Songs of Shadow, Songs of Light

Effectively interpreting the songs of Joni Mitchell is a great challenge. Bay Area native Laurie Antonioli is more than up to the task. After starting out in the singer-songwriter-vein, she became an accomplished jazz singer. Now Antonioli triumphantly returns to her roots for this gorgeous exploration of Mitchell's fascinatingly complex songs. Antonioli displays a tremendous range. She can use her vocal power, but also knows how to rely on nuance and shadings to fully illuminate a lyric. Antonioli brings Mitchell's songs to life with a depth and beauty few artists can attain. Many of these compositions are rarely covered. In addition to such popular numbers as "Both Sides Now" and "River" (which she makes her own), Antonioli captures Mitchell's essence on gems like "People's Parties" and "I Don't Know Where I Stand." Throughout, the instrumental accompaniment impeccably complements Antonioli's glorious voice.