When I joined this group a few months back, I had hoped to be able to participate in some upcoming CD-R Trees but have, as you are probably aware, noticed that none have been offered.
This is supported by the fact that the JMDL web site shows that the "most recent" trees were run in 1999, and then, mostly only on tape. Of the one CD-R tree from that year, I have never come across either of the 1972 shows available on anyone's trade list. They may be out there, but apparently not in very wide circulation. While I have been able to locate some of Joni's earlier shows in my trading circles (and, then, sometimes with great difficulty), I have noted that many of the ones I have received have originated from tape sources that were obviously many generations removed from the originals. This has left we wondering if the time isn't ripe to pursue a "remastering" project, not unlike what is occurring at RUST (the Neil Young trade group) so that these shows can be preserved, shared and enjoyed in their "best available" versions. While my own particular interest is in Joni's earlier (pre '74) "folk" era, I would be willing to share in the duties of running (administering) some trees here if there is any interest. This would, of course, require one (or two or three) of the group's archivists to be willing to come forward with the "best available" source tapes in order for this to make any sense. I, myself, am not very adept at the technical aspect of "remastering", but can provide some basic skills if no one else volunteers. We would also benefit from someone's artistic talent at creating jewel case artwork to house and protect these shows/compilations. Now that CD-R's have really taken the place of cassettes for traders, isn't it about time that these shows were preserved and shared in this format? If anyone is in support of this idea, please let others know. If any of the archivists are reading this and would be willing to participate (it can't happen without you) please get in touch and let me know your thoughts. If anyone else is willing to volunteer their time and/or skills to see this happen, please get in touch with whoever you know to be influential in this group. I hope I haven't crossed any lines with this post. My intent (besides wanting to obtain some of these shows for myself) is to see that the best available versions of these wonderful performances survive into the future for as many as possible to be able to enjoy. Thanks for reading. Please share your thoughts. Regards, John Epstein
