New Single
“Big Yellow Taxi”
by Taimane
Music from “A Paradise Lost”
a Film by Laurie Sumiye
Stream, Save, Playlist or Download Here:
..a song for the Palila and the native Hawaiians and others who protect her sacred lands.
This recording project began when filmmaker Laurie Sumiye received permission from Mitchell’s team to feature “Big Yellow Taxi” in Sumiye’s new documentary, A Paradise Lost. “After listening to nearly 50 different versions of ‘Big Yellow Taxi,’ I realized the film needed a recording from and of Hawaiʻi, one that captures the spirit of native Hawaiians fighting to protect sacred lands,” Sumiye later shared. “Taimane immediately came to mind as the perfect artist thanks to her Sāmoan heritage, Hawaiʻi roots and the deep emotions she summons with her ʻukulele and voice.”
With her ukulele and vulnerability laid bare, Taimane offers a rendition that is fresh yet faithful to both the film and Mitchell’s original, transporting listeners to Hawai‘i, from its pristine lands to the towering high-rises of Waikīkī where Mitchell originally penned the tune. The “pink hotel” of the lyrics nods to the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, while the “tree museum” calls out Foster Botanical Garden, making Taimane’s recording feel at once local and universal.
The release of Taimane’s “Big Yellow Taxi” coincides with the world premiere of A Paradise Lost on October 19 at Consolidated Theatres Kahala, part of the 45th Hawai‘i International Film Festival. This decade-long passion project from Laurie Sumiye tells the story of the Palila, a small yellow Hawaiian songbird whose landmark legal case changed the world.
Exploring themes of ecological ethics, environmental responsibility and resilience, the film is nominated for three HIFF awards, including the Kau Ka Hōkū (Shooting Star) Award and the Pasifika Award. At the premiere, Taimane will perform her arrangement of “Big Yellow Taxi” live, offering audiences the rare experience of hearing her heartfelt version just before seeing its inspiration unfold on screen.
ABOUT THIS SONG & FILM
More information about “A Paradise Lost” film is available here:
Trailer | HIFF Screenings Schedule | https://www.aparadiselostmovie.com/
“BIG YELLOW TAXI” CREDITS
COMPOSITION
Music & Lyrics by: Joni Mitchell
Published by: Crazy Crow Music c/o Reservoir Media Music (ASCAP)
MASTER RECORDING
Production, Ukulele, Vocals, Acoustic Guitar: Taimane
Recording, Mixing & Mastering Engineer: Pierre Grill
Recording Studio: Rendez-Vous Recording, Mānoa, Hawaiʻi
Cover Art by: Sam Cho
