Joni Mitchell moves to Hear Music stable

SEATTLE, July 25 (UPI) -- Music icon Joni Mitchell has been coaxed out of retirement and signed a two-album deal with Hear Music, the album label for the U.S. coffee giant Starbucks.

The contract between the singer and Hear Music begins with the Sept. 25 release of 10-track CD "Shine," Variety reported Tuesday.

Ken Lombard, president of Starbucks Entertainment who also oversees Hear Music, said Mitchell's latest effort "feels like the return of Joni the storyteller."

Mitchell, considered one of the most influential singer-songwriters, is the second artist to sign with Hear Music since it became a stand-alone label issuing new recordings, Paul McCartney signed earlier this year and released "Memory Almost Full."

It's a homecoming of sorts for Mitchell, whose relationship with Hear Music dates to 2005 when she oversaw two compilation CDs.

In a statement, Mitchell said "Shine" was "as serious a work as I've ever done."

Lombard said Hear Music, based in Los Angeles, plans to release three albums this year and eight in 2008.

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