California – Joni Mitchell (1971) – Sanchez Song Of The Day

In 1971, Joni Mitchell released arguably one of the greatest albums of all time. Many lists of the most influential and best albums have this one on them. “Blue” was written right after a tough breakup with Graham Nash (from Crosby, Still & Nash) and during her relationship with James Taylor. Taylor and Mitchell would break shortly after the album’s release. Many of the songs on the album are believed to be about her relationships with both of these men.

In 1979, Joni Mitchell said this:

“(On) the Blue album, there’s hardly a dishonest note in the vocals. At that period of my life, I had no personal defenses. I felt like a cellophane wrapper on a pack of cigarettes. I felt like I had absolutely no secrets from the world, and I couldn’t pretend in my life to be strong. Or to be happy. But the advantage of it in the music was that there were no defenses there either.”

I highly suggest listening to the whole album, but for now we’ll focus on the track “California.”

At a live concert in 1970, Joni described this song as a “letter back home.” She said she wrote the first verse in Paris, the second in Spain, and the final verse back home in California.

Joni Mitchell: Appalachian dulcimer, guitar, vocals
James Taylor: guitar
Sneaky Pete Kleinow: pedal steel
Russ Kunkel: percussion

Listen for… The leaps and range of Joni Mitchell’s voice. She makes it sound so effortless, and her accuracy is incredible. Also listen to her dulcimer playing. I watched a live concert of her while she accompanied herself, and her skills are amazing. I’ve listened to this song hundreds of times and never really noticed the percussion, but once I did, I realized how masterful Russ is playing and how much it adds to the song without stealing Joni’s thunder.

Song: California

Artist: Joni Mitchell

Album: Blue

Year: 1971

Other great tracks on the album:
Carey
A Case Of You
River