River by Clare Follett
If you’ve been reading these Nl Christmas Music Advent Calendars for a while, you’ll know Joni Mitchell’s ‘River’ has always been one of my favourite “anti-Christmas” songs. I think it beautifully captures the bittersweet feelings of sadness that the holiday season can bring.
I’ve been a Joni Mitchell fan for years and, with few exceptions, I don’t tend to like covers of her music. I do like Clare Follett’s version of ‘River’. She’s recorded a version of the song that is faithful to Mitchell’s but new and fresh at the same time. Her delivery is powerful but subtle… and captivating.
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In all seriousness, this may be my favourite version of the song.
Follett brings a wealth of experience to the track — she debuted her self-produced solo album ‘Neck Deep’ at age 15, returned with her self-produced ‘Reclamation’ album at 18. She’s worked as a producer and/or recording engineer on projects for Rosemary Lawton, Kelly McMichael, Quote the Raven, Kelsey Arsenault, Kellie Loder, Jenny Mallard, and many more. Over the course of her solo career, she has received multiple MusicNL nominations (and wins) MusicNL awards, and several Newfoundland and Labrador Arts & Letters awards for her songwriting.
Follett’s version of ‘River’ appeared on A Trinity Hall Christmas a couple of years ago, and was released as a single in time for Christmas 2024. You can get it everywhere now.
