Inside Look @ Norah Jones

by

Mike & Amy Nappa

FAST LOOK:

With five Grammy nominations on her very first try (album of the year, song of the year, and best new artist) and numerous weeks at the top of the charts, Norah Jones has quickly become a favorite for listeners of all ages.

INSIDE SCOOP:

Finally someone the whole family can listen to! Come Away with Me is the debut album of Norah Jones, a 23-year-old pianist and vocalist who’s had a surprisingly long stay at the top of the charts. The surprise isn’t Jones’ talent, but is in the popularity of her style of music, a blend of jazz, soul, folk music, and tender ballads. These are songs to listen to with a mug of tea, candlelight, and a loved one. And they’re not just popular with mom and dad—teens are buying Come Away with Me too!

Norah Jones began singing along with her mom’s vinyl LP’s when she was four, joined the church choir when she was five, started at the piano at seven, and added saxophone in junior high. She attended a high school for the performing arts in Texas, and began singing in coffeehouses when she was 16. After playing in a few bands and moving to New York, Jones signed a contract with the Blue Note label and waited while her album slowly climbed the charts. Even though Come Away with Me wasn’t expected to be a top-seller and initially didn’t get much radio support, the album has sold over 2.7 million copies and has spent many weeks at the top of the charts. Norah Jones also appeared, as herself, in the Hugh Grant/Sandra Bullock comedy Two Weeks Notice.

In a time when most popular music is filled with profanity, Jones’ is a breath of fresh air. Her voice has a smoky, soothing quality that shines without any help from fancy production tricks. Her songs draw listeners into mellow memories of days gone by, the pain of a broken heart, and the wistful hope that tomorrow will be a better day.

Come Away with Me is clearly not for those wanting an upbeat album, and while it contains very little objectionable matter (one song mentions drowning sorrows in wine), those looking for something addressing spiritual matters will be disappointed.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT Norah Jones:

“Jones has obviously absorbed a wide range of vocal influences—from Cassandra Wilson to Carly Simon to Tom Waits, and then some. Her voice is supple and precise, her touch on piano lovely. And both speak of the here and now.”

—Entertainment Weekly

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“You can practically smell the coffee brewing and see the rays of sunlight pouring in through the curtains when you put [Come Away with Me] on.”

—Michael Parillo for Women.com

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“Anyway you slice it, she is a singer to be reckoned with.”

—Michael Ross for Amazon.com

LOOKING INSIDE…:      

Use these questions to spark family discussion about Norah Jones:

---Most of the recording artists that top the charts rely on profanity and vulgarity. How do you think an artist like Norah Jones has become so popular even though she doesn’t use any of these?

---What memories from your own childhood are brought back by the song “Seven Years”? Share these with your family.

---“Don’t Know Why” is a song of regrets. What are things you regret not doing? Is there a way to change your disappointment into satisfaction?

[SIDEBAR]

If members of your family like Norah Jones, then you may want to check out:

---House of Worship by Twila Paris (Sparrow Records)

Twila Paris’ passion for worship is beautifully expressed through her newest album, House of Worship. This album includes two of Paris’ best-loved worship songs, “We Bow Down,” and “We Will Glorify,” as well as a batch of new tunes that many will soon find themselves singing in church. “God of All” and “Glory and Honor” best capture Paris’ signature sound, but every song on this album will turn your heart toward God.

---Melodies of My Heart by Angie Winans (Against the Flow Records)

Melodies of My Heart is a peaceful worship experience created through a mix of contemporary jazz, R&B, and bluesy ballads. Winans smooth voice is a delight, and songs like “The Lord’s Prayer,” and “Spirit Lullaby” express devotion to God. “Changing My Whole Life” is Winans’ unique restyling of “Killing Me Softly” with new lyrics reflecting her relationship with Jesus. Give this album a listen and you’ll quickly take these melodies into your heart too!

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[BIO LINE] Mike & Amy Nappa are renowned cultural commentators, best-selling and award-winning authors, and creators of the Internet magazine for families, www.FamilyFans.com