Susan M. asked:
<<these sound like really cool versions, but are they technically Joni covers?>>
Bob M. said:
<The first time I heard these songs was when I heard Joni do them, and they are
indelibly stamped in my brain as Joni songs. (Along with "Twisted" & "How Do You
Stop")>
I hear what you're saying, Bob, but I'm sure Joni would concur that the definitive
version of "Twisted" is the one recorded in 1952 by jazz stalwart Annabelle Short, now
known as Annie Ross.
After all, Annie wrote the lyrics to what had been a jazz improvisation recorded in
1949 by a jazz group that included Pianist Al Haig, bassist Tommy Porter, drummer Roy
Haynes and tenor saxophonist Wardell Gray.
Ross was inspired to write lyrics to the melodic line of Wardell's tenor saxophone
solo on the improv recording. Annie's still performing, too. She's deserving of all
her props as originator of the lyrical "Twisted."
Similarly, I believe it's altogether fitting and proper to attribute any version of
"Goodbye Porkpie Hat" that includes Joni's inspired lyrics to Miss Mitchell and
Charles. But when it comes to a strictly instrumental cover, Charles Mingus is to
"Goodbye Porkpie Hat" as white is to rice.
Moreover, I think Joni would be appalled to see the instrumental version attributed to
anyone but the black musician who was its composer. That is the salient message of
the lyrics she wrote to "Goodbye Porkpie Hat," isn't it?
With regard to "How Do You Stop" (written by the late songwriting great Dan Hartman),
Joni and Seal do an admirable renditon of the song on "Turbulent Indigo" to be sure,
but theirs is a cover nonetheless of the original, definitive recording by the one and
only Godfather of Soul, James Brown.
-Julius
np: James Brown, "How Do You Stop" - 12" extended mix (1986)
