Me & Ms Jones
If you check out this week's copy of The Listener you can read my interview with Norah Jones. I won't repeat it here - but I just wanted to mention it. I wanted to mention it because I'm actually really quite interested in her new album - 
The Fall - which will be released in a week or two.
I was not a fan of Jones's debut album, Come Away with Me; I declined the invitation to follow her into the aural bubble-bath of safeness described as jazz and bought by millions who probably never owned a jazz album.
It was clear to me, watching her live show in 2003, that she was, at heart, a country singer. And this come out on the second album, Feels Like Home, but it was the same sad story watching her live in 2005. I even wrote that it "came dangerously close to sounding like elevator music: pleasant - but nothing more than that" when reviewing the show - and often it wasn't even that pleasant. Safe is the word.
From there Norah released the Little Willies side-project, further pushing the country angle. It was a fun record, some band originals and some covers - she's often described Willie Nelson as her "god" and this record was a chance for her to take a sideline role and to pay tribute to a hero.
But then it was back to the light stuff, jazz for people who don't listen to jazz, with Not Too Late. It was seeming like it was far too late for me...
And then a few weeks ago I was asked to chat with Norah on the phone. She was very nice to talk to, funny, friendly, smart. She passionately discussed her love of country music; about disappearing from the scene for a bit to focus on her new album; and about the great players who have helped her to make a new sound on The Fall.
In preparation for the interview I was able to listen to the new album online a few times. She has written songs with Ryan Adams and Will Sheff (Okkervil River) and Jones has had a hand in writing every song on the album. The guitarist Marc Ribot is all o
ver the album; drummers James Gadson (he of Bill Withers fame; play Live at Carnegie Hall if you want to learn how to create the perfect band dynamics) and Joey Waronker (Beck, R.E.M.) are on the album. The keyboardist is James Poyser, who has worked with Al Green and Erykah Badu.
You can click here to hear the first single Chasing Pirates.
All at once it sounds exactly like Norah; and nothing like her.
It will be interesting to see how the album is received. Clearly Jones has the fan base in place now where it doesn't matter - she told me in our interview that she wanted people "to like the new album; but won't be so concerned if they don't". This is because she is well set up now, she modestly stated, "I have a nice apartment"; saying she was very lucky that music had given her that. She talked a lot about taking time to find her sound and about how she has found it now. This is all standard interview stuff of course. But I believed her. I believed her because I had heard the album - and in glimpses of other work she had done I could always hear enough talent beyond/behind the blandness.
Jones seemed to be a slave to the record label; a gorgeous voice singing safe songs, forced out on the road to recover the marketing money.
Now she's done something that really feels like it was made by her, for her. It will please some of the old fans - of course it will. And it will win some new fans - I'm sure it will. And the record company will continue to clip the ticket (as they should I guess, for taking the risk).
So, will you check out The Fall? Are you a fan of Norah Jones? Were you ever a fan? Have you never liked her? What's your take on this easy-listening songstress?
And check out The Listener this week for the full interview I did with Norah Jones.
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I've only ever tried to listen to one of her albums but turned it off after a few tracks. The only Little Willies song I've heard was OK but a little contrived. She's a bing fan of The Band so she must have something going for her.
Norah Jones has more than once recieved the "Musician I Would Most Like To Throw Rotten Eggs At Award", so I can confidently say I will not check out the new album. I don't believe that she's moved far enough away from her trademark insipid lounge jazz for me to listen to The Fall. What Jones produces is not music. It is an interrogation technique designed specifically for use in Guantanamo Bay.
She's had a hand in writing every song on the album? Sounds like a celebrity cooking show... the celebrity throws in the spices that the chef specifies.
I've always found her voice too repressed. Which is more positive than anything I have to say about the accompanying music.
If The Fall was an album of Norah Jones singing covers of The Fall, I would certainly be tempted. Instead it is more likely to be the aural version of Steinlager Pure. I'd rather be a shareholder than a consumer.
Wow...those players alone would justify having a listen to the album. Marc Ribot must be the most underated, and unknown, guitarist around.
I don't like Jazz, have never purchased a Jazz album. I did like most of Norah's first album, but have not liked anything since! Have heard her new single a couple of times, but sounds like a poor imitation of Katie Melua.
I waver between liking her music and not, but I did love her appearance on Seasame Street :) I think I'd have her on in the background but I bore quickly of her style. It all kind of rolls into one after a while and I wouldn't exactly classify her music as jazz... Sometimes it actually borders on elevator music. I think I'd be open to giving The Fall a shot, though I won't be clamoring to buy it.
@ Stella: "What Jones produces is not music. It is an interrogation technique designed specifically for use in Guantanamo Bay." - Is that why she's sold over 36 million albums worldwide?
The negative comments about Nora and her music probably say more about the commenters, and their (lack of) appreciation of music and musicality.
I like the song, but I'm not sure about its repeatability. Also, the backing track sounds a bit like the Johnny Cash's The Wanderer.
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beautiful and talented. the perfect woman!