Joni Mitchell has influenced and inspired generations of contemporary songwriters. After five decades of her recording career Joni Mitchell is still at the forefront of her craft, with the highest accolades in popular music to her credit. As part of the Melbourne International Arts Festival, a concert tribute will feature some of the biggest names in Australian music bringing their own musicality and style to the songs of Joni Mitchell.

3008 was fortunate to speak with the incomparable Wendy Matthews about this special event and being part of this legendary concert tribute.

How did you become part of the Joni Mitchell tribute concert?

I have known Louise Perryman with whom I worked with on television series “It Takes 2” for three years and she called to see if I was interested in being involved. Louise put me in touch with Rachel Gaudry who was getting a great group of singers together.

In your opinion what has kept the music and influence of Joni Mitchell still so significant and at the forefront of her generation after five decades?

She is one of those few artists that has a phenomenal affect on people – Joni Mitchell moves people like no one else can. There are some really heavy “Jonites” out there! Joni is also an incredible poet and her integrity is unmatched in the music and stage business.

How were the songs divided between the seven artists and your musical styles?

It was a bit of a mathematical nightmare I guess. Rachel Gaudry sent a list of Joni’s full repertoire and asked us all to compile a list from 1 to 8 of our absolute favourites, starting with “I have to sing this song” at number 1, to “I really like this one” at number 8. We all have four lead songs each and the background singing has been divided between us all on different songs.

In Joni’s repertoire is there a particular song that strikes you most?

There are some songs that literally bring me to my knees sobbing, they just cut through you, the opening chords of some of her songs are so unique and emotive. There is a school of thought who believe there are certain chords which can affect our emotions and it would seem that Joni plays many of those “heart chords” that have me howling away to my rehearsal tape. There are so many songs that really touch me but Chinese Cafe comes to mind.

What can audiences expect from JONI the Concert?

An incredible experience, we are all Joni devotees but with such different styles. It will be a great experience for the audience.

In today’s music world does anyone remind you of Joni Mitchell?

Times may have changed but Joni Mitchell’s music continues to open up doors to new generations and you often can hear Joni in the styles of new performers that have discovered her music. There was one young artist
from Idol that I heard recently that reminded me of Joni a bit; ironically her name is also Mitchell?? (Wendy referred to Lisa Mitchell who came 6th on the 2006 series of Australian Idol)

You have also had an incredibly successful and illustrious career with seven ARIAS’s among an array of other awards, what advice would you give to people wanting to make it make a successful career in music

Don’t think there is clap of thunder and from one day to another you are a “singer” it is a gradual trip and you need to stick to your guns and discover who you are as you go. You need to live it, being a singer is an ongoing process where you keep on learning with every new project you begin. I’m still learning!

Are you familiar with Docklands at all?

Absolutely, I love to walk around Docklands, I really enjoy meeting friends and just walking around down by the water, It’s a beautiful area.