Meredith Kaye Clark Sings Joni Mitchell's 'Blue'

I have never understood the appeal of Joni Mitchell. Wedged in the post-Vietnam-protest generation, pre-Nirvana, smack dab in the middle of the loathsome Flock of Seagulls era, I wandered the musical landscape without direction. Joni's music failed to resonate for me because, as is the case for me with other performers I should like (Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits) I couldn't understand the lyrics, so I couldn't sing along. Her reedy voice didn't sit well on my ears, and so I would turn her songs off. Clearly, I didn't get her.

Enter Merideth Kaye Clark, an accomplished actress and singer, who had the magical idea to perform Joni Mitchell's album "Blue" from end to end, in the same order and the same keys, for an enthusiastic crowd at Portland Center Stage. Clark, for all her professional stage experience, is darling and authentic performing the iconic album, marrying a note-for-note representation of the music with the ability to color the songs with her vibrant personality. The result is an entrancing performance that informs the audience about both Mitchell and Clark.

Accompanied by the capable and deft hand of Mont Chris Hubbard, Clark handles the higher register with ease, and infuses the notes with a deeper timbre that anchors the songs pleasingly, without adding heft. Clark's voice is every bit as light and dancing as Mitchell's, but her softer-edged high notes gave the songs a soul that drew me in.

That Clark learned to play dulcimer for this performance -- in the span of two months from conception to execution -- is a marvel, given her comfort with the instrument. Indeed, the multi-instrumentalist delivered in every way; technique, musicality and the elusive ability to connect with her audience.

As I watched her ease on stage, I remembered what she said in an interview about her background as a neuroscientist, and how the people in the lab didn't understand her sense of humor. What a gift for the rest of us that those scientists rejected her, allowing this talent back into the wild where it belongs, sharing her revelations in song. Clark kept her between-songs stories short, connecting personal anecdotes to the songs or Mitchell's backstory.

Clark isn't a Mitchell historian, but she brought Mitchell alive for me, and made me want to take these songs into my heart, find my own meaning in them. Clark's openness and happiness on the stage is pure delight, the joy and empathy she has in and for Mitchell's work coming out in every note.

Without Clark, I would never have really heard the playful Ventura Highway-evocative notes of California, or the sweetly sad Little Green, or discovered an album of songs that all refer in title or lyric to the color blue (my happy color because my eyes are blue), or found another song (Case of You) to sing to my husband. It is Clark's shimmering personality that brings all of that beauty to life.

If there's to be a complaint about the show, it's that it's too short, which is, of course, a function of the length of the album. Any opportunity to see Clark perform is a treat, and if you have the chance, do go to her next performance of "Blue" at Portland Center Stage this Friday, where she will once again cast her winsome spell combining Mitchell's music and her own inviting, engaging mien.

Even if you are already familiar with the album, you might find new meaning in the lyrics, or the way it's performed. And if you are like I was, indifferent to the lyrical wiles of the Canadian songstress, set aside your bias and let Clark show you something new. It's a beguiling journey with two marvelous musicians.

"Merideth Kaye Clark Performs Blue" runs through June 19 at Ellyn Bye Studio, Portland Center Stage, Gerding Theater at the Armory, 128 NW Eleventh Avenue, Portland OR 97209. For tickets and information, call 503-445-3700 PH or go to http://www.pcs.org/blog/item/merideth-kaye-clark-performs-joni-mitchell-album-blue/ for tickets.