Joni Mitchell: Refuge of the Roads
Joni Mitchell: Refuge of the Roads
NR | 23 August 2004 (USA)
Joni Mitchell: Refuge of the Roads Trailers

Nearly 15 years after its initial release on VHS, Joni Mitchell’s critically acclaimed Refuge Of The Roads concert film is available on DVD. This legendary 1983 show, filmed on a soundstage at the end of a successful tour, is highlighted by her version of "Woodstock" (a hit for Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young), "For Free" and "Raised On Robbery," as well as clips from intimate home movies shot during the tour. Mitchell’s love affair with jazz/rock was in full swing during the tour, and she brought with her a great band: keyboardist Russell Ferrante (Yellowjackets), guitarist Michael Landau, bassist (and husband) Larry Klein, and drummer Vinnie Colaiuta. The ensemble seamlessly wove elements of jazz, pop, rock and folk together, while Mitchell’s incomparable lyrics gracefully floated above it all.

Reviews
Acensbart

Excellent but underrated film

... View More
Beystiman

It's fun, it's light, [but] it has a hard time when its tries to get heavy.

... View More
CrawlerChunky

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

... View More
Lidia Draper

Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.

... View More
ferbs54

Perhaps I should admit right up front that I am hardly the most objective critic when it comes to Joni Mitchell. Yes, I happen to be one of those fans who thinks that she is not only the world's foremost artist, but also the epitome of the modern-day Renaissance woman AND the greatest Canadian who's ever lived, all in one yummy package. Anyway, you know where I'M coming from. But speaking as impartially as I am able, I still have to say that this "Refuge of the Roads" set is just dynamite. Featuring Joni's rockingest band of all time, this soundstage performance, filmed at the tail end of Joni's "Wild Things Run Fast" tour, really does cook. Every single one of the 13 tunes presented features some interesting change, improvisation or jam that sets it apart from the studio versions that fans have come to know and love. "Banquet," for example, is here a heavy rocker; "For Free" (Joni alone on piano) features added lyrics; the delicate and lovely "Sweet Bird" has been pumped up and adrenalinized; and "Wild Things Run Fast" just explodes here with a startlingly heavy finale. These tunes are interspersed with Joni-shot videos that are, for the most part, very artfully integrated with the music (although sometimes I found myself wishing that there were still more shots of Joni and the band and less of the artsy fluff). This DVD is every bit as essential for Joni fans as her two previous live DVDs, "Shadows and Light" and "Painting With Words and Music." The three show Joni at different stages of her remarkable career, and demonstrate what a supreme talent she has brought to many musical genres. For all fans of the Big Mitch, I would have to say that this DVD is required viewing.

... View More
WAVESURF4

Refuge of the Roads is a Joni Mitchell concert. Ms. Mitchell serves as singer, songwriter, guitar player, piano player, as well as the director of this film. An interesting combination of home movies/on the road documentary footage and concert footage. The actual songs have a very 1980's rock sound to them and feature other players as well as Joni Mitchell. This concert does not feature Joni as much as a folk musician as it does a rock/hard rock 80's singer. The DVD does include a nice selection of still photos set to music from the film. The movie also includes clips from Koyaanisqatsi which fit in nicely with the music. Overall, the film is not bad. It shows another side of Joni Mitchell as she changes from 1960's folk music to 1980's rock. The songs she plays are classics, just done differently. Should be seen by Joni Mitchell fans although not one of her best performances.

... View More