stereo digital release, a Dolby Atmos mix of the concert will also be issued.  You’ll find the track listing and pre-order links below for Rhino’s document of the triumphant return of the indomitable Joni Mitchell.

Joni Mitchell, At Newport (Rhino, 2023)

CD: Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K. / Amazon Canada
2LP: Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K. / Amazon Canada
2LP Clear Vinyl: Independent Record Stores / Barnes & Noble (Available for pre-order soon)

1. Introduction by Brandi Carlile
2. Big Yellow Taxi
3. A Case of You
4. Amelia
5. Both Sides Now
6. Just Like This Train
7. Summertime
8. Carey
9. Help Me – Celisse
10. Come In from the Cold
11. Shine
12. The Circle Game