Being the daughter of the legendary Ravi Shankar, it would have been very easy for Norah Jones to use her father’s name to gain attention and give herself a helpful nudge along in the brutal music industry. However, Norah Jones decided not to add the family suffix, Shankar, into her stage name and never self promotes with the ‘I have a famous father, don’t you know?’ line.
In 2002 Norah’s debut album ‘Come Away with Me’ was released which is essentially a mellow, jazz vocal album mixed with elements of acoustic pop and combining both soul and folk. There were even hints of country in here to match. She seems to effortlessly combine vocal legends of Nina Simone and Billie Holliday, her childhood idols, yet retains something original which is instantly recognizable and distinctly Norah Jones.
Don’t Know Why is a stunning opener which gently eases us into the album; it’s memorable upon first listen and is a nice smooth jazzy opener. Seven Years continues in the same vain with a simple acoustic guitar and vocal, stunning. Then there is arguably the best track here, a jaw-dropping cover of Hank William’s Cold, Cold Heart truly awesome! Feelin’ the Same Way is a more upbeat number with some clear country influences being introduced. The title track Come Away with Me hits the spot with its jazzy seductiveness. Shoot the Moon and Turn me On are great little numbers with the latter technically superb. Lonestar takes you for a stroll on a Texas ranch from whence she came before we are lead into the winning track in my opinion; I’ve Got to See You Again. I could have this track played on loop and never get tired of it. Painter Song is one of the more forgettable tracks here but is redeemed straight away with the very catchy One Flight Down. Nightingale and The Long Day Is Over complete this album before we are treated to one last gem, The Nearness Of You.
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