Joni Mitchell’s surprise appearance at last year’s Newport folk festival marked the singer-songwriter’s first time at the festival in 53 years, and her first live appearance since a near-fatal 2015 aneurysm that led to fears she’d never perform again. Thankfully recorded for posterity, the tapes capture her friend Brandi Carlile’s excited introduction to whoops of amazement from the crowd, many of whom were in tears, plus an 11-song setlist including many of Mitchell’s greatest hits. She’s ably supported by a cast of musicians, including Carlile’s band and Marcus Mumford, some of whom who occasionally share the vocal load.
