The albums that define
folk jazz.
Our picks for where to start with folk jazz — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
The folk jazz essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Joni Mitchell
Wild Things Run Fast
A vibrant blend of jazz-inflected folk rock woven with introspective lyrics and playful melodies.
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Joni Mitchell
Chalk Mark in a Rain Storm
A lush, introspective tapestry of art rock and folk that weaves together personal and political narratives.
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Joni Mitchell
Song to a Seagull
A delicate tapestry of folk melodies, introspective lyrics, and Joni's ethereal voice weaving through personal narratives.
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Joni Mitchell
Hits
A reflective collection of Joni Mitchell's most cherished songs, blending her poetic lyrics with intricate melodies.
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Joni Mitchell
Turbulent Indigo
A contemplative blend of folk and jazz that weaves personal narratives with social commentary.
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Joni Mitchell
For the Roses
A tapestry of introspective lyrics woven into folk melodies, showcasing Mitchell's poetic vulnerability and musical sophistication.
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Joni Mitchell
Mingus
A bold fusion of jazz, folk, and spoken word, reflecting Joni Mitchell's audacity and creativity.
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Joni Mitchell
Clouds
A delicate tapestry of folk melodies and introspective lyrics woven through lush orchestration.
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Joni Mitchell
Ladies of the Canyon
A tapestry of introspective folk melodies woven with jazz undertones and poignant storytelling.
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Joni Mitchell
Travelogue
A reflective tapestry of Joni Mitchell's timeless storytelling woven through lush orchestration and intimate folk melodies.
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Joni Mitchell
Court and Spark
A sophisticated blend of folk, jazz, and pop that captures the complexities of love and self-discovery.
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Joni Mitchell
The Hissing of Summer Lawns
A rich tapestry of jazz-inflected melodies and introspective lyrics intertwining personal and societal themes.
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Joni Mitchell
Night Ride Home
Intimate storytelling intertwines with rich instrumentation, reflecting a mature yet searching perspective on life's complexities.
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Joni Mitchell
Shine
Introspective melodies intertwine with poetic lyrics, creating an intimate tapestry of sound and emotion.
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Joni Mitchell
Hejira
A contemplative journey through folk and jazz, featuring introspective lyrics and lush instrumentation that evoke a sense of wandering.
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Joni Mitchell
Blue
Intimate confessions unfold over sparse instrumentation, creating a raw and hauntingly beautiful emotional landscape.
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Joni Mitchell
Don Juan's Reckless Daughter
A sprawling tapestry of jazz-infused folk, merging complex rhythms and introspective lyrics with lush instrumentation.
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Joni Mitchell
Both Sides Now
A lush tapestry of jazz-inflected arrangements envelops Joni Mitchell's poignant, timeless vocals.
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Joni Mitchell
Taming the Tiger
A reflective blend of jazz-inflected folk and art rock, rich with introspective lyrics and intricate melodies.
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Joni Mitchell
Dog Eat Dog
A vibrant blend of jazz and pop infused with socially conscious lyrics and experimental sounds.
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Joni Mitchell
Live at Carnegie Hall – 1969
A breathtaking blend of intimate folk melodies and jazz-inflected arrangements, capturing the essence of Joni Mitchell's early artistry.
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Joni Mitchell
Early Joni – 1963
A collection of traditional folk songs, revealing Joni Mitchell's early interpretative prowess and emotive vocal delivery.
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Joni Mitchell
Archives – Volume 2: The Reprise Years
Intimate home demos and live performances unveil Joni Mitchell's early artistic evolution through raw emotion and poetic lyricism.
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Joni Mitchell
The Asylum Albums (1972–1975)
A tapestry of introspective lyrics and intricate melodies blending folk, jazz, and pop sensibilities.
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