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Review 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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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.
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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