Jessica Molaskey
Portraits of Joni—CD Release
Birdland, NYC, September 18, 2017
Reviewed by Rob Lester for Cabaret Scenes
The affinity and affection Jessica Molaskey has for Joni Mitchell’s work has been obvious for years, in small doses with large impact, as she’s slipped sublime samples into recorded and live work. Because of Mitchell’s often non-traditional melodies with leaps and swoops, her sometimes dense and/or poetic lyrics, and uber-personal confessionals, it’s no easy feat to confidently cover the oeuvre without sounding like a self-conscious copycat. No worries here. Lead singer and companions look and sound serene and immersed; indeed the Molaskey/Mitchell melding is a marvel of artistry in her Portraits of Joni CD, a labor of love sounding anything but labored.
In person, the family affair that the album is gets emphasized with its three kinfolk folk music vocal participants all seated throughout the performance equidistant from the audience rather than the harmonizing “back-up” singers in the back. John Pizzarelli, whom Jessica slyly introduced as “my favorite husband so far” was stage right and between them: college-age daughter Madeleine, the revelation of the project, DNA and “home schooling” resulting in natural, refreshing talent evident.
Dad and daughter played guitars, aided by the nucleus of a band, Molaskey modesty allowing extended tasty instrumental breaks. Her trademark open emotionality in lead vocals perfectly fits this material which the troubadour/scribe introduced years ago, the iconic album Blue heavily represented. Mitchell’s jazz experiments were an obvious stop along the road to take full advantage of Pizzarelli’s home turf.
For the uninitiated, more familiar fare (“Both Sides Now,” “Chelsea Morning”) might’ve been better placed earlier; they’re more immediately accessible. Longtime admirers are richly rewarded—with material so respected, yet full of original touches from arrangements done mostly by the married couple.
The other very happy marriage is between the musical sensibilities of the two women whose initials are J.M.
