Joni Mitchell to Release the ‘Archives, Vol. 4’ Box Set, Featuring Rarities from Her Jazz-Influenced Late-1970s Work

Joni Mitchell has announced plans to release the fourth installment of her ongoing series of rare archival recordings, Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 4: The Asylum Years (1976-1980). The collection, which is due out October 4, will be available as a six-CD set, via digital formats, and as a four-LP package featuring highlights of the full-length release.

Archives, Vol. 4 takes a deep dive into Mitchell’s music during the latter part of the 1970s. The collection includes unreleased demos, studio recordings, alternate versions of songs, concert and live radio performances, rarities, and more. The box set comes packaged with a book offering previously unseen photos and liner notes that include a new, wide-ranging conversion between Mitchell and filmmaker and rock journalist Cameron Crowe.

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The mid-to-late ’70s was a prolific period for the lauded Canadian singer/songwriter. During this era, her music became increasingly influenced by jazz. The albums Mitchell released during this time were Hejira (1976), Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter (1977), Mingus (1979), and the live collection Shadows and Light (1980).

Among the many noteworthy musicians recorded and performed with during this period were bassist Jaco Pastorius, pianist Herbie Hancock, sax player Wayne Shorter, and guitarists Pat Metheny and Larry Carlton.

The box set boasts recordings from the sessions for the first three aforementioned albums, performances recorded during Mitchell’s stint on Bob Dylan’s 1975-1976 Rolling Thunder Revue tour, various other concert performances, and songs from the rehearsals for Joni’s 1979 tour.

The sources of the tracks appearing on Archives, Vol. 4 include original stereo reels, cassettes, CD-R discs, and a radio broadcast.

Advance Track Available Now

A performance of Mitchell’s classic Hejira song “Coyote,” from a 1975 concert in Montreal, has been made available as an advance digital track from the box set. The recording features Joni introducing the song and explaining the story behind it.

Archives, Vol. 4 can be pre-ordered now.

About Previous Archives Releases

The previous collections in Mitchell’s Archives series were Archives, Vol. 1: The Early Years (1963–1967), Archives, Vol. 2: The Reprise Years (1968–1971), and Archives, Vol. 3: The Asylum Years (1972–1975), which were released, respectively, in 2020, 2021, and 2023.

Mitchell’s Concert Plans

Mitchell has two special “Joni Jam” performances scheduled for this year. The concert will take place on October 19 and 20 at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.

As with previous “Joni Jam” events that have taken place over the past couple of years, the Hollywood Bowl shows will feature Mitchell performing alongside her friend Brandi Carlile and various guest singers and musicians.

Tickets for Mitchell’s concerts are available via a variety of outlets, including StubHub.

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