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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
In Come Away with Me, it is not just the timbre of Norah Jones's voice that is mature beyond her years. Her assured phrasing and precise time are more often found in older singers as well. She is instantly recognisable, blending intimations of Billie Holiday and Nina Simone without sounding like anyone but herself. Any way you slice it, she is a singer to be reckoned with. Her readings of the Hank Williams classic, "Cold Cold Heart" and Hoagy Carmichael's "The Nearness of You" are worth the price of the CD. Jones's own material, while not bad, pales a bit next to masterpieces such as these. They might have fared better had she and producer Arif Mardin opted for some livelier arrangements, taking better advantage of brilliant sidemen such as Bill Frisell, Kevin Breit and Brian Blade; or if the tunes had simply been given less laconic performances. Jones has all the tools; what will come with experience, and some careful listening to artists like JJ Cale and Shirley Horn, is the knack of remaining low-key without being sleepy--sometimes less is not, in fact, more. --Michael Ross
Review
Imagine the voice of a husky Eva Cassidy, or Macy Gray after deep-tissue massage, singing to you in an empty bar late at night. That's Norah Jones on her debut album, Come Away With Me. Though released on Blue Note, it's not quite jazz. It's a set of country-blues ballads more reminiscent of 'Eric Clapton Unplugged'.
Come Away With Me acknowledges its roots in tracks by country music's Hank Williams and J.D.Loudermilk. Hank's "Cold Cold Heart" is delicately jazz-flavoured, with skeletal instrumentation, a syncopated bass riff and Norah's voice the texture of suede; while J.D. Loudermilk's "Turn Me On" reveals a grittier edge.
Most of the other numbers here were written by Norah and her posse, and feature her light touch on piano. "Feelin' the Same Way" and "Lonestar" by Norah's bassist boyfriend, Lee Alexander, have simple melodic lines and lyrics which don't warrant scrutiny, but the subtle and sensitive vocal performances elevate them. Tom Waits could be hiding in the shadows in the best song on the album, "I've Got to See You Again" by guitarist Jesse Harris. Here, the combination of Norah's controlled vocals and strains of mournful gypsy jazz violin evoke a dark mood which turns to nostalgia in "Painter Song" with its folky accordion and Fairground Attraction-style rhythm section.
As Norah and producer Arif Mardin were switching out the lights in the recording studio, waving goodbye to the band and heading for the bar, they must have realised 'Dammit, we didn't record any jazz!' That would explain the last track on the album - 'The Nearness of You'. It's an intimate cocktail lounge portrait of the jazz standard, with a soulful edge; just Norah accompanying herself on piano - simple but tasteful.
If you're looking for out-and-out jazz you'll be disappointed with Come Away With Me. It doesn't swing, it sways. But Norah has such a feel for the music that she can make her voice soar and carry you with her, then deposit you gently back in your living room. The bare bones instrumentation is a perfect vehicle for her, and her timing and feel are just right. Try it. --Kathryn Shackleton
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
42 of 42 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
What a refreshing album to have appeared in the charts. When my sister lent me the album to listen to I thought it was a relatively un-known artist who she'd had the good fortune to discover. But then I walked into my local music shop and there it was sitting at number 12 in the charts!
Norah Jones has a wonderfully mellow voice, and the songs that she has chosen for the album really do it justice. There is a mixture of old songs and new, which all blend together to create an album which you never want to end. The arrangements fit the songs perfectly, no sign of over-production here - it is lovely to just hear her singing with a piano accompaniment. The noted on the album describe her music as a mixture of jazz, country and pop. I would agree with this, although the country and pop influences are very subtle, and I will personally be adding her album to my jazz collection.
I find it hard to believe this is her debut album, but am very much looking forward to hearing more from her and her musicians in the future.
25 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I have to strongly disagree with some of these other reviews. This is my favourite album from the last year. I'd heard the singles and seen the TV ad last summer, so went ahead and bought the CD. I don't regret my choice at all. Her voice is sublime, and the majority of the tracks are excellent.
I'm not a fan of country music and although this does have some country influences there are enough other musical styles involved here to make it just a perfect mix. My usual musical tastes range from PJ Harvey, Coldplay, Radiohead right through to Jazz and Swing.
There aren't that many albums I hear that I feel are good enough to justify telling my friends about. I told them about this one without hesitation. I have also taken the time to write this review as I feel so strongly that anyone who hasn't yet heard this wonderful album really ought to. If you like the samples available on this site then I guarantee you'll not regret buying the CD.
I'm not a fan of country music and although this does have some country influences there are enough other musical styles involved here to make it just a perfect mix. My usual musical tastes range from PJ Harvey, Coldplay, Radiohead right through to Jazz and Swing.
There aren't that many albums I hear that I feel are good enough to justify telling my friends about. I told them about this one without hesitation. I have also taken the time to write this review as I feel so strongly that anyone who hasn't yet heard this wonderful album really ought to. If you like the samples available on this site then I guarantee you'll not regret buying the CD.
52 of 53 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
There will always be some fans of any genre that isn't pop who will instantly hate something for its popularity and desperately try and shout about how this isn't rock/metal/jazz etc.
Forget the genre. Forget the popularity and forget the adverts on telly and just listen.
This album has stolen my heart, thrown it on top of its piano and sauntered off into a lazy sunset. It is superb. Probably one of the best albums I have heard in a LONG time (and I work with music).
Norah's voice, which is a beautiful sound on the ear, takes you through a fantastic series of songs each as beautiful as the last. The power in her voice is distinct and obvious, but she does not belt out the sounds needlessly, with only a hint at what she can do. She takes us gently, and its unutterably beautiful.
Just buy the album. Outstanding
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Worn Out Your Original Copy? Replace it with This
"Come Away with Me," American chanteuse Norah Jones' first CD, initially released in 2002, was a sensation, but you probably don't need me to tell you that. Read more
Published 23 days ago by Stephanie DePue
Norah Jones Sacd
Perfect backgroud music and even better using Sacd 5.1 suround sound.Just as it was described Sacd worked as described and would definately recomend it.
Published 1 month ago by techguy
heart warming
so tasteful and heartwarming. with phrasing and timing that is totally diffreng from the ordenary she creates music of the outmost beauty whth a so beautiful and unique voice
Published 1 month ago by Nilsson Stefan
Come Away with Me Norah Jones
The album is absolutely brilliant, a real chill out piece, I would highly recommend it. I love the artist and I find the music really relaxing. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Jayne
This SACD version doesn't offer much more
This review is purely for the people considering buying the "Come Away With Me" SACD.
I already had the CD, which I loved. Read more
I already had the CD, which I loved. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Dr Cappo
One of the best
How much can you say about his album? If you like relaxing music that goes perfectly with a glass of red then this is it. I love this album. Read more
Published 11 months ago by RegularAmazonShopper
My wife loved it, big fan of Norah Jones, great stuff
By far Norah Jones best work with her biggest hit to date this album hits the right note.
Published on 20 Sep 2009 by L. Calderwood
Confused
When I loaded the CD it came up with several titles, it was all in a foreign language,I did not know which to chose and loaded it, once loaded the choice has gone. Read more
Published on 1 Sep 2009 by R. I. Middleton
Suprisingly amazing
I don't usually listen to this sort of music, I prefer R&B and soul. However, I found this album suprisingly amazing and I've almost worn my copy out. Read more
Published on 6 July 2009 by Shoegirl_89
Forget The Volatility, This is Smoth
Well yes.... I must confess... I bought this for the Sound. It really sounds good on decent equipment. Read more
Published on 2 July 2009 by Mr. M. J. Walters
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