Confession: I only like Norah Jones because so many others told me to


Norah Jones is the darling of Jazz and Audiophile press for a few years.  I've heard her albums, maybe even bought one.  Look, being a musical artist is hard as hell and I can't do it, but I realize in listening to others talk about her that I'm missing something special while listening to her.

Please, without wanting to pile on her, if you love her tell me why.  What has you going about Miss Jones that makes her a standout? No wrong answers.

erik_squires

Like Erik, I have to confess that there are (without getting specific) certain artists/genres that don’t check enough boxes to trip my (musical) trigger. I rate these according to the number of plays I am willing to endure. ’

A rating of "2.7" would work something like this: the first cut introduces you to artist/genre. You listen intently to capture the uniqueness, personality, cadence, subtleties or just plain brilliance of the performance. When the second cut begins, you anxiously anticipate a variation, hoping to capture more of the depth and scope of the artist/genre. The third cut morphs cuts one and two into something resembling both one and two with a "hint" that their could be something redeeming if you just stay at it a while longer. By the cut 3 halfway mark, your swaying side by side from one cheek bone to the other hoping someone else will request another artist/genre. At the ".7" mark you’re looking for an object (like a throw pillow) to toss at the turntable to forcefully eject the stylus from the groove. Or, in the case of streaming, you find yourself positioned with your feet propped up against the rear of the cabinet using both hands to yank out the ethernet cable.

Then, each year, you play a single cut from the artist/genre to remind yourself that you do, in fact, have a wide range of musical interests, and something in common with others.

Norah has her moments; but, I get why many don't feel inclined to jump on that bandwagon.

I was given a ticket to see Norah on her 2022 tour and I was excited when I learned that Brian Blade was the drummer in her touring band. I've seen Brian numerous times backing up folks like Emmylou Harris and Daniel Lanois and I was always very impressed with his playing. But, that was not the case with the Norah Jones show, as her music did not challenge him in any way. 

I actually do like Norah Jones.... I mean I don’t mind if she comes on, but finding out she got 5 grammys for an album is also kind of shocking and makes me wonder what is wrong with my hearing.

And trying to keep things civil, I'm glad she's successful.  I just am also quite surprised.

I think she is played to make stereos sound their best, same as Diana Krall. Although Diana is a looker - Elvis got a winner.

For women singers, Linda Ronstadt, Stevie Nicks, Bonnie Raitt, Sade are tops in my book. If you want a Nora Jones type sound, check out Linda Ronstadt's What's New. A little mellow for my tastes, but what a voice. A regret I have is I never got to see her live. It's a shame she's been too sick to perform for quite a while.