Never let spirit die
There's so much going on in this recording that it's hard to gain purchase on the album as a whole. Great to hear Nefertiti brought back with the marvelous Wayne Shorter. I had recently relistened to the Hissing of Summer Lawns where a lot of Joni's later music is prefigured so there is definitely a memory lane aspect to the listening experience. I just don't think it gets much better than this. On the vocals: I love Luciana Souza ("perhaps like a soft brazilian singer"), Corinne Bailey Rae merges and flows with the river, Joni is simply supreme. Wasn't all that thrilled with Norah Jones, though.

And the master himself, Herbie Hancock, who knows how to assemble, blend, step into the foreground when needed, and hang back when that's the thing to do.

I listen to this recording all the time.

Corinne Bailey Rae's River
I just heard this one track so that is all I'm commenting on. This was absolutely painful - she's sounding happy when she's singing it! Even though I love this song as Mitchell did it, I was open to hearing a different interpretation but this one is total junk.. "I made my baby cry" doesn't really rate a smile in the voice, does it?

best album in years
Since receiving this album several weeks ago, I have not been able to take it out of my cd player. Herbie lays down the piano tracks like no one else can. Wayne Shorters haunting soprano sax in the background adds texture to the melodies and all of the vocals are right on.
This is the only Grammy album of the year that is deserving of the honor.

Just like a heart of ZEN !
A sound abreast of a heart of ZEN is calm and is beautiful.
It seems to be able to totally take in streamflow in the heart.

A Once In A Life Time Convergence Of Two Geniuses!
Two geniuses converge, Joni's music and lyrics interpreted by Herbie's avant garde jazz arrangements. Although not a perfect CD the music is captivating! The vocals here are performed by artists of the highest caliber. The jazz instrumental arrangements are quiet and progressive performed by the very best jazz musicians in the world. Don't pass this music by! If this were an vinyl LP I would have worn it out by now. 'River: The Joni Letters' is the 2007 Grammy-winning album by Herbie Hancock. Who cares about awards? I only care about content! Highly recommended.