From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>>> Larry's influence on Joni's 80s/90s work is clear, but I'm not
sure it's safe to say he he had a negative effect on the quality. It
would be hard to pin this all down anyway. One could hardly compare
WTRF and DED favorably to the 70's classics. On the other hand, Klein
clearly was closely involved in TI, and it stands as one of her better
works. He was less involved in TTT and it is one of her weaker works.
As for what's next: my vote is for a straight-ahead jazz album,
recorded with a quartet or quintet. But I don't think that's likely
to happen. <<<
It's just my opinion, but I always felt that Larry Klein thought so
highly of Joni's composing that he, like us, couldn't understand her
lack of commercial success... (read record sales). I believe that it
was his intention to direct her into a more commercial appeal to the
masses and may have influenced her approach to her music in that
light. Joni strikes me as a woman who gives her all to her music, her
man, life in general and I am convinced Larry greatly influenced her
approach to her music during their time as "lovers" but that his
motives were to make her appeal to a broader audience.
I realize that Mr. Klein is still involved in her life and music and
that he undoubtedly gives his opinions and offers advice... I suspect
she takes a little less of that advice now that they are no longer
involved romantically. By the timed Turbulent Indigo came about, I
think Larry had realized that Joni knew what she was doing and while
he could offer some suggestions, she was going to, ultimately, do it
her way regardless of his input.
Cassy
N.P. Willy Porter "Boab Tree"
