Rainee Blake becomes Joni Mitchell in concert in California in 1976 on stage, and in your mind for one magic hour in her Fringe debut.
It is good to be wary of some tribute acts, after all, anyone with a guitar can become Neil Diamond and if they put on a white jumpsuit, Elvis arrives. If that’s what you are after, prepare to be disappointed, thankfully a pleasant surprise awaits you as Rainee becomes Joni. Raised in Australia but living in Los Angeles now, Rainer Blake made her name at the Hollywood Fringe winning five awards in 2023.
It is Edinburgh Fringe now though and a bigger challenge up against soundalikes, body doubles and a wealth of grand productions. She carries it off though in a long velvet dress and barefoot as she takes to the creaking temporary stage of Le Monde in George Street. She transforms the hall into a 1976 concert featuring Fender electric, dulcimer, and acoustic guitar. Rainee Blake embraces the mannerisms, the smile and the music of Joni Mitchell with stories and anecdotes that only a real fan would know.
The performance is spot on with the angelic range of Joni Mitchell along with the phrasing and minimalistic guitar playing, accuracies as they are different to the recorded versions. A Case Of You is endearing, Both Sides Now heartfelt, and No Regrets Coyote every bit as electric as the original. Signature concert songs are present like Free Man In Paris and Woodstock and as the concert nears its closing, Rainee Blake asks for requests. ‘River’ was a cry from the back, ‘Carey’ was heard by all, but one cry came through the loudest and it was just what we and Rainee were expecting, Big Yellow Taxi.
Diehard Joni Mitchell fans and people who have only heard a hit or two won’t go home disappointed. An encore of one of Rainee’s own songs, showcasing the artist's skill, closed the show to warm applause in this luscious Le Monde venue. What a truly enchanting performance.
This show has been rated ☆☆☆☆
Joni Mitchell: Take Me As I Am runs at Le Monde until the 26th of August and is on at 5.30pm. Tickets can be purchased here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/joni-mitchell-take-me-as-i-am
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