NORAH JONES
Come Away With Me
Blue Note Records
Come Away
With Me is an instant classic. Mark my words. At next year's Grammy Awards, Norah
Jones has a lock on best new artist. Barring something truly exceptional, shes
probably destined for album of the year as well. She's everything Alicia Keys' is supposed
to be...and infinitely more. This stunning debut is a pop album on a jazz label with
strong country leanings. It's easy to see why both Prince and Willie Nelson are already
lining up to sing her praises along with their invitations for her to perform live with
them. Norah is a natural. Just listen to the first single, "Don't Know Why."
With a torchy vibe and clear, whispering melody, this buzz bin offering actually lives up
to the hype. In fact, it surpasses it. Accompanying her voice is her own piano work which
trickles through the songs like a delicate summer rain. The band is perfect as well. Jesse
Harris' stellar guitar work is tasteful, understated and always exactly what the song
needs. Bassist Lee Alexander is just as vital. Listen as the bassist lends a Peggy Lee
"Fever" vibe to Norah's take on Hank William's "Cold Cold Heart" that
turns the song on its ear with ease and confidence. The best cover here is of J.D.
Loudermilk's "Turn Me On." Hints of Otis Redding and Aretha's soul are measured
out with a dose of Nina Simone to create a sexy blues/pop hybrid that stands so far above
the shoulders of what's popular right now that it seems a complete anomaly. Luckily, the
new songs are almost as good. "I've Got To See You Again" is a borderline
obsessive love song that bleeds mystery and intrigue to the point of near danger. "Painter Song," with its accordion and
slight European flavor, is destined for piano bars as a future standard. The bulk of the
fresh tracks were written by Norah's bandmates, but don't think that she isn't capable of
doing the job herself. "Come Away With Me" is a gorgeous self-penned number
dripping with romance. It's luxurious enough to be described as lush, but is still
stripped down enough to be honest. Basically, this record doesn't have a single dud. What
a rare achievement. The last time a genre-shunning album of this power was released was kd
lang's Ingenue from ten years ago. Norah Jones' Come Away With Me would have
been a smash back in '92 or in 1942. It's that timeless. Don't let this one get past you.
Get it now. (1750 North Vine St., Los Angeles, CA 90028)
Chris McKay/concertshots.com
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