Big Yellow Podcast

We are just chugging right along here with Joni’s ‘80s albums. Next up: 1985’s Dog Eat Dog.

Thanks for listening x

* Allison

Get full access to Big Yellow Podcast at allisonrapp.substack.com/subscribe

Many thanks to you all for being patient with me while I took some time off from Big Yellow Pod. I’m hoping to get back into more of a posting routine now that my apartment move is over…

Anyway! Let’s talk about 1982’s Wild Things Run Fast.

Thanks for listening x

* Allison

Get full access to Big Yellow Podcast at allisonrapp.substack.com/subscribe

As I mention in this episode, it’s possible the world may not have gotten to know Joni Mitchell the way it ultimately did without Judy Collins, who was an early champion of her work in New York’s Greenwich Village and whose covers of “Both Sides, Now,” “Chelsea Morning” and others helped put Joni in a position to continue soaring upwards.

For those unfamiliar with the story: It was Judy who once got a call in the middle of the night from Al Kooper, who told her she simply must hear this new singer-songwriter. He put Joni on the phone, who sang “Both Sides, Now,” and Judy immediately recognized the magic.

Judy has been a beautiful and inspiring force in the music world for 60 some years and she’s still out there, at 86, delighting audiences with her insight, charm and wisdom. Thrilled to say: here is the next episode of Big Yellow Podcast, featuring Judy Collins.

Thanks for listening x

* Allison

Get full access to Big Yellow Podcast at allisonrapp.substack.com/subscribe

It’s amazing how crippling and yet how wondrous social media can be. Without it, I would not have learned about a talented, East Coast indie band called Shallow Alcove. I stumbled upon an Instagram video of members Grace Krichbaum and Dan Harris doing a cover of Joni’s “California.”

Grace and Dan were kind enough to come on the show to talk about Joni’s influence on their work, plus the trials and tribulations of being touring musicians in 2025.

Coincidentally, Shallow Alcove has a brand new EP out today called Doggy Paddle. You can check that out, as well as show dates and more, via their website.

Thanks for listening x

* Allison

Get full access to Big Yellow Podcast at allisonrapp.substack.com/subscribe

Cover bands get a bad rap. With the right people, they can be beautiful tributes to music that deserves to live on in local venues or online, made by musicians who care.

Big Yellow Taxi, a cover band based in Massachusetts that performs the music of Joni Mitchell, is an excellent example of that. I recently spoke with two of its members, vocalist Teresa Lorenco and multi-instrumentalist Rich Cahillane, about bringing Joni’s music to audiences who might not otherwise get to hear it and how they’ve grown as artists themselves along the way. (You can check out their concert schedule on their website.)

Not to mention…this marks the very first LIVE performance on Big Yellow Pod!!! I am overjoyed.

Thanks for listening x

* Allison

Get full access to Big Yellow Podcast at allisonrapp.substack.com/subscribe

Terri Thal has spent her life working in the world of not-for-profit and social justice. She also happens to hold the title of being Bob Dylan’s first-ever manager. More on that here…

But Terri also crossed paths a number of times in Greenwich Village with Miss Joni Mitchell. And that’s what we talked about here in this episode. (Here’s a link to her book that I mention.)

Thanks for listening x

* Allison

Get full access to Big Yellow Podcast at allisonrapp.substack.com/subscribe

In the late ‘70s, an unlikely couple came together in the form of jazz legend Charles Mingus and singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell. The result was 1979’s Mingus. Here’s a little look into how it got made.

Thanks for listening x

* Allison

Get full access to Big Yellow Podcast at allisonrapp.substack.com/subscribe

A look at Joni’s first double album and ninth release overall, 1977’s Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter.

Thanks for listening x

* Allison

Get full access to Big Yellow Podcast at allisonrapp.substack.com/subscribe

Last fall, I traveled back to my hometown of Buffalo for the Thanksgiving holiday and what should I be greeted with? A Joni Mitchell tribute concert by Lauren and the Good Souls.

Led by Lauren Faggiano, this group has it all — horns, harp, mandolin, etc. — and some great versions of Joni classics, deep cuts and fan favorites.

Here’s my conversation with Lauren. You can check out the band’s website here.

Thanks for listening x

* Allison

Get full access to Big Yellow Podcast at allisonrapp.substack.com/subscribe

A brief look at Joni’s 1976 album Hejira.

For more on this release, check out my interview with Ian Grant of Jokermen fame.

Thanks for listening x

* Allison

Get full access to Big Yellow Podcast at allisonrapp.substack.com/subscribe