Have I mentioned lately that (despite asking nicely) I’m not on the mailing list for lots of record companies, some of which don’t mind using my reviews at all? So rather than resort to illegal means to get my fix, I work around the edges. For the new Norah Jones release, “The Fall,” which comes out on Tuesday, I found a number of resources. First, iTunes did release the first single, “Chasing Pirates,” some time ago. On its streaming service, Rhapsody released four tracks this past week. That’s where I feed the music monkey, by the way, without breaking the bank.
The mother lode turned out to be National Public Radio. Their “First Listen” feature had the new Norah Jones CD up and streaming since November third. It’s a new place for me to look for new music.
And if you didn’t know, it’s a new place for you to look, as well.
Very cool.
Norah Jones – The Fall (Blue Note)Released – November 17, 2009
My friend Jerry sounds like he’s concerned that Norah Jones may have lost it. Says his ears “…still think about the old Norah.” I’m not hearing much of a difference – except. Except it’s all polished to a higher sheen; the backing musicians more perfectly frame Ms. Jones’ supple voice, and those hand-crafted lyrics of hers all fit together with a new and more seamless precision.
Ms. Jones is working with a new producer, Jacquire King, along with new musicians (pros, all) who know enough to get the heck out of the way and let the moneymaker do her thing. And that thing hasn’t changed much. She’s still the same to my tired old (sorta deaf in one) Top-40 ears. Except that I pick out no fewer than four tracks that ought to find a home on your hometown Adult Contemporary/Smooth Jazz station very soon.
“Chasing Pirates” is apparently the first of the bunch to be pushed by the record company. Both the video and the song are cute and catchy – once you’ve seen the video, it’ll go around in your head every time you hear the song.
Jerry (who knows radio-friendly, because he runs some very successful stations), counts three – says his favorite is “Waiting,” which makes my list, as well. I also like the whimsical “Man Of The Hour.” I defy anyone to tell me that “I Wouldn’t Need You,” or “Back To Manhattan,” both from this disc, aren’t every bit as lovely as the definitive (until now) Norah Jones song, “Come Away With Me.” I argue that not only are they every bit as worthy – but that in five or ten years, those will be looked upon as more indicative of her substantial talent.
What I do hear is that Ms. Jones sounds more and more like a hit machine. Not a bad thing. Making hits pays the bills for making art – perhaps on the next disc or two.
I also think that every time I hear her, she sounds a little more country, a little more bluesy, a little more true to her Texas roots, and her self-described mentor, Willie Nelson.
And if the world can’t use a little more Willie, it surely can use a little more Texas.
This disc is very highly recommended.
I also heard from another friend, who told me that if I haven’t heard Jacqui Naylor yet, I’m missing quite a lot. I did a quick survey at Rhapsody, and decided my friend is right. Ms. Naylor is hard to categorize, since although she’s a more than competent straight-ahead jazz singer – she’s not afraid to mix several genres, not only on the same disc – but also inside the same song.
Here, in a performance, is the track she co-wrote, “Early And Often,” from her 2008 recording, “You Don’t Know Jacq.” I’ll be looking for more.
Till next time.
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