Who Played Guitar on Free Man in Paris?

By Anna Duncan

If you are a fan of Joni Mitchell’s iconic song “Free Man in Paris,” you might have wondered who played the guitar on the track. Well, wonder no more! In this article, we will explore the guitar player(s) behind this timeless classic.

Who Wrote “Free Man in Paris”?

Before we dive into the guitar player(s), let’s take a quick look at who wrote this song. “Free Man in Paris” is a track from Joni Mitchell’s 1974 album “Court and Spark.” It was written by Joni herself and is one of her most famous songs.

The Guitar Player(s)

Now, let’s get to the main question – who played the guitar on “Free Man in Paris”? The answer is that there were actually two guitar players involved in the making of this song – Joni Mitchell and Larry Carlton.

Larry Carlton is a renowned jazz guitarist who has worked with many famous musicians throughout his career. He was brought in to play on several tracks on “Court and Spark,” including “Free Man in Paris.”

Joni Mitchell, on the other hand, is also an accomplished guitarist. She played rhythm guitar on “Free Man in Paris” while Larry Carlton performed lead guitar.

Larry Carlton’s Guitar Solo

One of the most memorable parts of “Free Man in Paris” is Larry Carlton’s incredible guitar solo. It comes towards the end of the song and lasts for about 30 seconds.

During this solo, Carlton showcases his skills as a jazz guitarist with some intricate runs and melodic lines. His playing perfectly complements Joni Mitchell’s vocals and adds an extra layer of depth to the track.

Joni Mitchell’s Rhythm Guitar

While Larry Carlton’s lead guitar solo steals the show towards the end of “Free Man in Paris,” it’s important not to overlook Joni Mitchell’s rhythm guitar playing.

Throughout the song, Joni strums away on her acoustic guitar, providing the foundation for Carlton’s lead playing. Her strumming is tight and precise, adding to the overall groove of the track.

Conclusion

So there you have it – the guitar player(s) behind “Free Man in Paris” are Joni Mitchell and Larry Carlton. Their combined talents helped create one of the most memorable songs of Joni Mitchell’s career.

If you haven’t listened to “Free Man in Paris” in a while, take a moment to revisit this classic track and appreciate the incredible guitar playing on display.