
HEJIRA: Celebrating Joni Mitchell
3rd August 2024 | |
London | |
THE FORGE |
Hejira is a 7-piece band set up to celebrate and honour the masterpiece works of Joni Mitchell, mostly from the late â70s. Having released the albums âThe Hissing of Summer Lawnsâ, âHejiraâ, âDon Juanâs Reckless Daughterâ and âMingusâ (regarded as her âjazz periodâ), Joni then toured briefly with a band formed from the crème de la crème of contemporaneous jazz musicians (Pat Metheny, Lyle Mays, Michael Brecker, Jaco Pastorius and Don Alias).
The tour was recorded, producing the outstanding live album, âShadows And Lightâ; it is from this album that the band Hejira is drawing the body of its repertoire.
Comprising highly experienced jazz musicians, this band is fronted by the brilliant Hattie Whitehead who not only has – in her own way – assimilated the poise, power and beauty of Joniâs vocals, but also plays guitar with Joniâs stylistic mannerisms.
Hattie Whitehead ~ vocals & guitar
Ollie Weston ~ tenor & soprano saxophones
Chris Eldred ~ keyboards
Pete Oxley ~ guitar
Dave Jones ~ bass
Rick Finlay ~ drums
Marc Cecil ~ percussion