“And the seasons, they go round and roundAnd the painted ponies go up and downWe’re captive on the carousel of timeWe can’t return, we can only lookBehind, from where we cameAnd go round and round and round, in the circle game.” Joni Mitchell, The Circle Game[© March 22, 1966; R. Joan Mitchell, then August 22, 1966; Gandalf Pub Co] I’ve had the honor of drumming for Joni Mitchell on two albums (Mingus [1979] and Both Sides Now [2000]) as well as touring with her during the summer of 2000, and I’d venture that I played brushes about 70% of those times. The Mingus album band consisted of Jaco Pastorius, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and myself (with some overdubs by Don Alias and Emil Richards,) while the Both Sides Now album featured a symphony orchestra with the music arranged and conducted by Vince Mendoza. You can find various videos of Joni […]

February 2025 Issue