This documentary aired at the beginning of April as part of the PBS series American Masters. For some reason that escapes me now, Ann and I were otherwise engaged and were also having VCR problems. I arranged to have my friend, Mark Gold, tape it for its. Well, damn if he didn't forget. To his credit, however, he ordered an official copy for us.

Ann and I finally finished watching it last night and it's really an extraordinary look at one of our favorite artists. Now, I know what the deal is about buying video like this; you tend to watch it once and then it collects dust. But if you are a Mitchell fan and didn't see the broadcast, this is worth every penny.

Told primarily in chronological order, we begin with the little girl in Saskatchewan Canada, and travel all the way until we find a doting grandmother who, for the most part, has gotten out of the music business altogether and is content to focus on her beautiful painting. In addition to narration, there is a large amount of interview time with friends, colleagues, critics, and Joni herself -- in addition to fantastic performance film. If you have enjoyed her daring work during the last three decades, this will deepen your appreciation.