Although the only albums I don't have of Joni are STAS and DJRD, I think that her voice's peak was during the time of MINGUS. The agility when combined with the darkening of her tone color (?) is heady stuff. Although most people I know consider MINGUS her worst album (MINGUS is my second favorite album next to HOSL), I think the singing is topnotch and made even more apparent that her voice can be seen as a jazz instrument with its many hues. Like the late 80s-era Ella, Joni's voice in BSN have a limited range but the improvisational quality remains blue chip. joseph np: anita baker "fairy tales"
> I think Joni's voice (her singing) was at its best > during that period, when she had matured, but where > smoking and age hadn't dried it out so much. My > favourite of all for her vocal style is probably Don > Juan. There is so much exuberance in her singing - > Cotton Avenue is so full of life and joy and fun.
