Who Plays Guitar on Free Man in Paris?

By Michael Ferguson

If you’re a fan of Joni Mitchell’s music, you’ve probably listened to her song “Free Man in Paris” at least once. It’s a catchy tune with a great guitar solo, but have you ever wondered who played that solo?

While Joni Mitchell is known for her incredible songwriting and unique voice, she’s also collaborated with some incredibly talented musicians over the years. “Free Man in Paris” is no exception.

The guitar solo on “Free Man in Paris” was played by the one and only, Larry Carlton. If you’re not familiar with Carlton, he’s a Grammy Award-winning guitarist who has worked with some of the biggest names in music including Steely Dan, Michael Jackson, and Quincy Jones.

In fact, Carlton’s solo on “Free Man in Paris” is considered to be one of his most iconic performances. It perfectly captures the playful spirit of the song while showcasing Carlton’s incredible skill and technique.

But how did Carlton end up playing on “Free Man in Paris”? According to Mitchell herself, it was all thanks to her producer at the time, Henry Lewy. Lewy had worked with Carlton before and suggested him as a session musician for the album.

Mitchell was initially hesitant because she had never worked with Carlton before, but after hearing his playing on some demos, she was convinced. And as they say, the rest is history.

In addition to Carlton’s solo on “Free Man in Paris,” he also played guitar on several other tracks from Mitchell’s iconic album Court and Spark. His contributions helped make it one of her most successful albums and solidified his place as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

So there you have it – Larry Carlton is the man behind that unforgettable guitar solo on “Free Man in Paris.” His talent and skill continue to inspire generations of musicians today.

If you haven’t listened to “Free Man in Paris” recently, take a moment to give it another listen and appreciate Carlton’s incredible solo. It’s a true masterpiece that will never go out of style.